The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation (the Guardians) invests government contributions into a global portfolio of investments: the NZ Super Fund. The Fund will eventually help pay for the increased cost of universal superannuation payments (New Zealand Superannuation) in the future.
By serving its mandate, the Fund adds to Crown wealth, improves the ability of future governments to pay for superannuation and reduces the tax burden of the cost of superannuation on future generations of New Zealanders.
Created in 2001 after an extensive public and Parliamentary debate, the Fund is a way for New Zealand to save now in order to make future superannuation costs more affordable. It’s needed because New Zealand’s population is getting older.
As an autonomous Crown entity, the Government has given the Guardians the powers and responsibilities necessary to fulfil its mandate. In turn, sound governance, transparency and quality public reporting are critical to maintaining our stakeholders’ confidence.
Board members are chosen for their experience in investment management, as well as their mix of complementary skills.
The Board is able to delegate to management certain functions and powers, within prescribed limits.
Understanding and managing the risks the Fund faces is central to the work of the Guardians.
The Guardians is managed by a team of Auckland-based professionals spanning investment, operations, finance, risk, human resources and corporate strategy functions.
The Leadership Team is responsible for leading and managing the Guardians as an organisation.
The Investment Committee ensures the portfolio is best placed to meet our investment objectives.
The Risk Committee oversees the effective governance of non-investment risks.
We are as transparent as commercial sensitivities allow about our investment approach, the Fund’s performance, and our organisation in general. We aim to keep our stakeholders well-informed about what we do and why we do it.