Funds
Simplicity Balanced Fund
Issues of concern
The graph below shows the percentage of the fund invested in each of the worst issues of concern to New Zealanders. Below the graph are listed all the companies this fund invests in, by issue of concern.
Key:
- Human Rights Violations
- Environmental Harm
- Animal Cruelty
- Weapons
- Fossil Fuels
- Social Harm
Companies of concern
Human Rights Violations
-
Meta Platforms Inc-Class A 0.45%
Public Safety
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.
META PLATFORMS INC-CLASS A Public Safety
Meta is the world’s largest online social network consisting of the Facebook app, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and many features surrounding these products. The company has faced several investigations and legal action linked to privacy-related allegations, including its handling of user data, and breaches of user privacy. Meta has also been criticised for its poor governance model, as well as for allowing its platform in non-English speaking countries to be used to incite ethnic violence.
-
Thermo Fisher Scientific 0.21%
Human Rights Abuses
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC Human Rights Abuses
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 shows Thermo Fisher Scientific continues to supply DNA sequencing products to the Xinjiang region, despite the company announcing it would halt sales to the region in 2019.
-
Caterpillar Finl Service 0.11%
War & 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.
CATERPILLAR FINL SERVICE War & Conflict
Caterpillar is a manufacturer of heavy equipment, power solutions, and locomotives. Evidence shows the company is providing heavy equipment to the Israeli government. There have been repeated allegations of this equipment being used in the destruction of Palestinian homes in occupied territories.
-
Activision Blizzard 0.06%
Labour Rights Violations
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.
ACTIVISION BLIZZARD Labour Rights Violations
Activision Blizzard is one of the world's largest video game publishers. The company has faced legal action and ongoing claims of equal pay violations, gender discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation.
-
Uber Technologies Inc 0.06%
Labour Rights Violations
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.
UBER TECHNOLOGIES INC Labour Rights Violations
Uber is a ride and food delivery service provider. Evidence shows the company has been prioritising revenue growth over driver welfare and user safety. As Uber considers its drivers to be contractors, this limits their employee rights to the minimum wage and other benefits, meaning drivers and vehicles are not subject to the labour standards expected from traditional taxi companies.
-
Motorola Solutions Inc 0.04%
War & 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.
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC War & Conflict
Motorola provides unified communications platforms that integrate voice, video, and data. 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 Defense in the Occupied Palestinian territories. This includes a surveillance and security system, which is alleged to be used in border surveillance. The company has been identified by the United Nations as having activities linked to Israeli settlements, which is considered illegal under international law.
-
Bank Hapoalim Bm 0.01%
War & 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.
-
Bank Leumi Le-Israel 0.01%
War & 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.
-
Meta Platforms Inc-Class A 0.45%
Environmental Harm
-
Bayer AG-Reg 0.06%
Animal Testing
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.
GMOs
Where companies are involved in the development or release of GMO plants and seeds.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co 0.04%
Deforestation
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.
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
-
Corteva Inc 0.04%
Animal Testing
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.
GMOs
Where companies are involved in the development or release of GMO plants and seeds.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Nutrien Ltd 0.04%
Animal Testing
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.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Fmc Corp 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Bayer AG-Reg 0.06%
Animal Cruelty
-
Procter & Gamble Co/The 0.33%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Unilever PLC 0.12%
Animal Testing
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.
UNILEVER PLC Animal Testing
Unilever is a 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.
-
L'Oreal 0.10%
Animal Testing
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'OREAL Animal Testing
L'Oréal is a personal care company and cosmetics company concentrating on hair colour, skin care, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law.
-
Bayer AG-Reg 0.06%
Animal Testing
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.
GMOs
Where companies are involved in the development or release of GMO plants and seeds.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Colgate-Palmolive Co 0.06%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Hermes International 0.06%
Animal Welfare Issues
Where companies, through their products or operations, cause harm to animals e.g., animal entertainment (such as marine parks and rodeos), livestock exports, whale meat etc.
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd 0.06%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Kering 0.05%
Animal Welfare Issues
Where companies, through their products or operations, cause harm to animals e.g., animal entertainment (such as marine parks and rodeos), livestock exports, whale meat etc.
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Sherwin-Williams Co 0.05%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Corteva Inc 0.04%
Animal Testing
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.
GMOs
Where companies are involved in the development or release of GMO plants and seeds.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Kimberly-Clark Corp 0.04%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Nutrien Ltd 0.04%
Animal Testing
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.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Dupont De Nemours Inc 0.03%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Fancl Corp 0.03%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Givaudan-Reg 0.03%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N 0.03%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Albemarle Corp 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Church & Dwight Co Inc 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Essity Ab 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Henkel AG & Co Kgaa 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Intl Flavors & Fragrances 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Kao Corp 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Koninklijke Dsm Nv 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Mosaic Co 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Rentokil Initial PLC 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Shiseido Co Ltd 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
The Clorox Co. 0.02%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Tyson Foods Inc-Cl A 0.02%
Animal Welfare Issues
Where companies, through their products or operations, cause harm to animals e.g., animal entertainment (such as marine parks and rodeos), livestock exports, whale meat etc.
Factory Farming
Where companies are involved in intensive poultry operations, including managing direct operations which raise birds or managing a network of contracted farmers, slaughtering, packaging and onward sale to wholesalers, retailers, and restaurant chains.
-
Akzo Nobel Nv 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Beiersdorf AG 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Burberry Group PLC 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Croda International PLC 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Fmc Corp 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
-
Hormel Foods Corp 0.01%
Factory Farming
Where companies are involved in intensive poultry operations, including managing direct operations which raise birds or managing a network of contracted farmers, slaughtering, packaging and onward sale to wholesalers, retailers, and restaurant chains.
-
Moncler Spa 0.01%
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Otsuka Holdings Co Ltd 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Swatch Group AG/The-Reg 0.01%
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Symrise AG 0.01%
Animal Testing
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.
-
Unicharm Corp 0.01%
Animal Testing
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/The 0.33%
Fossil Fuels
-
Contact Energy Ltd 0.84%
1.5°C
This company is on a 1.5°C pathway
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
CONTACT ENERGY LTD Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Contact Energy is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest electric utilities companies. Contact operates three thermal power stations that employ gas and diesel, and evidence shows that energy generated from fossil fuels accounts for 17% of generating capacity and 8% of the company’s revenues. However, Contact has announced plans for further investment in renewable generation. This includes NZD $1.2 billion in geothermal power, by constructing a new station and expanding capacity at an existing station, along with early developments in wind and solar generation. Therefore, the company is considered to be on a climate change pathway aligned with 1.5°C of global temperature rise.
-
Franco-Nevada Corp 0.03%
Fossil Fuel Production
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.
-
Westinghouse Air Brake 0.02%
Fossil Fuel Production
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.
-
Atmos Energy Corp 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
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.
-
Fairfax Financial Hldgs Ltd 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
-
Nippon Yusen Kk 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Production
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.
-
Contact Energy Ltd 0.84%
1.5°C
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 2023 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.
About this fund
In their own words
The Balanced Fund provides investors with an exposure to a mix of growth and income assets.
| Value | $530M NZD |
| Period of data report | 30th June 2023 |
| Members | 13,052 |
| Fund started | 1st Sept. 2016 |
| Total annual fund fees | 0.31% |
| Total performance based fees | 0.0% |
| Manager's basic fee | 0.3% |
| Other management and administration charges | 0.01% |
| Total other charges | 0.0 |
| Total other charges currency | NZD |
Key Personnel
|
Sam Stubbs |
Currently: Managing Director, Simplicity (7 years, 3 months) |
|
Joy Marslin |
Currently: Director, Simplicity (6 years, 7 months) |
|
Andrew Lance |
Currently: Chief Operating Officer, Simplicity (7 years, 0 months) |
|
Matthew Houtman |
Currently: Head of Private Capital, Simplicity (2 years, 7 months) |
|
Reuben Halper |
Currently: Director, Simplicity (6 years, 1 months) |
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 30th June 2023.
Past Returns
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -2.79% | -3.66% |
| 2022 | 0.71% | 1.24% |
| 2021 | 17.98% | 19.4% |
| 2020 | -1.40% | -0.48% |
| 2019 | 5.81% | 6.71% |
| 2018 | 5.28% | 5.89% |
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 30th June 2023.
Top 10 Investments
-
Cash At Bank
New Zealand Cash and Equivalents3.43% -
Apple Inc
United States International Equities2.87% -
Microsoft Corporation
United States International Equities2.51% -
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities1.81% -
Auckland International Airport Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities1.32% -
NZGB 0.5% 15/05/2024
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AA+1.25% -
Spark New Zealand Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities1.21% -
Infratil Ltd
New Zealand Australasian Equities1.01% -
Nvidia Corp
United States International Equities1.0% -
Nzlgfa 2.25% 15/05/2031
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AA+0.92%
| Type | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | 2.0% | 3.7% |
| New Zealand Fixed Interest | 16.5% | 15.74% |
| International Fixed Interest | 22.5% | 21.81% |
| Australasian Equities | 12.9% | 15.13% |
| International Equities | 42.6% | 42.53% |
| Listed Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Unlisted Properties | 3.5% | 1.09% |
| Other | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Commodities | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Investment Mix
How the money in this fund is invested against the fund's targets.
Target
Actual
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 30th June 2023.