NZ Super Fund

We farewell Hishaam Mirza after 14 years with the Guardians.   During his time with us, Hishaam has played a pivotal role in shaping our private markets investment programme. Most recently, he led the Direct Investments team, responsible for the origination, execution, and management of the Guardians’ interests in a range of major private companies and projects, both in New Zealand and abroad. Hishaam has been central to the strategy, structuring, and governance of some of our most enduring and successful investments across energy transition, technology, real estate, healthcare, and infrastructure. He has also built a global network of institutional investor relationships—including with key domestic partners, executive teams, and boards—that have added significant value to the NZ Super Fund. Many of these relationships have sparked new investment opportunities in New Zealand, which the Guardians will continue to pursue. He will also continue to represent the Guardians on the Board of Datacom. We thank Hishaam for his leadership, expertise, and commitment over the years, and we wish him every success in the next chapter.   Haere rā, e hoa. Whānau tonu koe.

We want you (or someone you know)! Very excited to be adding an NZ based role to the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) whānau. This role will be key in supporting the work of the Impact Investing Network as it becomes part of RIAA's program, and also help with the other key mahi across various working groups. If you can work independently, have secretariate and project co-ordination skills and want to join a great team of passionate people then take a look. https://lnkd.in/gY2-j5DD

As always, some excellent reading in the latest Investment Bulletin from the University of Auckland Investment Club (including a conversation with University of Auckland alumna and NZ Super Fund senior investment strategist Barbara Salazar, CFA - see page 12).

Congratulations to former Chair Catherine Savage and current Board member Hinerangi Raumati, newly inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame. Ka rawe kōrua.

Congratulations to our former Chair Catherine Savage on her induction into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame! Catherine's citation read: "Catherine Savage is a distinguished business leader with over 30 years’ experience spanning public and private sectors across Asia Pacific. Former Managing Director of AMP Capital and long-serving Chair of NZ Super Fund, she currently holds directorships with NZ Rugby, Beca, and global organisations including the Pacific Pension & Investment Institute (PPI). Known for her integrity and quiet influence, Catherine actively champions women in leadership and community causes. Through Savage Group and personal philanthropy, she uplifts others and advances inclusive, values-led governance in Aotearoa and beyond." He tohu whakamīharo tēnei, e whakanui ana i āu mahi wahine rangatira!

After 15 years at the Guardians, we bid farewell to Del Hart, our Head of External Investments and Partnerships. Del has been a driving force behind the enduring partnerships we have established with some of the world’s leading investment managers, and a strong advocate for the importance of sustainable investment and its critical role in long-term value creation. As a long standing member of the Investment Committee, and with roles spanning both listed and unlisted investments, Del has significantly contributed to the NZ Super Fund’s success. Del earned the respect of colleagues through a values-driven leadership approach, a commitment to driving investment excellence and an unwavering focus on the enterprise’s best interests. We wish her well for the future! Haere rā, e hoa. Mā te wā.

How does NZ Super Fund harness the role of data analytics in machine learning, strategy testing, sustainability, and digital transformation? Data scientist Anastasia Moskvina shares the innovative approach taken by the New Zealand #sovereign fund, at this year's 11th annual [i3] Global Investment Strategy Forum https://lnkd.in/gmYteASh Kathryn A Kerner

We’re thrilled to announce that Stephanie Brough has been named the 2025 recipient of the NZ Super Fund Sustainable Finance Scholarship. Valued at $8,000, this scholarship supports students who are passionate about sustainable finance and enrolled in either FINC320 Sustainable Investing or the Sustainable Finance minor at the University of Otago. Stephanie shared that receiving this scholarship has made a huge difference in her journey – not by changing her direction, but by making it more accessible. “It’s enabled me to invest more in my learning, take up opportunities I might’ve otherwise had to turn down, and reminded me that there are people and organisations who share this vision and believe in students like me.” Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere. Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao. | The bird who feeds on miro berry has the forest. The bird who feeds on knowledge has the world.  Nōu te ao, Stephanie Brough

We’re pretty proud of our line up of alumni (and our current team too for that matter!) A great reminder that investing in people is just as important as investing in portfolios. Ka rawe, Teik Heng Tan

A thoughtful piece from Jo Kelly CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua in Farmers Weekly NZ, on why a sustainable finance taxonomy matters for New Zealand. As a long-term investor with a diverse portfolio, we support the proposed Taxonomy’s potential to bring greater clarity, consistency, and integrity to New Zealand’s financial system. Taxonomies establish clear and credible terminology and parameters for stakeholders looking to direct capital towards activities with specific environmental objectives, such as climate change mitigation or adaptation. They do not set government policy or seek to restrict what can be financed. We shared our views on the proposed Taxonomy as part of the public consultation process. You can read our submission on our website here: https://lnkd.in/gBAETjSw