Overview

The Survey of Aotearoa New Zealand Investors: Climate Policies and Actions is a benchmark series produced through a collaboration between the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), the Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua (CSF), and Mindful Money. This report represents the fifth iteration in a series of voluntary annual surveys monitoring the investor population across New Zealand. It provides an aggregated analysis of the current state of climate-related investment practices, focusing on how financial institutions are identifying, measuring, and managing climate-related risks and opportunities within their portfolios. The analysis incorporates data from 14 market participants, including asset owners, asset and fund managers, and wealth managers, representing over NZD 200 billion in global assets under management.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this benchmark series is to provide regular progress updates on the integration of climate considerations into the New Zealand investment landscape. It is designed to promote transparency and accountability among financial institutions regarding their net zero pledges and climate strategies. By documenting the shift towards embedding climate-related risks into financial decision-making, the report seeks to inform both industry participants and policymakers about the barriers and drivers affecting climate-aligned investment. Furthermore, it aims to highlight areas where collective action is required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and to assist investors in navigating the evolving regulatory environment in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methodology

The analysis is based on data collected through a voluntary survey conducted between October 2025 and February 2026. The research was coordinated by IGCC and undertaken by Lonergan Research as part of a broader comparable survey effort spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. To facilitate trend analysis, the survey questions remained largely identical to those used in previous years. The methodology covers several key pillars:

• Governance: Board-level awareness and defined climate roles.
• Reporting: Alignment with TCFD and ISSB standards.
• Scenario Analysis: Use of warming scenarios (1.5°C, 2°C, and 3°C) to assess portfolio resilience.
• Physical Risk Assessments: Evaluation of acute and chronic risks across asset classes.
• Emissions Measurement: Tracking Scope 1, 2, and 3 financed emissions.

The report focuses on aggregated results rather than disaggregated data to provide a comprehensive view of the domestic market.

Use for finance professionals

Finance professionals can utilise this report to benchmark their own climate strategies and disclosure practices against broader industry trends in Aotearoa New Zealand. It provides detailed insights into the most common drivers for climate-related investing, such as fiduciary duty and regulatory requirements, as well as the primary barriers, including policy uncertainty and the lack of appropriate risk-return objectives. Investment teams can use the findings on scenario analysis and physical risk assessments to enhance their own risk management frameworks. Additionally, the report identifies emerging investment opportunities in climate solutions, particularly within renewable energy generation, storage, and transmission, helping asset managers and wealth advisors align their portfolios with client demand for reduced climate footprints and improved stewardship practices.