This research report was prepared by The Connective for Philanthropy New Zealand (PNZ) and funded by WEL Energy Trust, and can be accessed here.
The purpose of this research was to inform investors and philanthropic organisations about impact investing.
There is a focus on the cross-sector partnerships and collaborations initiated by the philanthropic sector with the following case studies: Soul Capital's Awhi Fund, Impact Enterprise Fund, New Zealand Housing Foundation, Te Pai Roa Tika o Te Taitokerau.
Alastair Rhodes, PNZ’s representative on the NZ NAB, highlights the importance of this research, "This research shows the philanthropy sector leading system changes and collaborations to improve inclusiveness in Aotearoa New Zealand through impact investment".
The research was led by Jo Kelly and Rangimarie Price from the Connective, experienced in tikanga-led approaches to investment.
Jo Kelly said, “We believe philanthropic investors have a responsibility to invest for a just and equitable economic system. Any investor who applies the principles of Te Ao Māori will uphold the mana of all the communities in which they invest. For us, there is no other way to look at this research than through this lens”.
The research covers the themes:
Te Ao Māori perspectives taking into consideration intergenerational thinking and interconnectedness of communities. These perspectives broaden the investment context through defining ‘return’ on investment and ‘impact’ that is contextually relevant for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Philanthropic investors and foundations are early adopters and enablers that are building the market for impact investing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Trust-based partnerships are crucial to successful impact investing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A need for investors to increase cultural capability and foster strong partnerships with Māori to improve investment outcomes.
Investors are supporting ventures with capability building and learning by doing.
Impact measurement and management is complex but necessary.
Factors to continue growing the scale of the impact investing market.
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