MAS KiwiSaver Balanced Fund
Where a company has multiple ethical concerns, the total concerns percentage counts this investment once.
The average total concerns of all funds of the same risk profile is weighted by the funds' investment values.
The average total concerns of all KiwiSaver balanced funds is 5.99%.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
The Norwegian-based seafood company is heavily involved in the aquaculture industry, accounting for 23% of the global salmon market. They have been criticised for malpractice by NGO, Wildfish, for using chemical pesticides and causing animal harm in their Scottish salmon farms and by First Nation groups for environmental damage and biodiversity loss in Canada.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Diversified personal-care, homecare, and packaged food company. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law. Also, the third largest producer of plastics in the world’s oceans and is the biggest corporate seller of plastic sachets, which are significantly destructive, particularly in the Global South. Has pushed back its plastic reduction targets from 2025 to 2034.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Glencore is a multinational commodity trading and mining company. Glencore has been repeatedly criticised for not having adequate policies in place to ensure that its palm oil suppliers in Southeast Asia do not engage in deforestation or other environmentally harmful practices. Glencore also operates mines in several countries, including Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the mining industry has been linked to deforestation and other environmental damage.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Mitsubishi Corporation is the largest seafood corporation in the world, with control over large companies, Cermaq and Toyo Reizo. The company has been charged by the Chilean Superintendence for the Environment for overproduction of salmon, for excessive krill harvesting in the Antarctic and called out for a controversial North West Shelf project, linked to various parts of their business including the companies they own.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
The world’s second largest source of plastic garbage in the world’s oceans, which has devastating impacts on our oceans, wreaking havoc on wildlife and sending plastic particles into the food chain. Alongside other large companies who use plastics, PepsiCo appeared to lobby against some improvements propopsed by the Global Plastics Treaty.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Collectively the Coca-Cola related entities produce the most plastic rubbish in our oceans at 3 million tons of plastic packaging annually, which has devastating impacts on our oceans, wreaking havoc on wildlife and sending plastic particles into the food chain. Coca-Cola has also been subject to several lawsuits relating to marketing claims about the sustainability of its products.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Quanta Services provides infrastructure solutions for the oil and gas industry. Companies involved in oil and gas services provide tailor-made products and services for the oil and gas sector including exploration and production.
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Portugal’s largest generator and distributor of electricity. It is the 4th largest generator of wind power in the world with 90% generated by renewables. However, revenue is still generated from fossil fuels; 5% from coal-fired plants and 5% from oil and gas. EDP have committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. The company is considered to be on a climate change pathway aligned with 1.5°C of global temperature rise.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Glencore is a multinational commodity trading and mining company. Glencore has been repeatedly criticised for not having adequate policies in place to ensure that its palm oil suppliers in Southeast Asia do not engage in deforestation or other environmentally harmful practices. Glencore also operates mines in several countries, including Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the mining industry has been linked to deforestation and other environmental damage.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Mitsubishi Corporation is the largest seafood corporation in the world, with control over large companies, Cermaq and Toyo Reizo. The company has been charged by the Chilean Superintendence for the Environment for overproduction of salmon, for excessive krill harvesting in the Antarctic and called out for a controversial North West Shelf project, linked to various parts of their business including the companies they own.
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
A global diversified miner, predominantly in iron ore but also copper, aluminium, diamonds, gold, and industrial minerals. In 2020, Rio Tinto destroyed Aboriginal 46,000-year-old sacred sites at an iron mine in Western Australia, leaving a considerable and irrepairable impact on the traditional owners. Also a pattern of harmful community-related incidents in West Papua, South Africa, Canada, the US and Serbia. The company also derives revenue from coal power plants through multiple associates and subsidiaries.
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
Uses exotic leather and fur products in its luxury ranges such as crocodile, python and ostrich. Brands containing exotic leather include Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Bvlgari, Céline. In addition it sells cosmetics and fragrances in China where testing on animals is required.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
L'Oréal is a personal care company and cosmetics company. The company states it has been at the forefront of alternative methods for decades and stopped all testing in 1989. However, L'Oréal sells in China where there are requirements for animal testing on certain products such as sunscreen and hair dye.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Diversified personal-care, homecare, and packaged food company. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law. Also, the third largest producer of plastics in the world’s oceans and is the biggest corporate seller of plastic sachets, which are significantly destructive, particularly in the Global South. Has pushed back its plastic reduction targets from 2025 to 2034.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Procter & Gamble Co. is a consumer products company involved in home goods, cosmetics and healthcare products. The company says they are committed to being cruelty free and ending animal testing, but are still involved in animal testing their cosmetic products, particularly on ingredients for cosmetics.
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
The world’s largest social network (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp). Company has faced claims and legal actions due to mental health harm (notably to young people), breaches of user privacy / data rights, and the spread of misinformation. Inadequate moderating in non-English speaking countries (e.g. Myanmar) allowed the platform to be used to incite ethnic violence. Removal of content moderation from strt of 2025 increases risk of social and political harm.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Tesla has been involved in violations across human rights categories including business ethics due to CEO leadership style, limiting of shareholder rights and poor governance. There have also been big safety and human rights concerns with Tesla’s supply chain and production line.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Wells Fargo is a multinational financial services company which serves millions of customers in 35 countries. They have been involved in significant business ethics scandals for false inflation, cross selling and misleading customers over a period of 2002 to 2016.
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
Johnson & Johnson is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare firm. There have been repeated incidents related to the quality and safety of several of its products across drugs, devices, and consumer products. There have also been exceptionally high number of liability claims relating to talc-based products and links to cancers.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Online travel platforms, are complicit in the severe human rights violations to Palestinians from illegal settlement in Occupied Palestinian Territories. Promotion of tourism to these settlements normalises annexation and provides income supporting settlement. Under UN Principles, companies have obligations to prevent Human Rights breaches from services in situations of conflict.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Develops and operates Israel’s Population Registry System which holds information on residents of Occupied Palestinian Territories. The registry enables control of work and travel permits for Palestinians. This supports severe violations of human rights including freedom of movement and data privacy rights.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Has developed AI-based predictive policing systems. These are sold to Israeli security forces and used in surveillance of Palestinian in occupied Palestinian territories. The systems were originally designed for US immigration authorities and are used in the US to target immigrants and manage raids.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Acquired Credit Suisse in 2023, a bank with very poor governance which aided clients with tax evasion and money laundering. As a result, UBS has inherited ongoing regulatory fines and lawsuits relating to these failures. UBS has also been subject to lawsuits relating to its own manipulation of foreign exchange and interbank rates. It holds a provision of USD $4bn for claims (which may not be sufficient).
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
Thermo Fisher Scientific sells scientific instruments and laboratory equipment, diagnostics consumables, and life science reagents. Thermo Fisher DNA testing kits have been linked to surveillance and discriminatory purposes by the legal authorities in Xinjiang (a region of China) for monitoring and tracking the Muslim Uyghur ethnic group and other minorities. Evidence that DNA sequencing products continue to be distributed in China, despite the company announcing it would halt sales to the region.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Motorola is an American provider of communication products, video equipment, telecommunications equipment, software, systems, and services. Motorola Solutions and its subsidiary, Motorola Israel, have been accused of complicity in human rights violations due to its sale of communication products to the Israeli Ministry of Defence in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are deemed illegal under international law.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on labour rights and freedoms; including poor treatment of workers, child and forced labour, and modern slavery.
A ride and food delivery service provider. As Uber considers its drivers to be contractors, this limits their employee rights to the minimum wage, and providing the same benefits and rights as traditional taxi companies.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Online travel platforms, are complicit in the severe human rights violations to Palestinians from illegal settlement in Occupied Palestinian Territories. Promotion of tourism to these settlements normalises annexation and provides income supporting settlement. Under UN Principles, companies have obligations to prevent Human Rights breaches from services in situations of conflict.
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
Axon is a weapons and technology manufacturing company. They make tasers, body cameras for police and drones for crowd surveillance which are used in riot control situations in the US by ICE. Manufacturing of equipment for riot control is concerning due to its usage against civilian populations.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Glencore is a multinational commodity trading and mining company. Glencore has been repeatedly criticised for not having adequate policies in place to ensure that its palm oil suppliers in Southeast Asia do not engage in deforestation or other environmentally harmful practices. Glencore also operates mines in several countries, including Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the mining industry has been linked to deforestation and other environmental damage.
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
A global diversified miner, predominantly in iron ore but also copper, aluminium, diamonds, gold, and industrial minerals. In 2020, Rio Tinto destroyed Aboriginal 46,000-year-old sacred sites at an iron mine in Western Australia, leaving a considerable and irrepairable impact on the traditional owners. Also a pattern of harmful community-related incidents in West Papua, South Africa, Canada, the US and Serbia. The company also derives revenue from coal power plants through multiple associates and subsidiaries.
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
Amphenol are a US company manufacturing electronic components. They supply services to the military weapons industry through interconnect systems which have applications in harsh conditions for the military and aerospace sectors, specificially weapons release connectors.
Where companies are involved in the manufacturing or retail of firearms, including guns, rifles, pistols, or components or services thereof.
The USA’s largest retailer by sales, selling a variety of general merchandise and grocery items. Walmart retails shotguns, pistols and ammunition at some of its stores in the USA, as well as components for firearms such as scopes (less than 1% given scale of other lines). Walmart operates stricter controls on firearms than required by US federal law.
Where companies are involved in the manufacturing or retail of firearms, including guns, rifles, pistols, or components or services thereof.
W.W. Grainger is a trading and distribution company which makes riot protection equipment, such as body protection systems, shields and batons. Manufacturing of equipment for riot control is concerning due to its usage against civilian populations.
MAS applies MSCI screens at least quarterly and divest holdings that fail in accordance with our Responsible Investment Policy; some of the above-mentioned companies no longer form a part of our investment mix. For current exposures, see our full Fund Holdings Booklet here: https://www.mas.co.nz/resources/documents-and-forms/investments-documents-and-forms/ and our Responsible Investment policy here: https://www.mas.co.nz/investments/responsible-investment/
The Balanced Fund invests mainly in growth assets with a moderate allocation to income assets. The Fund aims to provide a medium level of return over the medium to long term. It is suitable for investors who are prepared to accept a medium level of investment risk to potentially achieve a medium return.
MAS is proud to be a New Zealand-owned insurance and investment company that’s been enhancing the financial health and wellbeing of our Members since 1921. Originally founded by doctors for doctors, today we support all New Zealand professionals and their families with a range of insurance and investment solutions to help grow your wealth and protect what’s important. As a mutual we're owned by our Members, so we have your best interests at heart and not a single dollar goes to offshore shareholders. If you'd like to discuss your insurance or investment requirements, we'd love to talk.
| Value | $410M NZD |
| Period of data report | 31st March 2026 |
| Members | 4,746 |
| Fund started | 1st Oct. 2007 |
| Total annual fund fees | 0.98% |
| Total performance based fees | 0.0% |
| Manager's basic fee | 0.85% |
| Other management and administration charges | 0.13% |
| Total other charges | 0.0 |
| Total other charges currency | NZD |
|
Hayden Griffiths |
Currently: Head of Asset Allocation, JBWere (29 years, 11 months)
|
|
Brendan O’Donovan |
Currently: Chair Investment Committee (8 years, 9 months)
|
|
Daniel Mead |
Currently: Head of Investment (2 years, 8 months)
|
|
Rickey Ward |
Currently: Head of Investment Strategy & Research, JBWere (0 years, 11 months)
|
|
Phil Borkin |
Currently: Senior Strategist, JBWere (7 years, 3 months)
|
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st March 2026.
Past annual returns for this fund are after fees and taxes. Please note that higher past returns do not always mean higher future returns.
| Year | Market Average | Fund Annual Return |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6.37% | 8.23% |
| 2025 | 4.34% | 4.53% |
| 2024 | 10.79% | 10.81% |
| 2023 | -2.79% | -3.1% |
| 2022 | 1.34% | 1.45% |
| 2021 | 17.98% | 20.54% |
| 2020 | -1.40% | 0.35% |
| 2019 | 5.81% | 5.21% |
| 2018 | 5.28% | 4.89% |
| 2017 | 5.86% | 8.31% |
The market average is the average return for funds of the same risk category, sourced from the Commission for Financial Capability's Sorted website. The fund information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st March 2026.
Hunter Global Fixed Interest Fund
New Zealand Int Fixed Interest
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities
Jbwere Premium Custody Call Account - NZD
New Zealand Cash and Equivalents
Infratil Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities
Apple Inc
United States International Equities
Nvidia Corp
United States International Equities
Auckland International Airport Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities
Alphabet Inc Class A
United States International Equities
Microsoft Corp
United States International Equities
Meridian Energy Limited
New Zealand Australasian Equities
| Type | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | 3.5% | 4.26% |
| New Zealand Fixed Interest | 14.0% | 15.16% |
| International Fixed Interest | 22.5% | 21.43% |
| Australasian Equities | 18.5% | 18.68% |
| International Equities | 41.5% | 40.47% |
| Listed Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Unlisted Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Other | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Commodities | 0.0% | 0.0% |
How the money in this fund is invested by asset type.
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st March 2026.
This data is compiled by Mindful Money from the fund information and portfolios
that each
KiwiSaver
fund has
filed with the Disclose register to 31st March 2026 and Mindful Money
analysis of funds within those portfolios. The list of companies of concern has
been drawn from ratings agencies and public sources, including the Norwegian
Sovereign Fund, NZ Super Fund, Sustainalytics and research organisations.
Please note that companies may breach more than one of these areas of
concern.
The listing of companies of concern is based on definitions used in Mindful Money's
methodology. These definitions may
be different from the exclusions policy and definitions applied by the fund provider.
Mindful Money uses the term Mindful Funds as our standard
for ethical investment and responsible investment. This does not imply that
other funds are unethical or that the fund providers that do not meet these
standards are unethical providers.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
The Norwegian-based seafood company is heavily involved in the aquaculture industry, accounting for 23% of the global salmon market. They have been criticised for malpractice by NGO, Wildfish, for using chemical pesticides and causing animal harm in their Scottish salmon farms and by First Nation groups for environmental damage and biodiversity loss in Canada.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Diversified personal-care, homecare, and packaged food company. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law. Also, the third largest producer of plastics in the world’s oceans and is the biggest corporate seller of plastic sachets, which are significantly destructive, particularly in the Global South. Has pushed back its plastic reduction targets from 2025 to 2034.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Glencore is a multinational commodity trading and mining company. Glencore has been repeatedly criticised for not having adequate policies in place to ensure that its palm oil suppliers in Southeast Asia do not engage in deforestation or other environmentally harmful practices. Glencore also operates mines in several countries, including Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the mining industry has been linked to deforestation and other environmental damage.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Mitsubishi Corporation is the largest seafood corporation in the world, with control over large companies, Cermaq and Toyo Reizo. The company has been charged by the Chilean Superintendence for the Environment for overproduction of salmon, for excessive krill harvesting in the Antarctic and called out for a controversial North West Shelf project, linked to various parts of their business including the companies they own.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
The world’s second largest source of plastic garbage in the world’s oceans, which has devastating impacts on our oceans, wreaking havoc on wildlife and sending plastic particles into the food chain. Alongside other large companies who use plastics, PepsiCo appeared to lobby against some improvements propopsed by the Global Plastics Treaty.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Collectively the Coca-Cola related entities produce the most plastic rubbish in our oceans at 3 million tons of plastic packaging annually, which has devastating impacts on our oceans, wreaking havoc on wildlife and sending plastic particles into the food chain. Coca-Cola has also been subject to several lawsuits relating to marketing claims about the sustainability of its products.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Quanta Services provides infrastructure solutions for the oil and gas industry. Companies involved in oil and gas services provide tailor-made products and services for the oil and gas sector including exploration and production.
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Portugal’s largest generator and distributor of electricity. It is the 4th largest generator of wind power in the world with 90% generated by renewables. However, revenue is still generated from fossil fuels; 5% from coal-fired plants and 5% from oil and gas. EDP have committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. The company is considered to be on a climate change pathway aligned with 1.5°C of global temperature rise.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Glencore is a multinational commodity trading and mining company. Glencore has been repeatedly criticised for not having adequate policies in place to ensure that its palm oil suppliers in Southeast Asia do not engage in deforestation or other environmentally harmful practices. Glencore also operates mines in several countries, including Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the mining industry has been linked to deforestation and other environmental damage.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Mitsubishi Corporation is the largest seafood corporation in the world, with control over large companies, Cermaq and Toyo Reizo. The company has been charged by the Chilean Superintendence for the Environment for overproduction of salmon, for excessive krill harvesting in the Antarctic and called out for a controversial North West Shelf project, linked to various parts of their business including the companies they own.
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
A global diversified miner, predominantly in iron ore but also copper, aluminium, diamonds, gold, and industrial minerals. In 2020, Rio Tinto destroyed Aboriginal 46,000-year-old sacred sites at an iron mine in Western Australia, leaving a considerable and irrepairable impact on the traditional owners. Also a pattern of harmful community-related incidents in West Papua, South Africa, Canada, the US and Serbia. The company also derives revenue from coal power plants through multiple associates and subsidiaries.
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
Uses exotic leather and fur products in its luxury ranges such as crocodile, python and ostrich. Brands containing exotic leather include Donna Karan, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Bvlgari, Céline. In addition it sells cosmetics and fragrances in China where testing on animals is required.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
L'Oréal is a personal care company and cosmetics company. The company states it has been at the forefront of alternative methods for decades and stopped all testing in 1989. However, L'Oréal sells in China where there are requirements for animal testing on certain products such as sunscreen and hair dye.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Diversified personal-care, homecare, and packaged food company. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law. Also, the third largest producer of plastics in the world’s oceans and is the biggest corporate seller of plastic sachets, which are significantly destructive, particularly in the Global South. Has pushed back its plastic reduction targets from 2025 to 2034.
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
Procter & Gamble Co. is a consumer products company involved in home goods, cosmetics and healthcare products. The company says they are committed to being cruelty free and ending animal testing, but are still involved in animal testing their cosmetic products, particularly on ingredients for cosmetics.
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
The world’s largest social network (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp). Company has faced claims and legal actions due to mental health harm (notably to young people), breaches of user privacy / data rights, and the spread of misinformation. Inadequate moderating in non-English speaking countries (e.g. Myanmar) allowed the platform to be used to incite ethnic violence. Removal of content moderation from strt of 2025 increases risk of social and political harm.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Tesla has been involved in violations across human rights categories including business ethics due to CEO leadership style, limiting of shareholder rights and poor governance. There have also been big safety and human rights concerns with Tesla’s supply chain and production line.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Wells Fargo is a multinational financial services company which serves millions of customers in 35 countries. They have been involved in significant business ethics scandals for false inflation, cross selling and misleading customers over a period of 2002 to 2016.
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
Johnson & Johnson is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare firm. There have been repeated incidents related to the quality and safety of several of its products across drugs, devices, and consumer products. There have also been exceptionally high number of liability claims relating to talc-based products and links to cancers.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Online travel platforms, are complicit in the severe human rights violations to Palestinians from illegal settlement in Occupied Palestinian Territories. Promotion of tourism to these settlements normalises annexation and provides income supporting settlement. Under UN Principles, companies have obligations to prevent Human Rights breaches from services in situations of conflict.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Develops and operates Israel’s Population Registry System which holds information on residents of Occupied Palestinian Territories. The registry enables control of work and travel permits for Palestinians. This supports severe violations of human rights including freedom of movement and data privacy rights.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Has developed AI-based predictive policing systems. These are sold to Israeli security forces and used in surveillance of Palestinian in occupied Palestinian territories. The systems were originally designed for US immigration authorities and are used in the US to target immigrants and manage raids.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Acquired Credit Suisse in 2023, a bank with very poor governance which aided clients with tax evasion and money laundering. As a result, UBS has inherited ongoing regulatory fines and lawsuits relating to these failures. UBS has also been subject to lawsuits relating to its own manipulation of foreign exchange and interbank rates. It holds a provision of USD $4bn for claims (which may not be sufficient).
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
Thermo Fisher Scientific sells scientific instruments and laboratory equipment, diagnostics consumables, and life science reagents. Thermo Fisher DNA testing kits have been linked to surveillance and discriminatory purposes by the legal authorities in Xinjiang (a region of China) for monitoring and tracking the Muslim Uyghur ethnic group and other minorities. Evidence that DNA sequencing products continue to be distributed in China, despite the company announcing it would halt sales to the region.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Motorola is an American provider of communication products, video equipment, telecommunications equipment, software, systems, and services. Motorola Solutions and its subsidiary, Motorola Israel, have been accused of complicity in human rights violations due to its sale of communication products to the Israeli Ministry of Defence in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are deemed illegal under international law.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on labour rights and freedoms; including poor treatment of workers, child and forced labour, and modern slavery.
A ride and food delivery service provider. As Uber considers its drivers to be contractors, this limits their employee rights to the minimum wage, and providing the same benefits and rights as traditional taxi companies.
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
Online travel platforms, are complicit in the severe human rights violations to Palestinians from illegal settlement in Occupied Palestinian Territories. Promotion of tourism to these settlements normalises annexation and provides income supporting settlement. Under UN Principles, companies have obligations to prevent Human Rights breaches from services in situations of conflict.
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
Axon is a weapons and technology manufacturing company. They make tasers, body cameras for police and drones for crowd surveillance which are used in riot control situations in the US by ICE. Manufacturing of equipment for riot control is concerning due to its usage against civilian populations.
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
Glencore is a multinational commodity trading and mining company. Glencore has been repeatedly criticised for not having adequate policies in place to ensure that its palm oil suppliers in Southeast Asia do not engage in deforestation or other environmentally harmful practices. Glencore also operates mines in several countries, including Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the mining industry has been linked to deforestation and other environmental damage.
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
A global diversified miner, predominantly in iron ore but also copper, aluminium, diamonds, gold, and industrial minerals. In 2020, Rio Tinto destroyed Aboriginal 46,000-year-old sacred sites at an iron mine in Western Australia, leaving a considerable and irrepairable impact on the traditional owners. Also a pattern of harmful community-related incidents in West Papua, South Africa, Canada, the US and Serbia. The company also derives revenue from coal power plants through multiple associates and subsidiaries.
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
Amphenol are a US company manufacturing electronic components. They supply services to the military weapons industry through interconnect systems which have applications in harsh conditions for the military and aerospace sectors, specificially weapons release connectors.
Where companies are involved in the manufacturing or retail of firearms, including guns, rifles, pistols, or components or services thereof.
The USA’s largest retailer by sales, selling a variety of general merchandise and grocery items. Walmart retails shotguns, pistols and ammunition at some of its stores in the USA, as well as components for firearms such as scopes (less than 1% given scale of other lines). Walmart operates stricter controls on firearms than required by US federal law.
Where companies are involved in the manufacturing or retail of firearms, including guns, rifles, pistols, or components or services thereof.
W.W. Grainger is a trading and distribution company which makes riot protection equipment, such as body protection systems, shields and batons. Manufacturing of equipment for riot control is concerning due to its usage against civilian populations.
MAS applies MSCI screens at least quarterly and divest holdings that fail in accordance with our Responsible Investment Policy; some of the above-mentioned companies no longer form a part of our investment mix. For current exposures, see our full Fund Holdings Booklet here: https://www.mas.co.nz/resources/documents-and-forms/investments-documents-and-forms/ and our Responsible Investment policy here: https://www.mas.co.nz/investments/responsible-investment/
The Balanced Fund invests mainly in growth assets with a moderate allocation to income assets. The Fund aims to provide a medium level of return over the medium to long term. It is suitable for investors who are prepared to accept a medium level of investment risk to potentially achieve a medium return.
MAS is proud to be a New Zealand-owned insurance and investment company that’s been enhancing the financial health and wellbeing of our Members since 1921. Originally founded by doctors for doctors, today we support all New Zealand professionals and their families with a range of insurance and investment solutions to help grow your wealth and protect what’s important. As a mutual we're owned by our Members, so we have your best interests at heart and not a single dollar goes to offshore shareholders. If you'd like to discuss your insurance or investment requirements, we'd love to talk.
| Value | $410M NZD |
| Period of data report | 31st March 2026 |
| Members | 4,746 |
| Fund started | 1st Oct. 2007 |
| Total annual fund fees | 0.98% |
| Total performance based fees | 0.0% |
| Manager's basic fee | 0.85% |
| Other management and administration charges | 0.13% |
| Total other charges | 0.0 |
| Total other charges currency | NZD |
|
Hayden Griffiths |
Currently: Head of Asset Allocation, JBWere (29 years, 11 months)
|
|
Brendan O’Donovan |
Currently: Chair Investment Committee (8 years, 9 months)
|
|
Daniel Mead |
Currently: Head of Investment (2 years, 8 months)
|
|
Rickey Ward |
Currently: Head of Investment Strategy & Research, JBWere (0 years, 11 months)
|
|
Phil Borkin |
Currently: Senior Strategist, JBWere (7 years, 3 months)
|
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st March 2026.
Past annual returns for this fund are after fees and taxes. Please note that higher past returns do not always mean higher future returns.
| Year | Market Average | Fund Annual Return |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6.37% | 8.23% |
| 2025 | 4.34% | 4.53% |
| 2024 | 10.79% | 10.81% |
| 2023 | -2.79% | -3.1% |
| 2022 | 1.34% | 1.45% |
| 2021 | 17.98% | 20.54% |
| 2020 | -1.40% | 0.35% |
| 2019 | 5.81% | 5.21% |
| 2018 | 5.28% | 4.89% |
| 2017 | 5.86% | 8.31% |
The market average is the average return for funds of the same risk category, sourced from the Commission for Financial Capability's Sorted website. The fund information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st March 2026.
Hunter Global Fixed Interest Fund
New Zealand Int Fixed Interest
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities
Jbwere Premium Custody Call Account - NZD
New Zealand Cash and Equivalents
Infratil Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities
Apple Inc
United States International Equities
Nvidia Corp
United States International Equities
Auckland International Airport Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities
Alphabet Inc Class A
United States International Equities
Microsoft Corp
United States International Equities
Meridian Energy Limited
New Zealand Australasian Equities
| Type | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | 3.5% | 4.26% |
| New Zealand Fixed Interest | 14.0% | 15.16% |
| International Fixed Interest | 22.5% | 21.43% |
| Australasian Equities | 18.5% | 18.68% |
| International Equities | 41.5% | 40.47% |
| Listed Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Unlisted Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Other | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Commodities | 0.0% | 0.0% |
How the money in this fund is invested by asset type.
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st March 2026.
This data is compiled by Mindful Money from the fund information and portfolios
that each
KiwiSaver
fund has
filed with the Disclose register to 31st March 2026 and Mindful Money
analysis of funds within those portfolios. The list of companies of concern has
been drawn from ratings agencies and public sources, including the Norwegian
Sovereign Fund, NZ Super Fund, Sustainalytics and research organisations.
Please note that companies may breach more than one of these areas of
concern.
The listing of companies of concern is based on definitions used in Mindful Money's
methodology. These definitions may
be different from the exclusions policy and definitions applied by the fund provider.
Mindful Money uses the term Mindful Funds as our standard
for ethical investment and responsible investment. This does not imply that
other funds are unethical or that the fund providers that do not meet these
standards are unethical providers.
