Top ethical investors recognised at MAS-supported Mindful Money Awards

Aotearoa New Zealand's top ethical and responsible investors were celebrated at the Mindful Money Ethical and Impact Investment Awards 2022 on 28 June.

MAS is proud to have been nominated for Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider, as well as to have sponsored the Best Ethical or Impact Overseas Fund, which was awarded to UK-based Pegana WHEB Sustainable Impact Fund.

Colin Thomson, MAS, and Matt Mimms, Pengana Capital Group

Mindful Money is an independent not-for-profit that undertakes extensive research on investment providers and helps consumers understand where their money is being invested. The fund checker tool lets Kiwis choose what matters to them, and then suggests KiwiSaver scheme funds and investment funds that align with their individual values.

Barry Coates, Founder and CEO of Mindful Money, said of the awards "there was palpable passion and commitment from the ethical and impact investment communities, coming together to celebrate investment for a positive impact."

MAS Chief Executive Martin Stokes is thrilled to have MAS's approach to investing recognised as among the most responsible in Aotearoa New Zealand.

"Being named a finalist in the Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider category is an exciting acknowledgement of the mahi our investment team has put in, which is driven by our MAS Members asking us to do better. 

"We've been on our responsible investing journey since 2017, when we started looking closely at how our investments could better reflect our commitment to a healthy planet and people. This has now evolved into an approach centred on three principles: avoiding harm, influencing positive change in the companies we invest in, and investing in a way that contributes to a better world."

Having recently become recognised as a provider of 'Mindful Funds' by Mindful Money, Martin says the nomination is another welcome endorsement of MAS's responsible investing journey.

"We want to be the best ethical KiwiSaver scheme provider in Aotearoa and it's great to know that the judges have seen that intent in our future plans," he says.

The Best Overseas Fund category, sponsored by MAS, celebrated overseas funds that are actively marketed within Aotearoa, and able to demonstrate the best ethical investment outcomes.

The judges congratulated the winner, Pengana WHEB Sustainable Impact Fund, on its commitment to creating positive impact and catalysing change. The judges also commended the WHEB fund on its strong analytical approach to engagement and voting, along with excellent communications to financial advisers and clients.