Mindful Money recognises MAS as responsible investor

MAS has had its responsible investment strategy recognised by Mindful Money, reflecting its commitment to making a positive impact through its investments.

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. Its fund checker tool lets Kiwis choose what matters to them, and then suggests KiwiSaver and investment funds that align with their individual values.

The ethical investment charity has named MAS’s KiwiSaver funds as ‘Mindful Funds’, joining a small group of other responsible investment providers in Aotearoa.

MAS takes a responsible approach to its investments, limiting exposure to fossil fuels, weapons and tobacco industries, and assessing the environmental, social and governance practices of companies before investing in them.

MAS Chief Executive Martin Stokes says New Zealand investors are becoming more informed about responsible investment and want more transparency from their providers.

“Mindful Money holds the investment industry in Aotearoa to account and helps inform consumers about where their money is really going. MAS is proud to have joined the very small number of KiwiSaver providers that have been endorsed as Mindful Funds.

“We were the first KiwiSaver fund to be recognised by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia back in 2017. Being named a Mindful Fund is another piece of proof that our responsible investing strategy is truly market-leading.”

MAS’s approach to investing reflects its goal of inspiring a healthier Aotearoa, says Martin.

“Our profits help the MAS Foundation’s work of addressing health and wellbeing inequities in the communities that need it most, so investors can know their money is making an impact close to home too.”

Martin believes responsible investing isn’t just about doing the right thing, but is also a path to strong returns.

“Our Members want their investments to generate good financial returns but also to avoid harm and contribute to positive change. There is plenty of evidence that suggests investing responsibly doesn’t impact performance and can help our Members grow their retirement savings while making a positive impact on the environment and society.”

To celebrate this accolade, MAS is sponsoring the Best Ethical or Impact Overseas Fund category at the upcoming Mindful Money Ethical Investment awards, with a ceremony to be held in June.

“We’re committed not only to being a responsible investor ourselves, but also to supporting industry bodies and furthering the conversation about what it means to be a conscious investor in Aotearoa today. We’re excited to be sponsoring the Best Ethical or Impact Overseas Fund at the Mindful Money Ethical Investment awards,” says Martin.

Mindful Money founder Barry Coates says “we are thrilled that MAS is supporting the Mindful Money Ethical Investment Awards. Independent judges with expertise in investment will come together to select the awards - the best ethical funds, the most effective climate action, best ethical financial advisers, and best media reporting on ethical investment.

“This year we are particularly looking for those funds that are not only avoiding harmful investments, like fossil fuels, but those that are investing in companies creating positive impacts on priorities such as renewable energy, social housing and public health,” says Barry.

MAS acknowledges that responsible investing is a journey, says Martin, and its approach is constantly being refined.

“MAS will continue developing our responsible investment proposition to help our Members do well by doing good. We believe we can avoid harm and encourage transformation, while maintaining a well-balanced portfolio. This is just the beginning.”

Entries are now closed for the Mindful Money Ethical Investment Awards. Finalists are announced Wednesday 5^th May, with the Award Event Tuesday 28^th June.