Transforming Aotearoa New Zealand Award + Communicating for Impact
2023 AWARD WINNER
Communicating for Impact Award sponsored by Stuff
Pathfinder Asset Management is a company with a vision: to fund a lasting transformation to a better world.
Founded in 2009, it is Aotearoa New Zealand’s first certified B Corp fund manager. It offers a range of ethical investment funds, including three KiwiSaver and six managed funds. All three of its KiwiSaver funds are listed as climate-friendly by Mindfulmoney.nz.
Sustainability is integrated into everything it does, from its own practices to the funds it offers. For example, it has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2030 and it gives away 20% of KiwiSaver management fees (out of its own pocket, not from members) to New Zealand charities. More than $1 million has been given and accrued in the past four years.
For Pathfinder, communication is central to changing mindsets about investment. It has been running a campaign for the past three years to show you can grow individual wealth AND have a positive impact on people, communities and the planet.
It has reached thousands of people with its message that investing can make a positive difference for our planet. Intertwined with this campaign has been storytelling and thought leadership focused on how businesses can, and must, improve the way we do capitalism.
The company has delivered its messaging through numerous articles in mainstream media, social media, direct communication with clients, presenting at conferences and speaking on podcasts, courses and directly to businesses. Its latest advertising campaign “Where good, returns” saw an increase in traffic and new members.
Pathfinder’s commitment to ethical investing has been rewarded with numerous awards. In the last 12 months alone, it has won three Mindful Money Awards, the Money Hub Favourite Ethical KiwiSaver Scheme and Research IP Fund Manager of the Year. This year Pathfinder was also named as a Responsible Investment Leader by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia.
The judges said: “To win the Supreme Award, all the elements must come together: the vision for a sustainable future, dedication to ethical practice, and products that offer a far better alternative to the status quo. Then there’s the X factor: impact. Pathfinder Asset Management delivers on all fronts.
“It has its own house in order, and offers compelling products that are both financially competitive and meet the highest ethical standards. But it’s the impact that really gives Pathfinder the edge. Under John Berry’s leadership, Pathfinder has been a tireless champion of ethical investing and convinced cynical investors to redirect many millions of dollars into companies that make a positive difference.
“Pathfinder's success couldn’t have happened at a more critical moment - when sustainability is under threat from greenwash and governments under pressure to cut corners. Pathfinder is demonstrating that 'people, planet and profit' is not just a good idea, it’s the most credible plan for business, citizens and Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Congratulations from all the judges.”