The 6^th annual RIAA Responsible Investment Conference was held at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland on Tuesday 17^th November 2015. The Conference provided our largest and most diverse audience yet the opportunity to listen to an array of speakers discuss a number of key and relevant issues on responsible investing.

The briefing kicked off with an update from RIAA CEO Simon O’Connor providing comment on increased public awareness of responsible investing, on growth and trends locally and around the world, and some new initiatives from RIAA including enhancement to the certification process. Fraser Whineray, CEO of NZX listed Mighty River Power then discussed how his business is embracing ESG and sustainability, and his vision for home electricity to be the transport power of the future.

After morning tea, Adam Kirkman of AMP Capital, and Michael Salvatico of MSCI ESG discussed the impact and importance of responsible investing for fixed income investors, and provided some practical approaches and examples of risks and ways to invest in this asset area through incorporation of ESG strategies. This was followed by a panel discussion on the future of RI in New Zealand. Featuring David Beattie, CIO of Grosvenor Financial Services, Rebekah Swan, Head of Distribution of AMP Capital, Peter Lee, Financial Adviser, and Clive Pedley, founder of Giving Architects, the panel gave their views on why RI is important, and some of the key challenges and opportunities for RI in New Zealand.

After lunch, Dr Matthew Kiernan, founder and Chief Executive of Inflection Point Capital, discussed the approaching Paris Climate Change Conference and its chances of success, and provided some thoughts on investing in a low carbon economy. Matt Whineray, CIO of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, introduced the Fund’s approach to responsible investing with a focus on the private markets, and provided some examples and experiences of their investments in this area.

In our final session, Anne-Maree O’Connor from the NZ Superannuation Fund and Paul Glass from Devon Funds discussed global trends in corporate governance and stewardship. This covered recent developments and progress from a New Zealand perspective, including the Corporate Governance Forum. Our final keynote speaker was Martin Skancke, Chair of the UNPRI. Martin discussed the Paris Climate Change Conference, investing in a carbon challenged world and developments at the UNPRI.

The organisers are indebted to the support of our sponsors, AMP Capital, Hunter Hall Investment Management, the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, MSCI ESG, Pathfinder and Wellington Management.

We are pleased to provide you with links to (some of) the presentations from the conference…

Trends and Growth in RI – Simon O’ Connor, CEO, RIAA

Responsible Investing and Fixed Income – Adam Kirkman, AMP Capital

Responsible Investing and Fixed Income – Michael Salvatico, MSCI ESG

Responsible Investing and Private Markets – Matthew Whineray, CIO, The New Zealand Superannuation Fund

Corporate Governance in NZ – Anne-Maree O’Connor, The New Zealand Superannuation Fund and Paul Glass, Executive Director, Devon Funds

PLEASE NOTE – Copies of these presentations are provided strictly for your information only. They are not to be used for any purpose unless with the express authorisation of the presenters themselves.

Martin Skancke – Chair of PRI

Martin until recently headed up the Norwegian Ministry of Finance Asset Management Department, which is responsible for the Government Pension Fund, Martin will be talking about the next steps for RI, the decision of the Norwegian Pension Fund to respond to fossil fuel and climate risk, the role of government policy in long term investment and the role of ethics in investments.

Fraser Whineray – CEO of Mighty River Power

Fraser is the CEO of NZX listed Mighty River Power, one of New Zealand’s largest electricity companies, supplying 1 in 5 NZ homes and businesses, with 95% of its generation capacity from renewable sources.

Matt Whineray – CIO, NZ Super Fund

Matt is NZ Super’s Chief Investment Officer. Matt has a critical role in directing the asset allocation of the nearly $30 bill fund, overseeing the team of 35 investment professionals as well as the fund’s responsible investment approach.