By the end of 2021, 49% (NZ$179 billion, or around US$101 billion) of New Zealand assets were managing through responsible investment strategies, an increase from 43% in 2020, according to research by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia’s (RIAA) 2022 benchmark report. The review of the investment practices of 52 New Zealand-based financial institutions, noted that 19 investment managers and asset owners out of the 52 assessed are “demonstrating leading responsible investment practice”. Further, sustainability-themed investment grew by NZ$18 billion compared to 2020, reaching NZ$40 billion, with 49% of sustainability-themed AUM targeted climate-related themes. Negative screening is the preferred approach to responsible investing, the report noted, followed by ESG integration and corporate engagement and shareholder action. Impact investment also increased from NZ$5 billion to NZ$8 billion in a 12-month period, predominantly composed of green, climate, social and impact bonds.
