1984-1986 - Before the 1980s, trustee banks in New Zealand were typically owned by  the government or operated as government-owned entities.  In 1984, Canterbury Savings Bank changed names to Trustee Bank Canterbury and then Trust Bank Canterbury in 1986.  Trust Bank Canterbury was one of the 12 Trustee Banks around the country. 

1988 - In May 1988, the Central Goverment restructured the banking sector, creating the Trust Bank Canterbury Community Trust.  A network of Community Trusts  was created across New Zealand.   

Click here to find out more about the history of Rātā Foundation 

Click here to find out more about our investment timeline

We strive for an equitable and sustainable society under the korowai of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

With our investment portfolio we want to maximise the financial prosperity of Rātā but not ahead of our purpose, the well-being of te ao (the planet) and ngā tāngata katoa (all peoples).   We seek to invest sustainably, leaving our natural, human, and cultural resources stronger and healthier because of our activity.

Rātā incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into its investment decisions through a comprehensive approach that involves several key elements.

Firstly, Rātā invests responsibly to grow its pūtea (funds), and this is reflected in their ESG rating, which is a reporting metric developed by their portfolio advisors, Mercer. The ESG rating assesses how well fund managers integrate ESG factors into their investment processes, with a score out of 4 (the lower, the better). Additionally, Rātā measures the carbon intensity of its investments, which indicates the number of tonnes of carbon produced for every $1 million of investment revenue earned.

When investing in listed markets, Rātā selects specialist investment managers for each sector and invests in Collective Investment Vehicles (CIVs), where investments are pooled with those of other investors. This approach enables cost-effective access to a diversified portfolio of assets. Rātā applies its exclusions framework to its choice of CIVs, ensuring that investments align with their ESG criteria.

The critical criteria for selecting and appointing fund managers include alignment to the Rātā purpose, ESG credentials, return expectations, risk considerations, and fees. Rātā values long-term investment relationships and engages with fund managers to seek improved outcomes if returns are below expectations or if the manager's beliefs or behaviors do not align with Rātā expectations.

This comprehensive approach ensures that Rātā investment decisions are aligned with their commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles.

Rātā ensures transparency and accountability in its investments through several key practices. One of the primary methods is the regular monitoring and reporting of their investment portfolio. We provide comprehensive updates on the investment environment, asset classes, and market outlook to the Investment Committee and Board Meetings.

Our Financial results are delivered annually to the finance minister.

Additionally, Rātā publishes an Annual Investment Report around August each year. 

Rātā also values long-term investment relationships and engages with fund managers to seek improved outcomes if returns are below expectations or if the manager's beliefs or behaviours do not align with Rātā expectations.

This engagement ensures that fund managers are held accountable and that their actions align with the Rātā investment principles.

The Rātā Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives (SIPO) outlines their investment guiding principles and objectives, providing a clear framework for decision-making and accountability

These practices collectively ensure that Rātā maintains a high level of transparency and accountability in its investment activities.

The long-term portfolio has performed well enough since inception that the purchasing power of our pūtea has remained the same whilst we have been able to grant over half a billion dollars to worthy recipients.

Rātā's investment portfolio faces several key risks that are carefully managed to ensure long-term stability and growth. One of the primary risks is market volatility, which can significantly impact the value of investments. This is particularly relevant given the recent geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Another key risk is the potential misalignment between the investments and Rātā strategic objectives. To mitigate this, Rātā has a robust framework for selecting and appointing fund managers, ensuring that their beliefs and behaviours align with Rātā expectations.

Additionally, the Rātā commitment to sustainability and responsible investing helps manage risks related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

Liquidity risk is also a concern. Rātā aims to balance risk and liquidity by reducing asset allocations with similar profiles and establishing appropriate benchmarks to monitor performance

The potential for ethical concerns in the investment portfolio is addressed through regular ethical reviews and engagement with fund managers to ensure alignment with Rātā values.

Overall, the Rātā comprehensive risk management approach helps mitigate these key risks and supports the foundation's long-term investment objectives.

The governance structure of the Rātā investment portfolio is designed to ensure effective oversight and alignment with the foundation's strategic objectives. The key component of this structure is the Investments Committee. The purpose of the Investments Committee is to advise the Board on all investment matters related to the investment portfolio of the Rātā Foundation. This includes making recommendations to ensure that the investment policies and objectives are aligned with the Foundation's strategic goals.

The Investments Committee is responsible for reviewing, determining, and monitoring the investment objectives and asset allocation strategy as detailed in the Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (SIPO). The committee also provides a formal forum for open communication between the Board, management, and the Rātā Foundation investment advisers.

This ensures that stakeholders are well-informed and that there is transparency in the investment process.

Overall, this governance structure ensures that Rātā investment decisions are well-managed, transparent, and aligned with the Foundation's strategic objectives.