Responsible investing
See how we’re investing responsibly for the long run.
About responsible investing
We’re strong advocates of responsible investing. Responsible investing means when we’re considering whether to invest in a company, we don’t just look at their financial performance. We also look at their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, because we believe these factors have a big impact on long-term returns.
ANZ Investments named a Responsible Investment Leader 2023
By placing in the top 20% of responsible investors, as assessed by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), we have been named a Responsible Investment Leader 2023.
This recognises our commitment to responsible investing. It acknowledges our consideration of environmental, social and governance factors in our investing, our strong and collaborative stewardship, and our transparency in reporting, including societal and environmental achievements.
How we invest responsibly
Responsible Investment Framework
Our Responsible Investment Framework sets out our investment approach and the key principles that guide our investment decisions.
What we don't invest in
We won’t invest in companies involved in the following harmful activities
We also won’t invest in companies that earn material revenues from the following activities*
* We apply the revenue thresholds noted above to some of our exclusions because some of the companies derive small, non-material revenue from these activities – for example Amazon.com, which generates less than 1% of their revenue from adult entertainment.
We also don’t invest in companies that have severely breached global standards – for example through severe abuses of human rights or the environment.
We maintain and regularly review a register of excluded companies that we don’t invest in.
Environmental, social and governance factors
When we’re deciding whether to invest in a company, we don’t just look at their financial performance, because that is just one piece of the overall picture. We also look at how well they integrate ESG considerations into their business, because ESG factors have a significant impact on a business’s long-term success.
Active ownership through engagement and voting
Two ways that we demonstrate active ownership of the companies we invest in are through engagement, and proxy voting.
Engagement
We actively engage with various companies we invest in on key issues to ensure they are aligned with our Responsible Investment Framework – see some examples below:
Environmental engagement
As an investor in a global resources company through our Australian Equity manager, we were concerned about the environmental impact of a dam collapse in one of their projects in Brazil. They visited the site to ensure there were controls in place to prevent a similar event happening again, and continue to monitor their activities in Brazil.
Social and governance engagement
Following allegations of bullying and harassment by the CEO of an industrial company we invest in, our investment team met with the Board Chair to discuss the allegations. Following our discussions, the CEO stepped down with the support of the Board, and the Board Chair stepped in as interim CEO. We were satisfied with the transition process to a new CEO and continue to engage with the Board on ESG matters.
Proxy voting
As the fund manager, we vote on behalf of our investors on particular issues relating to the companies we invest in. It’s one way to ‘have our say’ on the future direction of the company. This can be on matters such as electing directors to the Board, executive pay and company disclosures.
ANZ Investments’ portfolio managers, as well as external fund managers, vote on thousands of different matters each year across the companies our funds invest in, on behalf of our investors. This is known as proxy voting.
Our Sustainable International Share Fund
While we apply responsible investment principles to all of our ANZ-managed KiwiSaver schemes and investment funds, we also manage the OneAnswer KiwiSaver Scheme Sustainable International Share Fund. The fund invests mainly in international equities with a focus on ESG considerations. Companies the fund invests in:
- Score highly on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.
- Have a low carbon intensity and score well on their ability to transition to a low carbon economy.
- Score well on quality, including measures of profitability and return on equity .
We monitor and measure the Sustainable International Share Fund’s performance against sustainability linked goals specific to this fund, on a quarterly basis. These goals are for the fund to have:
- A carbon intensity that is 50% lower than the relevant market index.
- Fossil fuel reserves that are 50% lower than the relevant market index.
- An average ESG score that is 20% higher than the relevant market index.
- A low carbon transition score that is 10% better than the relevant market index.
The results are made available on a quarterly basis:
Our memberships and certifications
The RIAA Responsible Investment Certification Program is the leading initiative for distinguishing quality responsible, ethical and impact investment products and services in New Zealand and Australia.
We’re proud to say the following funds are certified by RIAA— according to the strict operational and disclosure practices required under the Responsible Investment Certification Program:
OneAnswer KiwiSaver Scheme
- Conservative Fund
- Conservative Balanced Fund
- Balanced Fund
- Balanced Growth Fund
- Growth Fund
- International Property Fund
- International Share Fund.
OneAnswer Multi-Asset-Class Funds
- Conservative Fund
- Conservative Balanced Fund
- Balanced Fund
- Balanced Growth Fund
- Growth Fund.
OneAnswer Single-Asset-Class Funds
- International Property Fund
- Australian Share Fund
- International Share Fund
- International Listed Infrastructure Fund.
From overseas: +64 9 356 4000
Important information
ANZ New Zealand Investments Limited (‘ANZ Investments’) is the issuer and manager of the OneAnswer KiwiSaver Scheme, OneAnswer Multi-Asset-Class Funds and OneAnswer Single-Asset-Class Funds. Important information is available under terms and conditions. Download the guide and product disclosure statement.