Commentary on the 2024 September quarter by Russell Investments, UniSaver’s investment consultant and manager.

UniSaver investment options already have a reduced exposure to carbon and an increased exposure to renewables relative to benchmark due to an allocation to the Russell Investments Sustainable Global Shares Fund (read more here [external link]). We aim to introduce a new investment option on 1 May 2025 that takes this a step further. The new option – called Growth (Lower Carbon) – would be invested 80% in an equity fund that, relative to the fund index, targets a reduction in carbon exposure, an increase in exposure to renewable energy and the exclusion of companies with fossil fuel reserves or a significant involvement in fossil fuel activities. The remaining 20% would be invested in global bonds.

Thank you to the many members who took time to respond to our recent survey. The response rate was a shade under 20% (or around 2,400 members). Results indicate a high level of trust in the scheme and that the benefits of membership are clear and easy to understand. Around 60% of members indicated they are at least reasonably satisfied with returns. This is on par with satisfaction with returns from KiwiSaver for members who belong to both schemes. One thing that came through clearly in the comments is that members would appreciate more help with saving for and managing their money in retirement, including one-on-one advice. The Mary Holm sessions have been popular and we hope have helped to build members’ knowledge and confidence in managing their investments and planning for retirement. However, we have noted the interest in individual advice and additional tools and resources and will consider this as part of our strategic planning. There were lots of other suggestions for improvements to the scheme, which we will work through.

The last payment date for benefits for 2024 will be Friday 13 December. You need to factor that in if you’re planning to withdraw money towards a deposit for a first home or for any other reason. For a pre-Christmas payment, Mercer needs to receive the completed form from you (or HR/Payroll in the case of leaving service payments) by Friday 6 December. Investment changes requested and regular payments for retained members will be processed as usual. The helpline will also operate as usual over the holiday period.

The latest economic data indicates a soft landing for the US economy is likely, but as Oasis declared in the title of their 1994 debut album, it’s definitely maybe. This is because, although inflation is declining, wage growth is moderating and labour market pressures are cooling, recession risks still appear more elevated than normal due to potential lags in the impacts of the Fed’s 2022/23 rate-hiking campaign.

If you’ve chosen to invest in UniSteps and you’re aged between 45 and 69, your investment mix will change on 1 November. You’ll remember that, with UniSteps, the mix of growth and income assets changes automatically as you get older. Up until age 45, your savings are invested in approximately 80% growth assets. From then, the percentage of growth assets is reduced gradually to approximately 20% from age 69. The investment mix changes on 1 November each year, not on your birthday or the anniversary of the date you joined UniSaver.

It is impossible not to be moved by footage out of Gaza in recent months. As each of us hopes a lasting ceasefire can be brokered soon, some members are asking what could or should UniSaver be doing to promote peace in the Middle East and other international conflict zones. This article looks at our approach to such issues of responsible investment within the context of our overall fiduciary duty to optimise returns on members’ funds. Pānui ētahi anō / read more

It's been widely reported in the New Zealand media that cost of living pressures have seen a rise in the number of significant financial hardship applications from KiwiSaver members. We’ve noticed a similar trend.

From age 65, you can withdraw some or all of your savings in the standard and locked sections of UniSaver. Here are your options.

We will pay your benefit to your legal personal representative(s) if you die while you are an active member of UniSaver or while you are entitled to a deferred benefit from the scheme.

Your benefit is not paid automatically when you leave work. You need to fill in form12 leaving form [PDF, 149 KB] in order to access your savings.