Organisations challenge the NZ Super Fund

27 Oct 2016 10:15 AM | Deleted user

Today eleven organisations in New Zealand called for the New Zealand Super Fund to fully divest from fossil fuels. The organisations signed an open letter after the NZSF announced its climate change-focused investment policies last week. It urges the New Zealand Super Fund to make their climate change response unequivocal and withdraw all their investments from the coal, oil and gas projects that are driving climate change.


"While the NZSF have made a step in the right direction, with the knowledge we have today, it is no longer possible to claim to be a responsible investor without also fully divesting from fossil fuels," said Niamh O’Flynn, Executive Director of 350 Aotearoa.


The organisations involved represent a range of organisations championing different issues that are affected by climate change, including unions, faith groups, environmental, social justice, and development organisations.


Last week the NZ Super Fund stated that they would not exclude the fossil fuel industry from their portfolio because "blanket exclusions rule out the possibility of engaging with firms in the sector that may be able to transition, and may have a role to play in transitioning to a low-carbon economy."


The letter focuses on the inadequacy of shareholder engagement as a tactic, stating "engagement does not work with a company whose primary source of profit is fossil fuels since they rely on that industry to continue existing."


"It’s a moral issue. Climate change is the greatest challenge of our times. New Zealanders wouldn’t be satisfied for our Super Fund to be invested in, and engaging with, some nuclear weapon manufacturers. So why would we settle for only a partial divestment from fossil fuels?"


The letter can be viewed at http://350.org.nz/organisations-challenge-nz-super-fund-open-letter/ The signing organisations are: 

  • 350 Aotearoa
  • Oxfam New Zealand
  • The New Zealand Public Service Association
  • Greenpeace New Zealand
  • World Wildlife Fund NZ
  • 1222 members of Action Station
  • Health Sector Workers Network
  • Unite Union
  • Coal Action Network Aotearoa
  • Auckland Diocesan Climate Change Action Group
  • Anglican Diocese of Wellington

This Media Release was originally sourced from Voxy


Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

--- ends ---

For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE

E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand

E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia

                    
        


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software