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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.

RIAA 2023 Benchmark Report

How we invest responsibly

We look at the big picture

There’s more to choosing quality investments than just financial criteria. So as well as returns, we take ESG factors (for example the impact on climate change and worker’s rights) into account. 

We think that’s in everyone’s best interests – and the evidence backs that up. Studies show responsible investments can outperform ‘traditional’ investments.

See more about these studies

We're serious about responsible investing

We apply the same responsible investment approach to all our ANZ-managed KiwiSaver schemes and investment funds. 

That means whatever ANZ-managed fund you invest in, you can be sure we’re taking responsible investing seriously.

We're hands-on

We’re active managers and we control what we invest in. That means there are some things we won’t invest in. It also means we can act quickly to exit investments that don’t meet our responsible investment criteria.

But we don’t stop there. We use our influence to engage with the companies we invest in, and encourage them to incorporate responsible investing principles into their decision-making.

We walk the talk

As part of the wider ANZ Group we’re also committed to managing our impact on the environment and building stronger communities through things like improving financial knowledge, supporting community organisations throughout New Zealand, and reducing our own carbon footprint.

Responsible Investment Framework

Our Responsible Investment Framework sets out our responsible investment approach and the key principles that guide our investment decisions. 

Responsible Investment Framework (PDF 1.6MB)

What we don't invest in

We won’t invest in companies involved in the following harmful activities

Controversial weapons

Companies that have revenue or ownership ties to the manufacture of (including components or support systems) controversial weapons, including cluster munitions, landmines, biological/chemical weapons, depleted uranium weapons, blinding laser weapons, incendiary weapons, and/or non-detectable fragments or nuclear weapons.

Civilian firearms

Companies that manufacture firearms and small arms ammunitions for civilian markets.

Tobacco

Companies that manufacture tobacco products and/or alternatives to traditional smoking products.

Whaling

Companies involved in whaling and whale meat processing.

We also won’t invest in companies that earn material revenues from the following activities*

Conventional weapons

Companies that generate more than 5% of their revenue from weapons systems, components, and support systems and services.

Unconventional oil and gas

Companies that generate more than 10% of their revenue from the extraction or production of unconventional oil and gas.

Thermal coal

Companies that generate more than 10% of their revenue from the mining of thermal coal (including lignite, bituminous, anthracite and steam coal) and its sale to external parties.

Adult entertainment

Companies that generate more than 5% of their revenue from adult entertainment.

*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.    

For more information on how we manage our exclusions, see our Responsible Investment Framework.

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 can have a significant impact on a business’s long-term success. 

Environmental

What is their impact on the environment?

This includes factors such as climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, hazardous waste, energy or resource usage, green technologies or water management.

Social

What is their impact on communities and stakeholders?

This includes factors such as human rights, health and safety, diversity, social or charitable programs, and how they work with supply chain partners and other stakeholders.

Governance

How do they run their business?

This includes factors such as, transparency, conflicts of interest, bribery and corruption, executive compensation or shareholder voting procedures.

Climate change

We believe climate change is a systemic challenge. Climate-related risks and opportunities can materially impact investments, so we’ve developed a specific climate approach as part of our investment framework.

Our Net Zero 2050 goal

Our goal is to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 across all of our funds under management (FUM), although not on a fund-by-fund basis.  Find out more about our Net Zero 2050 goal and climate approach in our Responsible Investment Framework.

Climate risks and opportunities

Climate change can be a material risk to investment returns, but while considering the risks, we also look for the opportunities that the transition to a low carbon world will create.

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.

View our recent Stewardship update (PDF 3MB)

Engagement

We actively engage with various companies we invest in on key issues to ensure they are aligned with our Responsible Investment Framework.

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. The fund's investment strategy focuses on companies that:

  • 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:

OneAnswer Sustainable International Share Fund Quarterly Sustainability Report – December 2023 (PDF 674.8KB)

Our memberships and certifications

We're RIAA certified

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.

Principles for Responsible Investment

We are signatories to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The PRI is a UN-supported global network of investors that works to promote responsible investment through the incorporation of ESG factors into investment decisions. 

Read our PRI public transparency report (PDF 1.4MB)

PRI website

Responsible Investment Association Australasia

We are a member of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), an organisation that champions responsible investing and a sustainable financial system in New Zealand and Australia.

RIAA website

Stewardship Code Aotearoa New Zealand

We are a Founding Signatory of the inaugural Aotearoa New Zealand Stewardship Code. This industry-led Code aims to create and preserve inter-generational value for investors, as well as efficiently direct capital where it is most needed for a resilient economy.

Stewardship Code website

Financial Services Council

As the voice of the New Zealand financial sector, the Financial Services Council (FSC) is a non-profit member organisation with a vision to grow the financial confidence and wellbeing of New Zealanders. FSC members commit to delivering strong consumer outcomes from a professional and sustainable financial services sector. As members of the FSC Climate and ESG Committee, we provide input into industry initiatives and legislative developments in New Zealand.

Financial Services Council website

IFRS Sustainability Alliance

We are member of the IFRS Sustainability Alliance which is a global membership programme for sustainability standards, integrated reporting and integrated thinking. The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) forms part of IFRS and sets frameworks for the identification and management of ESG risks including climate change which we use.

IFRS Sustainability Alliance website

New Zealand Corporate Governance Forum

The New Zealand Corporate Governance Forum (NZCGF) is committed to promoting good corporate governance in NZ companies for the long-term health of the capital market. As a member, we share the belief that good governance improves company performance and increases shareholder value.

New Zealand Corporate Governance Forum website

Call us

Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm

0800 736 034

From overseas: +64 9 356 4000

Email us

service@anzinvestments.co.nz

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.