Our investment strategy is to prudently preserve and grow the real value of our capital, for current and future generations. We also seek to maintain a sustainable granting programme that meets our donors' long-term wishes and goals.

We believe our guiding investment principles provide a solid foundation for investment success:

• Protecting and growing the real value of our endowments in investment;
• Consideration of ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors in all investment decisions;
• Prudent investment management that follows best practice as a fiduciary.

Auckland Foundation therefore takes a long-term investment approach. We have 2 Fund Management options detailed below and we have a Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (SIPO) that outlines the terms of investment. This is periodically reviewed, along with the performance of the Fund Managers.

Our investment funds are available to all of our donors who have established a sub fund with Auckland Foundation.

Harbour Asset Management

Harbour Asset Management was founded in 2009 and is one of New Zealand’s most highly rated fund managers. Their investment philosophy is focused on achieving consistency of returns by combining research and analysis with the skills and knowledge of their experienced and proven team. Integrating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles into their investment processes is important and Harbour were early signatories to the UN Principles of Responsible Investment. Harbour Asset Management is the manager of choice for a large number of institutional investors and Kiwisaver funds.

Simplicity NZ Ltd.

Simplicity is a non-profit fund manager owned by the Simplicity Charitable Trust. It specialises in offering low cost passive investment funds which follow market indices for the chosen asset allocation. Simplicity is also an ethical investor which takes into account the principles of the UN Global Compact in its investment decisions. Simplicity provides a very cost-effective option, particularly for Auckland Foundation’s smaller funds. Simplicity's management fee for Auckland Foundation funds is 0.25% p.a.

Using an alternative investment manager.

Some donors may want to establish a sub-fund with Auckland Foundation but prefer to manage the investments with an investment manager of their own choosing, particularly during their own lifetime.

We are happy to accommodate this by continuing to provide an efficient vehicle to manage the philanthropic needs of the donor.*

As all funds are endowed to Auckland Foundation, we will be responsible for establishing an account with the chosen investment manager. Donors who choose to exercise this option can recommend both an investment manager and investment policy for their sub-fund.

*Use of alternative investment managers are subject to Auckland Foundation terms and conditions, and Board approval. 

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