Ethical investing in New Zealand is gaining serious traction—and not just because it feels good. More and more Kiwis are asking: Can I align my investments with my values and still get strong returns? The answer is YES!
Ethical investing, also known as socially responsible investing, means putting your money into companies that care about environmental sustainability, social justice, and good governance (ESG). In New Zealand, ethical funds typically avoid industries like:
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) certifies funds that meet strict ESG standards.
But not all funds claiming to be ethical are certified—so it pays to check!
Sin funds invest in industries considered controversial but often profitable, such as:
These funds have historically shown strong performance, especially during economic downturns. But they come with ethical and regulatory risks and can be more volatile than ethical funds as a result.
It’s not just about values—it’s about performance. Ethical funds are proving to be financially competitive, and in many cases, they’re outperforming traditional or sin funds.
“Long-term studies show that, on average, responsible investing earns as much or more than conventional investing with lower risks.” — Mindful Money
Recent data from Mindful Money reveals a compelling trend: KiwiSaver funds that meet ethical investment criteria outperformed the overall market in 2024 across most risk categories.
For example:
This performance edge was consistent across nearly all categories, with the exception of conservative funds, where returns were equal or slightly lower.
The data underscores a growing shift in investor sentiment.
A recent survey found that 77% of New Zealanders want their KiwiSaver funds invested ethically, reflecting a broader movement toward responsible investing.
Ethical investing is no longer just a moral choice—it’s proving to be a financially sound one too!
At Velocity Financial, we offer:
How we help investors
We provide regular, personalised financial advice based on proven wealth-building principles. We’re not about chasing trends—we’re about helping you build long-term financial wellbeing that fits your life.
You’ll also get annual reviews to make sure your investments stay aligned with your goals!
Any investment can be a big decision. The very best thing you can do is talk to an adviser for personalised financial advice. We really can't say that enough! :)
Often, yes. Ethical funds have shown strong risk-adjusted returns and lower volatility.
No! Look for the RIAA label to ensure the fund meets strict ESG standards, or talk to your adviser.
Absolutely. Ethical funds are competitive and often outperform traditional funds.
Velocity Financial offers personalised advice to help you choose the right fund. Just talk to us.
No—it’s backed by solid data and growing consumer demand.
At least once a year. We offer annual reviews to keep your strategy on track.
Yes. We’ll help you transition smoothly to more responsible options.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions.
About Giovana
Hola, I’m Giovana, and I am a Client Services Manager but also a Financial Adviser here at Velocity. I have 12 years of experience in the industry and one of my passions is to bring excellent customer service, I like to deliver the best experience to our clients and make processes as smooth as possible, to give them the service that I would like to receive. In my outside work life, I am a mum of 2 girls and love dancing, especially Peruvian cultural dances.
Disclaimer: Giovana Paulin (FSP1007277) is a Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial (FSP95466). No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. Please see our disclosure statement on our website.
Always get professional advice
The information shared in this post is meant to be general guide to support you on your journey. When making important decisions about your finances, we encourage you to seek independent financial advice first, tailored to your unique situation. As well as talking with a financial adviser, make sure you talk to your lawyer and accountant too – together they'll help you find the best solution for your specific situation. Our knowledgeable financial advisers are here to help. Check out our website for the details about our financial advisory services in our disclosures https://www.velocityfinancial.co.nz/disclosure-statement.