🌱 Responsible and Ethical Investing: What it means for your KiwiSaver.
- Cameron Steele
- Aug 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
More and more Kiwis are asking the question... “Where is my money invested?”
And rightly so.
KiwiSaver isn’t just about growing your retirement savings; it’s also a powerful way to influence the world around you. That’s where responsible and ethical investment comes in.
Let’s unpack what that means… and how to make sure your KiwiSaver aligns with your values and your goals.
🌍 What Is Responsible Investment?
In simple terms, responsible investment means taking environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into account when choosing where your money goes.
That might mean avoiding:
Weapons manufacturing
Fossil fuels
Tobacco
Gambling
Companies involved in human rights abuses
It also means favouring businesses that:
Have strong climate policies
Treat their workers fairly
Have diverse leadership
Are transparent and well-governed
It’s investing with your conscience — without compromising on your returns.
đź’¸ Does Ethical Investing Mean Lower Returns?
Nope — and that’s a common myth.
In fact, many responsible funds have delivered competitive or even better returns over the long term. Why? Because companies that look after their people, communities and the planet tend to be more sustainable in the long run.
So yes, you can do good and do well.
🔍 How Do I Know If My KiwiSaver Fund Is Ethical?
The truth is, not all funds are as ethical as they sound. Some use vague language like “sustainable” or “green” without backing it up.
To find out where your money is really going:
Look for an RI or ESG rating on your fund
Check if your Provider has signed the UNPRI (United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment) charter
Check what companies and industries your fund invests in
Ask your provider about their exclusion policies (i.e. what they avoid investing in)
Or better yet — get personalised advice from someone who’s done the digging for you.
🧠You Deserve a KiwiSaver Fund That Matches Your Values
It’s your money. You should feel good about where it’s going — and confident that it’s still growing.
Whether you care most about climate change, social justice, or simply not supporting companies you disagree with, I can help you:
Find an ethical KiwiSaver fund that suits your values
Understand the trade-offs (if any)
Get strong long-term results and peace of mind
âś… Take the Next Step
Here’s how to start making your KiwiSaver work for both you and the world:
Uncover whether your fund reflects your values.
Let’s chat about where your money’s really going.
Common questions about responsible and ethical KiwiSaver investing
What is responsible investment in KiwiSaver?
Responsible investment means your KiwiSaver provider considers environmental, social, and governance factors when deciding where your money is invested. This can include avoiding certain industries and favouring companies with stronger long-term practices.
What does ESG mean in KiwiSaver?
ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance. It looks at issues such as climate policies, worker treatment, leadership diversity, transparency, and how well a company is governed.
Does ethical investing mean lower returns?
Not necessarily. Ethical or responsible investing does not automatically mean sacrificing returns. Many responsible funds aim to deliver competitive long-term results while avoiding companies or industries that do not match their investment principles.
How do I know if my KiwiSaver fund is ethical?
Check whether your provider has responsible investment policies, exclusion lists, ESG or responsible investment ratings, and whether it has signed the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment.
What industries might ethical KiwiSaver funds avoid?
Ethical KiwiSaver funds may avoid industries such as weapons manufacturing, fossil fuels, tobacco, gambling, and companies involved in human rights abuses.
Can my KiwiSaver match my values and still grow?
Yes, that is the goal. A suitable KiwiSaver fund should align with your values while still being appropriate for your timeframe, risk profile, and long-term financial goals.
Should I get advice before choosing an ethical KiwiSaver fund?
Yes. Labels such as “ethical”, “sustainable”, or “green” can mean different things across providers. Advice can help you understand what your fund actually invests in and whether it suits both your values and your goals.
Simple Steps. Solid Results
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