Skip to main contentSkip to log on

Responsible investing

See how we’re investing responsibly for the long run. 

Our commitment to responsible investing

This video explains what responsible investing means to us and how we do it.

[Text on screen: Ask an ANZ expert, responsible investing. Monique, KiwiSaver Expert – ANZ]

Monique: When it comes to KiwiSaver, responsible investing is an important issue for a lot of our customers. 

Well, good news. We think it’s right up there too. So much so, we’ve been recognised as a Responsible Investment Leader 2023 by RIAA. We’re one of only two banks in Aotearoa to receive this accolade.

[Text on screen: ANZ = responsible investor]

Monique: Some people think responsible investing means avoiding investing in certain companies, but it’s actually a lot more than that.

So how do we walk our talk?

[Text on screen: ESG = environmental, social, governance]

Monique: For starters, when it comes to investing, we don’t just consider financial aspects, we also include other factors, such as the environmental impact of the business, modern slavery and safe business practices.

We also engage with the companies we invest in to try and influence positive behaviours. Anything from sustainable practices to improved corporate behaviour.

[Text on screen: Environmental, e.g. emissions; governance, e.g. diversity on company boards; social, e.g. community and staff impacts]

Monique: Responsible investing really is top-of-mind around here, and the same principles are applied to all our ANZ managed KiwiSaver schemes and investment funds. 

What matters to you, matters to us. There’s loads more about our investing style on our website too.

[Text on screen: ANZ logo. ANZ New Zealand Investments Limited is the issuer and manager of the ANZ KiwiSaver Scheme. PDS available at anz.co.nz. We recommend seeking financial advice about your situation and goals before getting a financial product].

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.

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. 

ANZ Investments Responsible Investment Framework (PDF 422.8KB)

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.

Climate statements

We also publish climate statements (also known as climate-related disclosures) for our funds, in accordance with the Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards. Our climate statements provide more information on our climate strategy and the steps we’re taking to decarbonise the funds’ investments.

You can read the climate statements for each scheme below:

ANZ KiwiSaver Scheme Climate Statements 2024 (PDF 7.5MB)
ANZ Default KiwiSaver Scheme Climate Statements 2024 (PDF 7.6MB)

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 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:

ANZ KiwiSaver Scheme

  • Conservative Fund
  • Conservative Balanced Fund
  • Balanced Fund
  • Balanced Growth Fund
  • Growth 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

Talk to an ANZ Investment Adviser

Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5pm

0800 269 238

If you wish to speak to an external financial adviser, call 0800 736 034 and we’ll put you in touch with one.

Visit us

Find your local branch and make an appointment to visit us.

Find a branch

Important information

ANZ New Zealand Investments Limited (‘ANZ Investments’) is the issuer and manager of the ANZ KiwiSaver Scheme, ANZ Investment Funds and ANZ Default KiwiSaver Scheme. Download a copy of the ANZ KiwiSaver Scheme and ANZ Investment Funds guide and product disclosure statement or ask at any ANZ branch. Further information is also available about the ANZ Default KiwiSaver Scheme by searching ‘ANZ Default KiwiSaver Scheme’ on the offer register at disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz.