Did you know that $1.7 billion of our investments support companies that cause Social Harm?
The tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, pornography, and alcohol industries have long been recognised for the harm they can inflict on individuals and society. Tobacco, with its undeniable links to many health issues; gambling, which can lead to addiction and financial hardships; pornography, often criticised for its exploitative nature; and alcohol, associated with health risks and societal issues.
But did you know your KiwiSaver and Investment funds could be directly funding these companies?
A staggering $1.04 billion is currently invested in these industries through KiwiSaver alone, complemented by an additional $676 million from other investment funds (analysis of March 2023 data). This accumulates to a total of $1.7 billion - a figure that starkly contrasts with the values many New Zealanders hold.
Our recent survey showed that a significant majority of Kiwis wish to ensure their investments avoid industries that can contribute to social harm:
- 74% of Kiwis prefer their investments to steer clear of companies engaged in adult entertainment or pornography.
- Equally, 74% wish to avoid companies involved in the tobacco industry.
- 73% of New Zealanders wish their funds to stay away from gambling companies.
- 69% would rather not see their hard-earned money supporting the alcohol industry.
What does Social Harm Free mean?
Social harm free investing means no investments in the following:
Tobacco - Where companies are involved in the production or retail of tobacco, or tobacco-related products and services.
Gambling – Where companies are involved in the manufacture or retail of gambling specialised equipment, gambling supporting products and services, or gambling operations.
Adult Entertainment/Pornography - Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of adult entertainment.
Alcohol - Where companies are involved in the production or retail of alcoholic beverages, or alcohol-related products and services.
KiwiSaver & Investment Funds free from Social Harm
Look for our Social Harm badges on funds. These have met Mindful Money's robust criteria, and are proven to have less than 0.01% (one hundredth of one percent) invested in companies that cause Social Harm.
KiwiSaver Funds free from Social Harm
- AE KiwiSaver Plan
- ASB Positive Impact Fund
- Aurora Future Focused Fund
- Christian KiwiSaver Balanced Fund
- Christian KiwiSaver Growth Fund
- Kernel KiwiSaver NZ 50 ESG Tilted Fund
- Koura KiwiSaver Emerging Markets Equities Fund
- Koura KiwiSaver Rest of World Equities Fund
- Nikko AM Global Shares Fund
- Nikko AM SRI Equity Fund
- NZ Funds Balanced Fund
- NZ Funds Growth Strategy
- NZ Funds Inflation Strategy
- NZ Funds Life Cycle - Age 0-54
- NZ Funds Life Cycle - Age 65
- NZ Funds Life Cycle - Age 75
- Pathfinder KiwiSaver Balanced Fund
- Pathfinder KiwiSaver Growth Fund
- InvestNow Pathfinder Ethical Growth Fund
- Sharesies Pathfinder Ethical Growth Fund
- QuayStreet Socially Responsible Investment Fund
- Superlife NZ Dividend Fund
Investment Funds free from Social Harm
- AE Investor
- ASB Positive Impact Fund
- Clarity Dividend Yield Fund
- Clarity New Zealand Equity Fund
- Clarity Trans-Tasman Value Fund
- Devon Sustainability Fund
- Fisher Funds Australian Growth Fund
- Fisher Funds International Growth Fund
- Fisher Funds Premium Australian Fund
- Fisher Funds Premium International Fund
- Harbour Australasian Equity Income Fund
- Harbour Sustainable Impact Fund
- Harbour Sustainable NZ Shares Fund
- Hobson Wealth NZ Equity Fund
- Hyperion Global Growth Companies Pie Fund
- Kernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund
- Kernel Global ESG Fund
- Kernel Nz 50 ESG Tilted Fund
- Lighthouse Global Equity Fund
- Mercer Emerging Markets Shares Fund
- Mercer Ethical Leaders Global Shares Fund
- Mercer Ethical Leaders NZ Shares Fund
- Mint New Zealand SRI Equity Fund
- Nikko AM Global Shares Fund
- Nikko AM Global Shares Hedged Fund
- Nikko AM Income Fund
- Nikko AM SRI Equity Fund
- NZ Funds Global Macro
- NZ Funds Global Shares
- NZ Funds Income Generator
- Nz Funds Life Cycle - Age 0-54
- NZ Funds Life Cycle - Age 65
- NZ Funds Life Cycle - Age 75
- NZ Funds New Zealand and Australian Shares
- NZ Funds Wealth Builder - Growth Strategy
- NZ Funds Wealth Builder - Inflation Strategy
- Pathfinder Ethical Growth Fund
- Pathfinder Ethical Trans-Tasman Fund
- Pathfinder Global Responsibility Fund
- Pie Australasian Dividend Growth Fund
- QuayStreet Socially Responsible Investment Fund
- Salt Sustainable Global Shares Fund
- Simplicity NZ Share Fund
- Smartshares Global Equities ESG ETF
- Smartshares NZ Core Equity Trust
- Smartshares NZ Dividend ETF
- Stewart Investors Worldwide Leaders Sustainability Fund
- Superlife NZ Dividend Fund
- Tahito Te Tai O Rehua Fund
- Trust Management - ESG Australasian Share Fund
- Trust Management - ESG Balanced Fund
- Trust Management - ESG International Share Fund
Want to know more?
The discussion in the seminar below examines the case for divesting from alcohol and the arguments for a more selective approach.
There has been a strong campaign for stronger health warnings on alcohol labeling and annual surveys show that most Kiwis want to avoid alcohol in their investments. Or is there a way to use responsible investing for responsible drinking?