Overview
Whai Rawa Fund Limited (“WRFL”) as Manager of the Whai Rawa Unit Trust (“WRUT”) offers three socially responsible funds to Whai Rawa members. The WRUT’s funds are invested in the Mercer Investment Trusts New Zealand Socially Responsible Conservative, Socially Responsible Balanced, and Socially Responsible Growth portfolios. Each of these portfolios are managed by Mercer (N.Z) Limited (“Mercer”) as the underlying fund manager for the WRUT.
WRFL has adopted the following Responsible Investment Policy.
The key components of the policy are:
- Sustainable Investment
- Ethical Exclusions
- Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting
WRFL believes a sustainable investment approach is more likely to create and preserve long-term investment capital. As an investor in New Zealand and international markets, WRFL believes that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors can have a material impact on long term risk and return outcomes. Further, WRFL believes that principles of active ownership and investment stewardship are of value in the investment process.
WRFL believes that the principles above can be applied across asset classes. In determining its policy, WRFL has taken into consideration Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu (“TRoNT’s”) Investment Charter.
WRFL has elected to invest in the Mercer Investment Trusts New Zealand Socially Responsible Conservative, Balanced and Growth portfolios, where ESG factors are incorporated in decision making and ownership practices. WRFL will take into consideration the extent to which those portfolios are consistent with the above and the overarching principles of TRoNT’s Investment Charter. Those principles involve considering the extent to which investments are consistent with Ngāi Tahu values and do not undermine:
- Environmental stewardship;
- Consumer protection;
- Human rights; or
- Racial or gender diversity.
Mercer must invest the WRUT funds in accordance with the Responsible Investment Policy set out in the WRFL Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (“SIPO”). Please refer to www.whairawa.com/documents/ for the current SIPO.