Funds
MAS Conservative Fund
Issues of concern
The graph below shows the percentage of the fund invested in each of the worst issues of concern to New Zealanders. Below the graph are listed all the companies this fund invests in, by issue of concern.
Key:
- Human Rights Violations
- Environmental Harm
- Animal Cruelty
- Weapons
- Fossil Fuels
- Social Harm
Companies of concern
Human Rights Violations
-
Meta Platforms Inc-Class A 0.15%
Public Safety
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
META PLATFORMS INC-CLASS A Public Safety
Meta is the world’s largest online social network consisting of the Facebook app, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and many features surrounding these products. The company has faced several investigations and legal action linked to privacy-related allegations, including its handling of user data, and breaches of user privacy. Meta has also been criticised for its poor governance model, as well as allowing its platform in non-English speaking countries to be used to incite ethnic violence.
-
Johnson & Johnson 0.11%
Public Safety
Where companies are involved in significant harm to individuals or communities, through the unsafe nature of their products or delivery of services and inadequate response to evidence of harm.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON Public Safety
Johnson & Johnson is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare firm. The company has been involved in repeated incidents related to the quality and safety of several of its products across all three of the company’s business segments — drugs, devices, and consumer products. Several products have been associated with allegations of severe or even fatal adverse impacts on patients.
-
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc 0.09%
Human Rights Abuses
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on human rights and freedoms including customary rights of indigenous people.
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC Human Rights Abuses
Thermo Fisher Scientific sells scientific instruments and laboratory equipment, diagnostics consumables, and life science reagents. Thermo Fisher DNA testing kits have been linked to surveillance and discriminatory purposes by the legal authorities in Xinjiang (a region of China) for monitoring and tracking the Muslim Uyghur ethnic group and other minorities. Evidence shows Thermo Fisher Scientific continues to supply DNA sequencing products to the Xinjiang region, despite the company announcing it would halt sales to the region in 2019.
-
Credit Suisse Group AG 0.08%
Business Ethics
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG Business Ethics
Credit Suisse provides investment banking services. It has faced regulatory and legal actions related to aiding tax evasion, money laundering, corporate espionage, fraud, and breach of trade secrets. It has also been involved in multiple lawsuits related to its governance.
-
Credit Suisse AG London 0.04%
Business Ethics
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
CREDIT SUISSE AG LONDON Business Ethics
Credit Suisse provides investment banking services. It has faced regulatory and legal actions related to aiding tax evasion, money laundering, corporate espionage, fraud, and breach of trade secrets. It has also been involved in multiple lawsuits related to its governance.
-
Wells Fargo & Co 0.03%
Business Ethics
Where low standards of ethics create harm because of poor culture and inappropriate incentives, inadequate governance and oversight, and incidents of bribery and corruption.
-
Caterpillar Inc 0.02%
War & Conflict
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
CATERPILLAR INC War & Conflict
Caterpillar, a manufacturer of heavy equipment, power solutions, and locomotives, has a history of supplying the Israeli military. In 2004, Human Rights Watch reported the use of Caterpillar D9 bulldozers in demolishing over 250 Palestinian homes in Gaza, resulting in Palestinian casualties. Subsequently, in 2017, the Israeli military acquired numerous Caterpillar heavy engineering vehicles through a significant deal. The sale was financed by the United States Government, but the deal itself was between the Israeli military and Caterpillar. Incidents involving Caterpillar equipment causing harm to Palestinians have persisted, with recent instances reported as of 2023.
These occurrences include the use of Caterpillar equipment in demolishing Palestinian homes in illegally occupied territories, constructing illegal settlements and their infrastructure on occupied land, as well as building the Separation Wall in the West Bank and the Gaza border wall. Evidence also suggests Caterpillar’s products have been used by third parties in other conflict-affected areas, including Myanmar and the Western Sahara. Caterpillar's continued supply to these conflict areas raises concerns about its complicity in the misuse of its products. -
Motorola Solutions Inc 0.02%
War & Conflict
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC War & Conflict
Motorola is an American provider of communication products, video equipment, telecommunications equipment, software, systems, and services. Motorola Solutions and its subsidiary, Motorola Israel, have been accused of complicity in human rights violations due to its sale of communication products to the Israeli Ministry of Defence in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are deemed illegal under international law and the United Nations Human Rights Council Report 2023 has identified Motorola as a company providing services supporting the maintenance and existence of these settlements. As of 2023, Motorola is the sole supplier of the 4G cellular network for the Israeli Military and provides their surveillance and security system, which research shows is being used for border surveillance in the occupied Palestinian territories.
-
Uber Technologies Inc 0.02%
Labour Rights Violations
Where the actions of companies have violated global standards on labour rights and freedoms; including poor treatment of workers, child and forced labour, and modern slavery.
UBER TECHNOLOGIES INC Labour Rights Violations
Uber is a ride and food delivery service provider. Evidence shows the company has been prioritising revenue growth over driver welfare and user safety. As Uber considers its drivers to be contractors, this limits their employee rights to the minimum wage and other benefits, meaning drivers and vehicles are not subject to the labour standards expected from traditional taxi companies.
-
Alstom 0.01%
War & Conflict
Where a company is complicit in its products or services enabling violations of the Geneva Convention and infringement of the rights of individuals in war or conflict situations.
-
Meta Platforms Inc-Class A 0.15%
Environmental Harm
-
Energy Transfer Lp 0.06%
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Bayer US Finance Ii Llc 0.02%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
GMOs
Where companies are involved in the development or release of GMO plants and seeds.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
BAYER US FINANCE II LLC Animal Testing GMOs Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Bayer CropScience is a chemicals company engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides and herbicides. Based on the revenue data from fiscal year 2022, Bayer CropScience derived an estimated 75% of its revenue from the production and/or distribution of pesticides, particularly those classified as highly hazardous. The company is also active in plant biotechnology and the development of genetically modified seeds, and states that it tests some of its products on animals.
-
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co 0.01%
Deforestation
Where companies are involved in, or directly linked to through their supply chain, the act of deforestation or clearance of forest that is then converted to a non-forest use.
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
-
Energy Transfer Lp 0.06%
Animal Cruelty
-
Procter & Gamble Co/The 0.06%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vui 0.03%
Animal Welfare Issues
Where companies, through their products or operations, cause harm to animals e.g., animal entertainment (such as marine parks and rodeos), livestock exports, whale meat etc.
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Sherwin-Williams Co/The 0.03%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Bayer US Finance Ii Llc 0.02%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
GMOs
Where companies are involved in the development or release of GMO plants and seeds.
Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Where companies are involved in the production or distribution of highly hazardous pesticides, according to the PAN International List of Highly Hazardous Pesticides.
BAYER US FINANCE II LLC Animal Testing GMOs Highly Hazardous Pesticides
Bayer CropScience is a chemicals company engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides and herbicides. Based on the revenue data from fiscal year 2022, Bayer CropScience derived an estimated 75% of its revenue from the production and/or distribution of pesticides, particularly those classified as highly hazardous. The company is also active in plant biotechnology and the development of genetically modified seeds, and states that it tests some of its products on animals.
-
Church & Dwight Co Inc 0.02%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Colgate-Palmolive Co 0.02%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
L'Oreal 0.02%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
L'OREAL Animal Testing
L'Oréal is a personal care company and cosmetics company concentrating on hair colour, skin care, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law.
-
Novozymes A/S-B Shares 0.02%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Clorox Company 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Estee Lauder Companies-Cl A 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES-CL A Animal Testing
Estee Lauder is a multinational cosmetics company, a manufacturer and marketer of makeup, skincare, fragrance, and hair care products. The company states that its products are sold in countries where animal testing of cosmetic products is required by law.
-
Kimberly-Clark Corp 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
PPG Industries Inc 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Seiko Epson Corp 0.01%
Fur & Speciality Leather
Where companies are involved in the production or retail of fur & speciality leather products (where animals are raised purely for skins).
-
Unilever PLC 0.01%
Animal Testing
Where companies are involved in testing products on animals for cosmetic, personal care, household product, chemical and other uses. We do not include companies which conduct animal testing for pharmaceutical products, medical devices, biotechnology, human food, or pet food.
-
Procter & Gamble Co/The 0.06%
Weapons
-
Walmart Inc 0.04%
Firearms
Where companies are involved in the manufacturing or retail of firearms, including guns, rifles, pistols, or components or services thereof.
WALMART INC Firearms
Walmart is the USA’s largest retailer by sales, selling a variety of general merchandise and grocery items. Walmart retails shotguns, pistols and ammunition at some of its stores in the USA, as well as components for firearms such as scopes. Walmart are currently working to improve their weapon-realted controls.
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Transdigm Group Inc 0.02%
Military Weapons
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
-
Amphenol Corp-Cl A 0.01%
Military Weapons
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
-
Booz Allen Hamilton Holdings 0.01%
Military Weapons
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
-
Mtu Aero Engines AG 0.01%
Military Weapons
Where companies derive revenue from the manufacturing of weapons or weapon components and services to the defence industry. We do not include non-weapons-related military support.
-
Walmart Inc 0.04%
Fossil Fuels
-
Sumitomo Corp. 0.07%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Energy Transfer Lp 0.06%
Environmental Damage
Where companies, through their products or operations, are involved in environmental degradation e.g., pollution, chemical spills.
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Cassa Depositi E Prestit 0.05%
Fossil Fuel Production
Where companies are involved in the production of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal, shale oil) including exploration, production (including core services), storage, transport (except by rail) and refining.
-
Fairfax Finl Hldgs Ltd 0.03%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
-
Verbund AG 0.02%
1.5°C
This company is on a 1.5°C pathway
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
VERBUND AG Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Verbund is an Austrian electricity and natural gas company that generates 96% of its electricity from renewable sources. The company generates electricity through hydro-electric, solar, nuclear, natural gas and wind power generators, and also operates a coal power plant. The company ceased coal generation in 2020, however the Austrian government required the company to reopen the plant due to Austria facing energy shortages. Verbund also intends to improve the sustainability of its natural gas supply by converting to green hydrogen, which it plans to power from its sizeable hydroelectric capacity. Therefore, the company is considered to be on a climate change pathway aligned with 1.5°C of global temperature rise.
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Constellation Energy 0.01%
Fossil Fuel Power Generation
Where companies source their power generation from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal) to generate electricity.
-
Sumitomo Corp. 0.07%
This data is compiled by Mindful Money from the fund information and portfolios
that each KiwiSaver fund has
filed with the Disclose register to 30th Sept. 2023 and Mindful Money
analysis of funds within those portfolios. The list of companies of concern has
been drawn from ratings agencies and public sources, including the Norwegian
Sovereign Fund, NZ Super Fund, Sustainalytics and research organisations.
Please note that companies may breach more than one of these areas of
concern.
The listing of companies of concern is based on definitions used in Mindful Money's
methodology. These definitions may
be different from the exclusions policy and definitions applied by the fund provider.
Mindful Money uses the term Mindful Funds as our standard
for ethical investment and responsible investment. This does not imply that
other funds are unethical or that the fund providers that do not meet these
standards are unethical providers.
About this fund
In their own words
The Conservative Fund invests mainly in income assets with a modest allocation to growth assets. The Fund aims to preserve capital while providing a steady return over the short to medium term. It is suitable for investors who want to take a more cautious approach and accept a smaller amount of investment risk to potentially achieve a more stable return.
MAS is a membership-based insurance and investment company for New Zealand professionals. As a mutual society, our customers become Members. We're owned by our Members so we don't have to generate big profits for external shareholders. And because MAS advisers are paid a salary with no commissions, you can be sure we have your best interest at heart. We were founded by doctors for doctors in 1921, and now more than 80% of the medical profession insure with MAS. Today we welcome all professionals along with their friends and families. If you'd like to discuss insurance, investments or lending, we'd love to talk.
| Value | $75.7M NZD |
| Period of data report | 31st Dec. 2023 |
| Members | 1,849 |
| Fund started | 1st Oct. 2007 |
| Total annual fund fees | 0.99% |
| Total performance based fees | 0.0% |
| Manager's basic fee | 0.8% |
| Other management and administration charges | 0.19% |
| Total other charges | 0.0 |
| Total other charges currency | NZD |
Key Personnel
|
Bruce Robertson |
Currently: Portfolio manager, JBWere (26 years, 9 months) |
|
Tom Phillips |
Currently: Portfolio manager, JBWere (19 years, 4 months) |
|
Earl White |
Currently: Executive Advisor, Bancorp Treasury (20 years, 11 months) |
|
Phil Borkin |
Currently: Senior Strategist, JBWere (4 years, 0 months) |
|
Hayden Griffiths |
Currently: Head of Asset allocation, JBWere (27 years, 8 months) |
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st Dec. 2023.
Past Returns
Past annual returns for this fund are after fees and taxes. Please note that higher past returns do not always mean higher future returns.
| Year | Market Average | Fund Annual Return |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | -1.85% | -2.55% |
| 2022 | -0.58% | -1.4% |
| 2021 | 8.94% | 9.13% |
| 2020 | 0.45% | 0.84% |
| 2019 | 4.19% | 3.27% |
| 2018 | 3.58% | 3.62% |
| 2017 | 4.10% | 4.6% |
| 2016 | 3.52% | 1.81% |
| 2015 | 8.10% | 9.03% |
| 2014 | 3.88% | 3.68% |
The market average is the average return for funds of the same risk category, sourced from the Commission for Financial Capability's Sorted website. The fund information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st Dec. 2023.
Top 10 Investments
-
Hunter Global Fixed Interest Fund
New Zealand Int Fixed Interest44.37% -
Jbwere Premium Custody Call Account - NZD
New Zealand Cash and Equivalents7.57% -
Bank Of New Zealand 4.985% 07/06/2027
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AA-3.07% -
Kiwibank 5.737% 19/10/2027
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest A11.97% -
Westpac New Zealand 3.696% 16/02/27
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest A-1.8% -
Chorus Limited 4.35% 06/12/2028
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest BBB1.66% -
Kiwibank 6.254% 19/10/2028
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest A11.63% -
Auckland International Airport 6.22% 02/11/2029
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest A-1.33% -
New Zealand Government 1.5% 15/05/2031
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest AAA1.27% -
Westpac New Zealand 6.73% 14/02/2034
New Zealand NZ Fixed Interest A-1.2%
| Type | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | 10.0% | 11.31% |
| New Zealand Fixed Interest | 25.0% | 25.28% |
| International Fixed Interest | 45.0% | 44.37% |
| Australasian Equities | 6.0% | 6.15% |
| International Equities | 14.0% | 12.89% |
| Listed Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Unlisted Properties | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Other | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Commodities | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Investment Mix
How the money in this fund is invested against the fund's targets.
Target
Actual
This information has been sourced from the quarterly data that each KiwiSaver fund has filed with Disclose register to 31st Dec. 2023.