KiwiSaver Considerations for Ethical/ESG Investors
Some investors want their KiwiSaver investments to align with their values by avoiding certain industries or actively investing in companies with positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Several providers now offer funds with ethical screening or ESG focus.
Last reviewed: July 2026
General Information Only: This page provides factual data for comparison purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary.Read our disclosure
Key Considerations for Ethical Investors
- •ESG = Environmental, Social, Governance criteria
- •Exclusions vary - some funds exclude fossil fuels, weapons, tobacco, gambling
- •Some funds actively seek positive-impact investments
- •Performance can be comparable to non-ESG funds
- •Check each provider's specific exclusion criteria
- •Simplicity, Pathfinder, Generate are among providers with ethical options
Fund Types Commonly Considered
Ethical Investors often consider funds with risk indicators of 4, 5, 6 (on the 1-7 scale). Common fund types include: Balanced, Growth.
Note: Fund type selection depends entirely on individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. This is general information only.
Funds in Relevant Risk Categories
Example funds with risk indicators of 4, 5, 6 - for information only
| Fund Name | 5Y Return | Fees | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Balanced Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Growth Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Equity Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Glidepath Age 25 fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
About “N/A” in return figures: it means no figure is held, not a return of zero. Of the 6 funds listed, 0 have a 5-year average return. Figures are drawn from fund disclosures on the FMA Disclose register, chiefly quarterly fund updates. Each fund shows the most recent figure held; the latest quarter broadly covered across all funds is March 2026. A fund too new to report a period has no figure for it; other gaps are figures not yet captured from the updates ingested so far.
This is not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which KiwiSaver providers offer ethical funds?
Several providers offer ethical/ESG options including Simplicity (excludes fossil fuels, weapons, tobacco), Pathfinder (positive impact focus), Generate (responsible investment), and Kernel (ESG tilted options).
Do ethical funds perform worse than regular funds?
Not necessarily. Studies show ESG funds can perform comparably to non-ESG funds. Some research suggests ESG factors may indicate better-managed companies.
What do ethical funds exclude?
Common exclusions include fossil fuels, weapons manufacturers, tobacco, gambling, and companies with poor labour practices. Each provider has different criteria.
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Important Information
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP).
We do not assess suitability, make recommendations, or provide personalised advice. The information shown is sourced from publicly available data and may not reflect current offerings. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Investment returns can be negative, and you may receive back less than you invested.
Before making any decisions: Always verify current information directly with the relevant KiwiSaver provider and read their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Need personalised advice? Consult a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Find advisers at fma.govt.nz
Compare every fund on the FMA Disclose register. Refreshed quarterly. Independent — FundCompare is not a Financial Advice Provider; general information only.
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Investing involves risk. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
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