Human rights violations in KiwiSaver funds

The High Court ruling released on Thursday on NZ Super Fund investments in companies supporting illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine sends a warning shot across the bows of KiwiSaver and retail investment funds.

The ruling called NZ Super Fund rules allowing these investments “unlawful” and “unreasonable”. The same criticism should apply to the investments of hundreds of KiwiSaver and retail investment funds that invest even more in the companies.

The High Court judgement sends an important signal that the New Zealand Super Fund should uphold internationally recognised human rights standards. The Palestinian Solidarity Network’s action to bring this case has highlighted to need for the Super Fund to fully implement its government mandate.

The problem for the public is not just that their NZ Super Fund money is invested in these four companies violating the rights of Palestinian people, but that an even larger amount of money is being invested through their KiwiSaver accounts.

There is a gap between where KiwiSaver fund providers are investing and the preferences of Kiwisaver members. Surveys should that 91% of the New Zealand public want to avoid investments that violate human rights.

There should be no excuse that fund providers did not know about these issues – Mindful Money has informed them of the issues consistently over the past three years.

Yet, shockingly, analysis shows there was an increase in investments into these four companies of more than 12% in six months to September 2025.

Barry Coates, Founder and co-CEO of Mindful Money said: “KiwiSaver fund providers need to abide by basic ethical and human rights standards. They should start listening to the views of their members. There are thousands of other companies they could invest in to earn good financial returns, instead of investing in companies that contribute to the displacement and suffering of vulnerable people.”

Kate Vennell, co-CEO of Mindful Money commented: “In the light of this decision, it is unacceptable that KiwiSaver and retail investment funds should continue to invest in these companies. Surveys show that Kiwis do not want their hard-earned savings invested in companies that violate human rights. There should be no New Zealand investment in the companies that implicitly support the unlawful occupation of Palestinian land or the extensive surveillance systems which limit the freedoms of Palestinian people.”

Members of the public can see the holdings of all KiwiSaver and retail investment funds on www.mindfulmoney.nz. The website is entirely free and easy to use.

Contact:

Barry Coates

Mob: 021 365 165

Email: barry@mindfulmoney.nz