Rāta Foundation makes a new appointment to its Investment Committee
Investment Approach
An ethical and responsible investor
Investing as an ethical and highly responsible investor
At Rātā we use our strategic advantages and investment beliefs to guide our investment approach.
We have a unique combination of advantages that contribute to the effective management of our investment portfolio.
Managing our investments
We use the following approaches
Having a solid understanding of, and influence over, the investments we make and fund managers we partner with.
Using active and passive fund management approaches on a by-asset class basis. When deciding on an approach, we will consider data that validates which approach creates the most value over time. If choosing an active approach, we will be clear on how the manager appointed will deliver on creating this value.
Closely observing the performance of our investment strategy and fund managers over the long term while also recognising the importance of short-term monitoring for staying informed.
Appointing Investment Advisors to assist in the design and implementation of the investment strategy and policies.
Having sufficient capability and capacity to govern and manage the investments we make including using independent Investment Committee members to provide continuity and to supplement Trustee expertise.
Acting as effective fiduciaries and recognising that fiduciary responsibility does not end with maximising return and minimising risk.
Sharing our story to encourage our managers to improve their cultural capability.
More about investments
Investment Beliefs
Our beliefs are shaped by our history, purpose and commitment as investors. Rātā seeks out opportunities that create positive social impact and contribute to the wellbeing of communities.
Tiakitanga – Invest with an intergenerational mindset, focusing on achieving collective good ahead of the individual benefit for the long-term.
Whanaungatanga – place relationships at the centre of the work we do and engage regularly on investments – kanohi ki kanohi (face to face).
Manaakitanga – Show respect for the indigenous investment knowledge, capability and skill of iwi and the contribution to developing our thinking. Weaving in the concept of reciprocity, recognising our responsibilities to contribute back to the communities we serve and those that we partner with.
Whakapapa – discover and acknowledge our origin. Focus on investments that preserve resources and create a legacy for future generations.
Tikanga – Align investment decisions with the ethical and sustainable practices that respect our community and Māori values and customs.
Kotahitanga – be open to partnering to support our partner’s financial investment strategies and find joint investment opportunities that fit our collective investment needs.
Investment
Philosophy
We believe it is essential to harmonise philanthropic mission and endowment management.
Applying the understanding and knowledge gained from our relationship with Māori to our investment philosophy is more likely to achieve our purpose of looking after people and the planet while creating value and growing capital over the long term.
Being highly ethical investors, integrating ESG considerations into our investment decision-making processes and taking a wide lens, including where practicable indigenous perspectives, of the impact of our investments.
Using our strategic advantages to invest will allow us to improve our long-term risk-adjusted returns and better align with our beliefs.
Generating measurable positive social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.
Knowing both the investments we make and the partners we invest with.
Continuing to learn and evolve our thinking and be pragmatic in achieving our objectives.
Latest News & Views
Rātā community loans provide flexibility
We provide community loans to community organisations, which provide access to financing for capital projects that will bring about equitable and sustainable outcomes.
View from the Chief Executive
I am excited to unveil our newly launched investment-focused website with you.
Changing the way conservation is done in Aotearoa
The Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance (KMTT) is changing the way conservation is done in New Zealand through an innovative collaboration between iwi, central and local government working across 3.4 million hectares of land and ocean in Te Tau Ihu.
Fourteen new affordable housing rentals units in Christchurch Central
Oxford Terrace Baptist Church (OTBC) housing development adds fourteen affordable rental units with wrap around support. This ensures people will get the right support when they need it.
A new era of mana Motuhake for Te Āwhina marae
Motueka based marae, Te Awhina are preparing for the opening of a million-dollar development that will see 20 whānau moving into new pāpākāinga housing, making a return to their whenua.
First purpose-built Youth Hub in Aotearoa
The stage one construction of Aotearoa's first purpose-built Youth Hub was significantly boosted with a $500,000 grant from the Rātā Foundation.
Blenheim Gains More Affordable Rental Homes
Blenheim has gained more affordable rental homes with the Marlborough Sustainable Housing Trust’s housing project on Hutcheson Street. A $1.8m community loan from the Rātā Foundations provided cornerstone funding for the project.
Fourteen new homes support housing affordability In Nelson
The Habitat for Humanity Nelson housing development in Stoke, Nelson, has provided immediate, affordable, and secure tenure to fourteen families needing housing.
Rātā achieves 12.8% return
Amidst a moving feast of geopolitical tensions and volatility, Rātā Foundation demonstrated resilience, achieving a gross return of 12.8 % in the year ending 31 March 2024, clearing the benchmark of 11.2%.