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:


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.

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 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:

ANZ KiwiSaver Scheme

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

ANZ Investment Funds

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


From overseas: +64 9 356 4000

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

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.