Tanks, torpedoes and tasers: Why weapons are a conundrum for KiwiSavers

You don’t want your retirement savings invested in nuclear bombs, sure. But what about conventional defence equipment that’s also used for essential civilian purposes? This month’s assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and the Australian navy’s evacuation of people escaping bushfires are two very different events, but they highlight the dilemma faced by KiwiSavers wanting … Read more

KiwiSaver numbers are up – but so are fees, and the regulator isn’t happy

The FMA’s annual sense check of KiwiSaver shows New Zealanders continue to embrace the scheme but the fees they’re being charged may not be doing them any favours. Who is the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and what’s this report? The FMA is the government gatekeeper for our financial markets, and it is one of several … Read more

Keeping Up with the KiwiSavers: How the saving scheme can make you rich

It’s entirely possible to save a million dollars in your KiwiSaver account if you start early and follow a few basic rules, writes Martin Hawes. Over the coming years, we are going to have a new breed of millionaire: KiwiSaver millionaires. Who knows, you might be living next door to one. Currently, there are a … Read more

KiwiSaver flagging? Be brave, stand firm

Panicking and changing KiwiSaver funds when the market goes through a bad patch is precisely the wrong thing to do, writes Martin Hawes. Annual KiwiSaver statements are hitting people’s inboxes about now, and there may be a few gasps from those who don’t generally pay much attention to the business news. Thanks to turbulence on … Read more