Making Money a Force for Good

Hosted by Mindful Money

Business EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Mar 2026

Language

EN-NZ

About the show

Every two weeks, Join Mindful Money's CEO Barry Coates as he delves into the world of Ethical Investment. Each podcast features expert guests, cutting-edge information from the world of money, and how to make yours a force for good. This series originates from the Mindful Money Seminar Series - started over lockdown.

Listen to episodes

31 recent

March 17, 202652 min

Modern Slavery in NZ, a conversation with Pearl Valor and Brian Henry

Modern slavery isn't just happening overseas, it's happening in New Zealand.Mindful Money Co-CEO Barry Coates sits down with Pearl Valor, Gloriavale survivor, and Brian Henry, founder of Always-Ethical Ltd (Manager of AE KiwiSaver Plan) and leading barrister, to discuss modern slavery, investment accountability, and what Kiwis can do about it.Pearl shares her lived experience of modern slavery within Gloriavale. The lack of fair compensation, isolation from outside influence, and loss of economic agency that defines this exploitation. Her story is powerful, personal, and a wake up call.Brian Henry reveals his pro-bono work in the employment court supporting Gloriavale survivors and issues an urgent call to the New Zealand government.The investment connection:Almost $4 billion in New Zealand KiwiSaver funds is invested in companies involved in human rights violations which includes modern slavery. AE KiwiSaver Plan operates to a Strict Ethical Mandate embedded in their governance framework. Founder Brian Henry’s commitment to principled leadership reinforces a disciplined approach to ethical investing.91% of Kiwis don't want their money supporting these practices.The gap? Most people simply don't know where their investments go. As New Zealand moves forward with Modern Slavery legislation, understanding the scale of this issue, and our power to address it has never been more important.What you'll learn:● Pearl's firsthand account of modern slavery in NZ● The legal work being done to support survivors● How $4 billion of our retirement savings connects to these issues● Simple actions you can take to align your investments with your valuesCheck where your KiwiSaver is invested using the Mindful Money Fund Checker here Always-Ethical Limited is the issuer of AE KiwiSaver Plan. Please refer to the AE KiwiSaver Plan Product Disclosure Statement on our website (link in bio). www.always-ethical.com. In accordance with our strict ethical mandate (link in bio) https://always-ethical.com/our-strict.... The annual audit report on our ethical mandate is conducted by William Buck. Refer to the Mindful Money website https://mindfulmoney.nz/kiwisaver/che... to verify our ethical standards (link in bio). The fund itself does not invest in any prohibited activities. The underlying equity investments may, provided the prohibited investment is under 5% of the businesses activity and appropriately purified by donating to the charity for the poor.The ESG (environment, social, governance) risk weighted average of the fund is calculated at 16.96 as at 31st March 2025. This registers as LOW on the ESG risk scale.Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future performance and return periods may differ. Returns maybe negative or positive. Returns are after fees and before taxes. This information is not financial advice and therefore should not be relied upon as financial advice.

August 4, 202550 min

An ethical approach to investing with Always-Ethical KiwiSaver

Join us as we introduce you to Brian from Always-Ethical, in what promises to be an enlightening conversation about the intersection of values and investing.This episode offers a rare opportunity for a deep dive into the why and how of Always-Ethical investing. We'll explore their unwavering mandate, examine their thorough practices, and discuss their commitment to operating transparency that sets them apart in the investment landscape.As our guest Brian will share the fundamental values that drive every investment decision, revealing how Always-Ethical have built a fund that never compromises on ethical standards. We'll also hear some of his personal story - the journey and experiences that led to founding a fund where "always ethical" isn't just a tagline, but a lived commitment.Whether you're a seasoned investor questioning traditional approaches, or someone just beginning to explore how your money can reflect your values, this conversation will provide practical insights into what truly ethical investing looks like in practice.Discover how Always-Ethical is proving that you don't have to choose between strong returns and strong principles. Key Topics:The Always-Ethical mandate and what it means in practiceInvestment screening processes and decision-making frameworksTransparency standardsPersonal journey and motivation behind ethical investingPractical advice for values-based investorsPDS Disclaimer Always-Ethical Limited is the issuer of AE KiwiSaver Plan. Please refer to the AE KiwiSaver Plan Product Disclosure Statement on our website https://always-ethical.com. Ethical Mandate DisclaimerIn accordance with our strict ethical mandate https://always-ethical.com/our-strict.... The annual audit report on our ethical mandate is conducted by William Buck. Refer to the Mindful Money website https://mindfulmoney.nz/kiwisaver/che... to verify our ethical standards. The fund itself does not invest in any prohibited activities. The underlying equity investments may, provided the prohibited investment is under 5% of the businesses activity and appropriately purified by donating to the charity for the poor.Ethical DisclaimerThe ESG (environment, social, governance) risk weighted average of the fund is calculated at 16.96 as at 31st March 2025. This registers as LOW on the ESG risk scale.Performance DisclaimerPast performance is not necessarily an indicator of future performance and return periods may differ. Returns maybe negative or positive. Returns are after fees and before taxes. Financial Advice Disclaimer This information is not financial advice and therefore should not be relied upon as financial advice.

January 4, 202445 min

Meet the 2023 Impact Investment Fund Award Winners

Mindful Money Awards celebrates the funds that lead the way in investing in positive social environmental benefits and in climate action. This is a rapidly growing and hugely important part of the investment world, and crucial for our future. This seminar profiles two of this year's winners. Bill Murphy is the founder and CEO of Purpose Capital, who took home the Best Impact Investment Fund for 2023. The judges were impressed by the clear focus for the Purpose Capital Impact fund, and the sound framework for impact measurement. This includes the important step in including validation from local communities and intended beneficiaries. They welcome the contributions to the success of ventures through advice and support that extends beyond financial investment.Rohan MacMahon is a partner at Climate Venture Capital Fund, who took home the Best Net Zero and Climate Action Investor for 2023. The judges were impressed at the thoroughness that Climate Venture Capital fund used to select investments and measure impact, including the specific objectives for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The fund’s contributes significantly to the success of their climate investments and is working to build a stronger climate solutions sector in New Zealand.

December 28, 2023Episode 1050 min

Guidance on How To Invest Ethically

Almost all KiwiSaver and investment fund providers claim to be ethical or responsible or sustainable or ‘ESG’. This seminar will unpack what these terms mean and how you can find out the real impact of your investment. It will cover the different approaches to ethical investment and whether, as is often claimed, they are good for financial returns as well as for the people and the planet. Amidst all of the claims and the greenwash, the seminar will help to identify the ethical funds with real credibility.

December 14, 2023Episode 946 min

What Do Kiwis Think About Ethical Investment?

In the face of financial market turbulence, consumer demand for ethical investing not only remains resilient but continues to gain momentum. Consumers not only want to avoid investing in companies that cause harm, they are increasingly also looking to invest in KiwiSaver and investment funds that do good. This seminar explored our recently launched report:"Voices of Aotearoa: Demand for Ethical Investment in New Zealand 2023".This session shined a light on the significant shift towards impact investing in New Zealand, the ongoing concerns about greenwashing, and an in-depth understanding of the consumer's perspective.Our panel featured: Jules Riley - As the Senior Growth Manager for Investment Funds at Medical Assurance Society (MAS),Rebecca Styles - An Investigative Writer at Consumer NZ

October 26, 2023Episode 851 min

Finance & Deforestation: Combating Deforestation and Protecting Nature

Despite decades of promises and commitments, the destruction of global forests and other natural systems continues. Damaging impacts include greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity and violations of the rights of indigenous and forest-dwelling peoples.In this seminar, we delve into the driving forces behind deforestation and explore the role of both global and New Zealand investments in perpetuating this damage, releasing new data on how much our Investments in KiwiSaver and Investment funds are linked to deforestation. We also discuss the potential risks faced by investors and underscore their responsibilities in fostering a sustainable future. The panel comprised of: Emma Thomson: Forest 500 Lead at Global CanopyAlana Lampitt: Partner at Chapman Tripp - Environment and Resource Management Shannen Barns: Research Analysis at Mindful Money

October 6, 2023Episode 745 min

Investing in Forests for the Future

Forests play a major role in our economy, society and ecology. This seminar looks at the urgent questions facing forest management including the increase in exotic plantations driven by the Emissions Trading Scheme, the damage from slash and loss of soil during flooding, and the growing interest in native forest regeneration. The panel comprised of: Manu Caddie, entrepreneur and community activist in TairāwhitiMeg Graeme, ecologist and co-Director at Natural SolutionsDr. Christina Hood, a policy expert on climate change and carbon pricing.

September 1, 2023Episode 648 min

Mainstreaming Impact Investing

Explore the evolving landscape of positive impact within KiwiSaver and Managed funds, where financial returns are integrated with social and environmental progress. Recently, new funds have been introduced, enabling the public to invest in companies promoting positive change in areas such as social housing, renewable energy, and clean technology.Our expert panellists included: • Melissa Yiannoutsos: Fund Manager at Booster NZ• Simon Pannett: Senior Analyst at Harbour Asset Management

August 22, 2023Episode 543 min

Authenticity Beyond Greenwash

Recent surveys have shown that more than half of Kiwi investors are concerned about misleading claims, exaggeration and greenwash when it comes to investing. With no common standards or measures used by investment providers, it can be difficult to know what to believe.In this seminar, we address these concerns and provide insights on how you can find funds that meet your specific needs and aspirations. We discuss the importance of due diligence and how to identify funds that align with your personal values and investment goals.

May 17, 2023Episode 444 min

Corporate Responsibility in the Financial Sector

There are a growing number of New Zealand companies that have a business purpose beyond profit maximisation. Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder interests are part of business practices, along with mission statements to make companies a force for good. However, these concepts are far less common in the New Zealand financial sector. Consideration of social and environmental issues are now mainstream for investment providers, but largely as a means to manage financial risk rather than as an opportunity to make a positive difference. This seminar will examine the reasons and constraints, such as the limitations imposed by fiduciary duty, with examples of financial enterprises that have built their values into their business purpose. Mindful Money’s CEO, Barry Coates moderated a panel discussion with:Qiulae Wong, Aotearoa NZ manager for B-Lab AANZ Nick Stewart, CEO of Stewart Group, a financial advisory firm with B-Corps certificationJules Riley, Senior Growth Manager for Investment Funds at Medical Assurance Society (MAS)A huge thanks to our sponsors:Gold Sponsors: Alphinity, Medical Assurance Society, Mercer, NZGIFSilver Sponsors: Chapman Trip, Booster, Harbour, Trustees Executors