KiwiSaver funds split between clean energy leaders and $11.1bn in companies of concern

Mindful Money’s analysis of 417 KiwiSaver funds covering holdings up to March 2026 traced about $143 billion of retirement savings. The report shows a growing share of assets backing clean‑energy leaders, with the five largest KiwiSaver recipients being New Zealand companies Contact Energy, Meridian Energy, Mercury Energy, Kāinga Ora and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

At the same time, $11.1 billion – roughly 7.8 % of the total KiwiSaver pool – is invested in firms linked to fossil‑fuel expansion, human‑rights violations, environmental damage and nuclear‑weapons production. Co‑CEO Barry Coates said, “The public have little trust in the claims of ethical, ESG or responsible investment practices by their KiwiSaver providers. This report adds up investments across all of the KiwiSaver funds and finds the public are justified in being sceptical about the claims.” He added, “Our retirement savings can make a huge contribution towards responding to our urgent challenges.”