New Zealand is more than just a market to us; it's our home. It is a market we understand and value, and one in which we have some advantages over other investors.
Why we stand out
- Local and Crown-owned: Our roots are firmly planted in New Zealand.
- Significant presence: We're one of the largest institutional investors in New Zealand.
- Long investment horizon: Our investment horizon allows us to invest in assets that may be hard to sell quickly, in order to achieve higher returns over time.
Our investment portfolio
Over the years, we've grown to become a key player in New Zealand's capital markets.
Our $8.4 billion New Zealand investment portfolio (as at 31 December 2024) makes up 11% of our total investments under management.
New Zealand investments include:
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More than $3 billion invested in NZX-listed companies.
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Large direct investments in privately-held companies including Kaingaroa Timberlands, Fidelity Life, NZ Gourmet and Datacom.
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Investments in growth capital funds, agriculture and horticulture, property developments, and social infrastructure through external managers.
Ministerial directive
Our journey in direct investment began in 2006 with a stake in Kaingaroa Timberlands that is today the Fund’s single largest investment. In May 2009, we received a letter from then Minister of Finance, Bill English, in which he directed the Guardians to identify and consider opportunities to increase the allocation to New Zealand assets in the Fund. Importantly, the directive was not intended to be inconsistent with our duty to invest the Fund in a prudent and commercial manner.
Following this directive, we undertook a review of domestic investment opportunities, which identified the potential to invest further into New Zealand outside traditional listed markets.