Informed Investor Autumn 2025 - Thinking Global by Informed Investor

Investor survey results inside

ASSET OVERVIEW

How will your portfolio perform in 2025?

INVEST IN WINE

Auctions, websites and where to buy

KIDS AND FINANCE

Teaching those big lessons about money

Thinking Global Geopolitics, investment and

the year ahead

UPFRONT

08. Meet some of our contributors

10. What we like

Glam flip-flops, skin repair and making money with zero bucks.

14. Autumn inspiration

Enjoy the warm, natural colours of the changing season.

FEATURES

16. Investor sentiment survey

New Zealand investors are jittery about international geopolitics, but positive about their returns this year.

22. Time to take stock of your investments

What you might expect from your assets in 2025.

28. What your financial advisor is (not) telling you?

Paul Quickenden, Easy Crypto’s chief commercial officer, dives into why financial advisors are gun-shy when it comes to crypto.

30. A brief history of the dismal science

Andrew Kenningham explores eight key thinkers who helped shape our understanding of economics.

34. Why women need to network more

Charlotte Clark and Victoria Bahadoor, co-founders of Empower

Her Community, on the power of connection in business.

PERSONAL FINANCE

36. Optimising returns

InvestNow’s Foundation Series Funds combines low fees with tax efficiency.

38. Educating children in finance

Our relationship with money begins at a young age, writes Bridgette Jackson from Equal Exes.

40. Targeted returns

Select Invest offers term-loan investments underpinned by first mortgage security.

42. The big three

Sam Bryden, head of distribution at Nikko AM NZ, shares three questions to ask your financial adviser about KiwiSaver.

44. Money secrets laid bare

Being honest about money matters is vital for any healthy relationship, writes Lynda Moore.

46. Nest-egg thinking

Liv Lewis-Long on why KiwiSaver is such an important tool for ensuring financial wellbeing in retirement.

48. Hidden in plain sight

An investment option has been delivering consistent returns to Kiwis for over a decade.

50. Global snapshot

Forces affecting business, investment and the economy across the globe.

They recognise KiwiSaver clients with higher balances deserve more.

They want their clients to have a clear retirement strategy.

They want to charge a fee-for-service commensurate with the advice given. They want their clients’ KiwiSaver integrated with their overall financial plan.

They value receiving referrals from KiwiWRAP marketing.

They understand KiwiSaver is the future of advice and recognise they need to take control of their value proposition, service and revenue.

“KiwiWRAP is a game changer for my business because it puts me, not the scheme, in control.”

Adam Stewart - Compound Wealth

They want to build comprehensive portfolios using best-of-breed managers. Contact us today

“KiwiWRAP advertising and promotion have led to me securing new clients. It’s a unique offering that gives advisers a real point of difference in attracting new clients looking for something different.”

Joel Robinson - Radical Investment

PROPERTY

52. Year of conflicting forces

As Kelvin Davidson from CoreLogic explains, there are likely to be disparate forces at play in 2025 in the property market.

54. Money for nothing

Nichole Lewis is a property investor who uses ‘no money deals’ to create wealth; read on to find out how she does it.

56. Investing in uncertain times

Andrew Nicol on what global events mean for Kiwi property investors.

58. Sustainability central

Central Park is one of New Zealand’s largest mixed-use commercial precincts.

INVEST

IN YOURSELF

60. Fashion update

The colours and styles of autumn 2025

62. Autumnal offerings

Colour is extremely powerful, so choose wisely when making decisions around your home decor, Mary-Anne Tobin advises.

64. Yield to temptation

Timothy Giles, host of the Full of It podcast and experienced wine writer, on the opportunities wine can offer investors.

66. Rest and reflection

A three-day break at Resolution Retreats has had lasting benefits for Joanna Mathers.

70. Riding high

Joanna Mathers finds herself in safe hands as she climbs into the saddle and takes to the beach for the first time in a decade.

72. Sporting chance

The 2025 Range Rover Sport is a perfect stepping stone towards the luxury Range Rover, but holds its own when it comes to style and performance. Liz Dobson, founder of Automuse.co.nz, takes a test drive.

76. On the road in style

TrailLite motorhomes and caravans are ideal for those who want to hit the road in luxury.

80. Go on, you deserve it

A visit to a skin care clinic has produced a glowing review.

The power of print

A Good Time for Reflection

Educational, inspirational printed magazines are a wonderful antidote to digital saturation – and your support helps keep New Zealand publishing alive.

Informed Investor PO Box 40128, Glenfield, Auckland 0747

Informed Investor 33 Federal Street, Auckland Central, Auckland.

Everyone has a different attitude to money, but to make it work for us it’s important to explore how we relate to it.

AS THE EDITOR of Informed Investor, I have always been inspired by those who take risks, identify business niches, and make bold decisions. So last year I made a bold decision myself – purchasing Informed Investor and its sister publication, New Zealand Property Investor, from its previous owners, Opes Partners.

It’s nearly holiday season (the year has flown by) and a good time for reflection. I’m not one for new year’s resolutions, but I do love a bit of soul searching during the spacious summer holidays.

I’m not alone in this venture. Long-term art director Sally Fullam has partnered with me to create a small publishing company (Informed Media) and both magazines are now produced by us.

living, inflation. This year, with interest rates dropping and inflation steady, investors’ attention has moved outwards –to simmering global tensions likely to spill into the market.

Published by: Opes Media www.informedinvestor.co.nz

www.informedinvestor.co.nz

This year I’m going to take a long, hard look at my predisposition to spend. I love shopping (books, clothes and music are my obsessions), but this has got me into a lot of trouble in the past. Now I’m older (and a little wiser) I make sure saving comes before spending, although my current house renovations are certainly stretching the family budget.

Print media has undergone a seismic reconfiguration in the past 10 years. Digital media – with its offshore overlords – has become the go-to for advertising spend. It sees profits sent overseas and journalism in New Zealand has taken a massive hit.

Money is a potent force. It can be used for good or evil and without doubt profoundly influences the trajectory of our lives.

But we strongly believe print can be a wonderful antidote to digital overload. Well-researched, informative, inspirational local stories, beautifully presented in printed magazines, offer readers the chance for full immersion away from the screen. And we are committed to providing those fascinated by investment in all its permutations with a magazine they can rely on every quarter.

Everyone has a different attitude to money. Some (like me) see it as a ticket to good times; others scrimp, save and fear to touch it. Our attitudes are based on a raft of factors – upbringing, financial history, pessimistic or optimistic outlooks – but to make money work for us it’s important to explore how we relate to it.

As any rookie small business owner knows, it’s hard work. There have been curve balls, late nights, and a lot of soul searching. But we’ve made the right decision and we are so excited about the future.

The lead story this issue, written by “money mentalist” Lynda Moore, delves into our “money personalities” – the way in which we relate to money.

In this issue we reveal the results of our annual Informed Investor sentiment survey, powered by InvestNow. The results are riveting.

Last year the concerns of investors were locally focused – interest rates, cost of

Based on extensive research and the contents of her excellent book, Conversations with Money: A Love Story, she digs deep into our histories, explores how our attitudes change

Managing editor

Editor

Joanna Mathers – joanna@informedmedia.co.nz

Joanna Mathers

Design director

Art Director

Sally Fullam – sally@informedmedia.co.nz

Mark Glover

Account manager

Account Manager

Joanna Mathers – joanna@informedmedia.co.nz

Stephanie Bryant – 021 165 8018

Subscriptions

Sally Fullam – subs@informedmedia.co.nz

Jill Lewis – subscriptions@informedinvestor.co.nz

More than 60 per cent of investors surveyed listed “international geopolitics” as their number one concern this year. Trump’s tariffs, ongoing wars, political unrest – are all factors that may lead to a tempestuous 2025.

and develop over our life, and explains how people can develop better relationships with money.

We’ve also modified a quiz taken from Lynda’s website (moneymentalist.com) so you can discover your own “money personality”. It’s quick, easy, and a bit of fun, but it should also get you thinking. This is a great Christmas holiday activity to share with friends and family over a glass (or bottle) of bubbly.

But that’s not the whole story. Granted, investors are jittery about global conditions, but there is also positivity around their returns this year. The local outlook is good compared with previous years. There are GDP growth projections, and the stability of inflation is likely to fuel business confidence.

It’s likely to be an unpredictable year, but if we hunker down and ride out any storms, there may well be opportunities to capitalise on.

Amy Hamilton Chadwick delves into another sort of money personality this issue: the financial pessimist. If you’ve been stung before, it makes sense that you’d be cautious around investing. But as Amy explains, fear of doing anything (or “analysis paralysis”) can prevent you from embracing a brighter financial future.

Informed Investor is an investment magazine published quarterly by Informed Media. You need Informed Investor ’s written permission to reproduce any part of the magazine.

Informed Investor is an investment magazine published quarterly by Opes Media. You need Informed Investor’s written permission to reproduce any part of the magazine.

Advertising statements and editorial opinions in Informed Investor reflect the views of the editorial contributors and advertisers, not Informed Investor and its staff.

Advertising statements and editorial opinions in Informed Investor reflect the views of the advertisers and editorial contributors, not Informed Investor and its staff.

We also check out the new convertible Mini, the importance of goal setting, and how electric cars are changing transport economy worldwide.

We really hope you find inspiration in the pages of our magazine and wish you all the very best for this festive season.

Elsewhere in this issue we explore how different assets have been performing and how they are likely to perform going forward. Our international correspondent, Andrew Kenningham, provides us with a gripping overview of key economic theorists and we share some beautiful products, a new wine investment column, and great ideas for weekend activities.

Thanks so much and take care.

Take care and happy holidays.

Informed Investor ’s content comes from sources that Informed Investor considers accurate, but we don’t guarantee its accuracy. Charts in Informed Investor are visually indicative, not exact. The content of Informed Investor is intended as general information only, and you use it at your own risk: Informed Investor magazine is not liable to anybody in any way at all. Informed Investor does not contain financial advice as defined by the Financial Advisers Act 2008. Consult a suitably qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions.

Informed Investor’s content comes from sources that Informed Investor considers accurate, but we don’t guarantee its accuracy. Charts in Informed Investor are visually indicative, not exact. The content of Informed Investor is intended as general information only, and you use it at your own risk: Informed Investor magazine is not liable to anybody in any way at all. Informed Investor does not contain financial advice as defined by the Financial Advisers Act 2008. Consult a suitably qualified financial adviser before making investment decisions.

Joanna Mathers Editor

Joanna Mathers Editor

Sub editor

Resident economist

Mike Deacon

Ed McKnight Printer

Proofreader

Webstar

Siana Clifford Printer

Webstar

Retail Distributor Are Direct

Retail distributor Are Direct

This magazine is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the email address, joanna@informedmedia.co.nz. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council PO Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143; info@mediacouncil.org.nz . Or use the online complaint form at www.mediacouncil.org.nz . Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

This magazine is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing, within one month of publication, to the email address, stephanie@informedinvestor.co.nz. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council PO Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143; info@mediacouncil.org.nz. Or use the online complaint form at www.mediacouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

Informed Investor magazine does not give any representation regarding the quality, accuracy, completeness or merchantability of the information in this publication or that it is fit for any purpose.

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Informed Investor is printed on environmentally responsible paper. The paper is produced using elemental chlorine-free pulp, sourced from sustainable and legally harvested farmed trees. The magazine is recyclable.

PRINT ISSN 2744-6085

DIGITAL ISSN 2744-6093

PRINT ISSN 2744-6085

DIGITAL ISSN 2744-6093

Meet some of our contributors

TIMOTHY GILES

Timothy Giles is our wine enthusiast. For 30 years he has been sharing his enthusiasm for fine and funky wines as a writer, trainer, list curator and podcast host. To build up a thirst he enjoys open water swimming, triathlons and is a Level football referee in Auckland. Dad-of-one goal is to share more of his wine cellar with his daughter than is left to her.

LYNDA MOORE

With over 30 years of experience in accounting and an in-depth focus on money psychology, Lynda has made it her mission to help people stop stressing about money and start mastering it. She’s not your typical accountant – she’s a money mentor who understands that financial success isn’t just about spreadsheets and budgets; it’s about mindset, behaviour, and making money work for you.

NICHOLE LEWIS

Nichole Lewis is an award-winning author of the international best seller Property Quadrants and CEO of The Property Lifestyle. Her philosophy is to help people create a better lifestyle through property, hoping that, in turn, they will help others to do the same.

BRIDGETTE JACKSON

Bridgette Jackson is a CDC-certified divorce/separation coach with a postgraduate dispute resolution qualification. She is also a trained divorce mediator (AIMNZ), a relationship coach (Institute for Life Coach Training), and a member of the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (accredited by the ICF –International Coaching Federation).

PAUL QUICKENDEN

Paul is the chief commercial officer at Easy Crypto. He is passionate about what the blockchain and crypto sector can do for New Zealand and has spent most of his career in the corporate sector, working with disruptive technology and helping to build lightweight digital businesses that can be exported to the world. He is on the Executive Council for Blockchain NZ.

CHARLOTTE CLARK & VICTORIA BAHADOOR

Charlotte, a branding strategist and alignment coach, and Victoria, a personal brand photographer and ADHD coach, empower women to build impactful businesses with confidence. Through their global community, they create opportunities for connection, growth, and visibility in a space where women feel truly seen and supported.

Meet Some of Our Contributors

Kelvin joined CoreLogic in March 2018 as senior research analyst, before moving into his current role of chief economist. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent 15 years working largely in private sector economic consultancies in both New Zealand and the UK. Contributors

CAMERON BAGRIE

KELVIN DAVIDSON

Cameron is the managing director of Bagrie Economics, a boutique research firm. He was previously chief economist at ANZ, a position he held for over 11 years.

MARTIN HAWES

SAM BRYDEN

ANDREW KENNINGHAM

Martin is the chairman of the Summer KiwiSaver Investment Committee. He’s an authorised financial adviser and offers his services throughout New Zealand.

Sam Bryden is Head of Distribution at Nikko AM NZ.

With over 18 years’ experience in investment management and financial markets, the last six of these at Nikko AM, he is responsible for leading the firm’s sales, marketing and client servicing.

Andrew is the chief Europe economist for Capital Economics.He was previously an economic adviser for the United Kingdom Foreign Exchange.

Meet Some of Our Contributors

CAMERON BAGRIE

KELVIN DAVIDSON

LIV LEWIS LONG

Cameron is the managing director of Bagrie Economics, a boutique research firm. He was previously chief economist at ANZ, a position he held for over 11 years.

Liv is a passionate finance educator, writer and podcaster, and set up Simplicity’s Money Made Simple podcast to help level up financial literacy in NZ. She also heads up their marketing team, with over 15 years’ experience in brand, communications and storytelling.

MARTIN HAWES

ANDREW KENNINGHAM

Andrew is the chief Europe economist for Capital Economics. He was previously an economic adviser for the United Kingdom Foreign Exchange.

ANDREW NICOL

MARY-ANNE TOBIN

SAM STUBBS

Andrew is an authorised financial adviser and the managing partner of Opes Partners. He has more than 15 years’ experience in banking, finance, and property.

Former senior underwriter turned qualified interior designer, Mary-Anne Tobin is constantly viewing the latest international trends and incorporating these into her designs. She also blends modern day aesthetics with practical solutions.

Sam is the founder and MD of Simplicity, New Zealand’s only low-cost, nonprofit funds manager. Previously from the banking world having worked for Goldman Sachs and NatWest Markets in London and Hong Kong, Sam believes the finance industry should be as much a force for good as a source of profit.

Andrew is the chief Europe economist for Capital Economics.He was previously an economic adviser for the United Kingdom Foreign Exchange.

Martin is the chairman of the Summer KiwiSaver Investment Committee. He’s an authorised financial adviser and offers his services throughout New Zealand.

ANDREW NICOL

SAM STUBBS

Andrew is an authorised financial adviser and the managing partner of Opes Partners. He has more than 15 years’ experience in banking, finance, and property.

What we like

Glam flip-flops, skin repair and making money with zero bucks.

Poetic perfume

Aesop’s Aurner Eau de Parfum draws on the poetic tensions between tenderness and strength to subvert the expectations of a floral fragrance. With spice and metallic notes and herbaceous depths, this has a floral heart with roots in sumptuous woods. Created with Aesop’s longterm collaborator Céline Barel, the fragrance combines key ingredients of magnolia leaf, Roman chamomile and cedar heart for a resolutely unorthodox aroma. Coinciding with the launch, multisensory evocations of the Eau de Parfum will allow its defiant nature to bloom – including Aesop’s first ever jewellery collaboration. $275.00 from aesop.com/nz

Croc flip-flop

Summer may be over but there’s still plenty of warm weather ahead for beach and poolside lounging. Autumn in Aotearoa is often dreamy – balmy days ahead of the bluster of winter – and there’s still a chance to rock your latest pedicure with a pair of Croc Getaway Platform Flips. These little honeys feature a cushioned footbed, providing all-day comfort, whether you’re lounging poolside or exploring city streets. Pairing effortlessly with any outfit for any occasion, it’s the fashionable and functional sandal of the season. Available at Crocs.co.nz and in-store, RRP: $99.99.

Love for your skin

If your skin needs a plumping boost, Boost Lab’s 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum is a great option. Affordable luxury at just RRP $34.95 it’s ideal for injecting volume, hyradation and plumpness back into your skin. It contains hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant that draws and binds moisture into the skin, and helps reduce the appearance of dry, rough and dull skin.

Repair and refine

Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Mask is an intensely soothing, deeply hydrating overnight treatment that repairs dry, red and rough skin at the cellular level. Featuring bilberry seed oil that provides essential fatty acids (omegas 3 and 6) for healthier barriers, it also has hibiscus extract, known to deliver potent hydration that and quickly moisturises to protect from water loss. You’ll wake up to deeply hydrated, softer, calmer and soothed skin with more strength, radiance and less redness. For a single purchase from the website murad.co.nz you’ll spend $144 or have it sent to you each month for $136.80 – a 5 per cent discount.

Everyday needs

This is a simple glass water bottle with hydration tracking designed to help you meet your daily recommended water needs.

A truly modern water bottle, this Bink Day bottle can go with you anywhere. A day-in, day-out bottle to keep you hydrated and healthy, the Bink Day bottle in bubblegum is $59.95 from littlewhimsy.co.nz.

No money? No problem

It’s possible to make money from property without investing a cent yourself, according to Nichole Lewis. Her new book No Money Deals outlines how strategic partnerships, contemporaneous deals and key relationships can offer you the chance to grow your money, when you have no money. The book outlines real life stories of people Nichole has partnered with and shows how she helped them buy property with no money. It’s a hard concept to get your head around, but it’s certainly something worth investigating if you have an interest in property. It’s available in good bookstores nationwide for just $29.99.

Global

ˈglō-bəl

‘of, relating to, or involving the entire world’

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

‘To argue against the global economy is like stating opposition to the weather –it continues whether you like it or not’

– John McCain, former US senator

Resene Field Day

Resene Dynamite

Resene Blackberry

Resene Awaken

Resene Double Beeswax

POWERED

Investor sentiment survey

New Zealand investors are jittery about international geopolitics, but positive about their returns this year, our annual investor sentiment survey reveals.

Investor sentiment survey

New Zealand investors are jittery about international geopolitics, but positive about their returns this year, our annual investor sentiment survey reveals.

‘Ongoing wars, political unrest, and a possible reset of the global rules of engagement has investors jittery’

WHEN ASKED TO state their biggest investment-related concerns in last year’s Informed Investor sentiment survey, investors answered unequivocally –interest rates, cost of living and inflation. The focus was local – macroeconomic factors that could be mitigated by central bank monetary policy.

But the focus has shifted. Fears about local economic conditions have given way to broader unrest around international geopolitics – in fact, more than 60 per cent of respondents in this year’s survey named international geopolitics as their primary concern.

It makes sense. Ongoing wars, political unrest, and a possible reset of the global rules of economic engagement under Donald Trump has investors worried.

The rise of the far right, isolationism, the threat of trade wars based on US tariffs, and retaliatory counter-tariffs, is creating a simmering global unease, palpable even in our relative isolation. Investors inhabit a global market and what happens overseas, happens here.

In a statement last month, Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) head Adrian Orr said while inflation is low and stable, the volatile international landscape may have an impact on our economy.

What are your main concerns as an investor looking at the year ahead?

‘Investors were, on the whole, positive about their returns this year’

He stated that there is GDP and employment growth coming through, “but [there is] geoeconomic fragmentation, so global potential growth will be lower, and we will see international price volatility.”

Mike Heath from New Zealand-based investment platform InvestNow, agrees. He says the uncertainty posed by regional wars, changes in ruling parties and leaders or regional differences in economic performance all introduce uncertainty.

“The value of investments may well move up and down more often and with magnitudes greater than what people will have typically experienced,” he says.

“Investment professionals, financial advisers and investment managers all keep a really close eye on what is going on, but even they cannot predict the impact of all these factors.”

Europe economist for Capital Economics in London and Informed Investor contributor, Andrew Kenningham, has insight into how European investors are reacting to the unrest: “They are jittery.”

“This is obvious both when you meet investors and when you read the financial media.”

But there is a disconnect between those anxieties and the performance of the equity market, which has been good. He says the more immediate concerns for investors in the UK are “the risk of persistently high inflation and high interest rates [in the UK], as well as concerns about the impact of tax hikes on business investment.”

Positivity surfaces

Although international geopolitics is a concern, the investors who took part in our survey were relatively positive about their returns this year.

When asked about their outlook for 2025, 35.58 per cent were “somewhat positive” about their returns, 21.15 per cent were “positive” about returns, and 6.3 per cent “very positive”.

While nearly 30 per cent of investors had “neutral” expectations around their returns, less than 9 per cent had negative expectations. This positivity could be due to several factors, Heath explains.

“I think it could simply be a function of people’s view that we are coming out the other side of a really challenging few years, and their fundamental belief that things will and can only get better.

“Having been through the turmoil of Covid, cost of living and inflation challenges and high interest rates, the key indicators are starting to turn into a more positive direction,” he says.

The positivity is likely to lead to further investment in the short-term. A whopping 95 per cent of investors stated they will be investing this year, with shares being the top choice for investors – more on this later.

Confidence high

The survey also revealed that investors have a high level of confidence in their ability to make good choices about investing. For better or worse, this has led to a reluctance to use financial advisors.

They were used by only 21 per cent of respondents, with the rest relying on their own knowledge. This could be due to the age and experience of the respondents –17 per cent have been investing for over 10 years, with 38 per cent investing for over 20 years – but there may be other factors at play.

“People do not like to appear ignorant and/or uninformed,” says Heath. “Therefore, they are reluctant to meet with a financial expert for matters of pride – not a good thing at all.

“After all you have no issue going to a doctor, dentist or lawyer if you need their expert help.”

He adds that people have a natural disposition to seek advice/opinion from

friends and family, particularly if they appear to be more engaged in a topic.

“I think the challenge here is with the financial advisers – they need to lift their profile and make sure their offering is accessible to people of all walks of life and differing levels of investable assets/ investing knowledge.”

Investor overview

An interesting outtake from the survey was the high income level of respondents. Five per cent list their annual salary as $1 million-plus; 10 per cent earned over $250,000 and 20 per cent earn between $150,000-$250,000 a year.

The respondents were most confident about buying shares in 2025; 66 per cent said they would invest in this asset class, with 46 per cent interested in managed funds, 41 per cent interested in ETFs, and 37 per cent listing residential property.

Heath believes the popularity of shares is due to the general awareness around the nature of them: “People know what a share is and what owning a share means.”

But this knowledge should not preclude investors seeking financial advice from experts. Do you feel positive or negative about returns in 2025?

What assets are you most likely to invest in?

How do you prefer to buy shares?

“The challenge with shares, unless you are an investing expert (and even they don’t always get it right), is picking the best stock for your investment goals and needs.

“Stock picking is extremely hard and shouldn’t simply come down to a brand or product you know or like. This is where advisers come into their own, or even better, invest in managed funds, where the investment manager does the picking for you and manages it every day to deliver the optimal outcome.”

KiwiSaver knowledge

KiwiSaver continues to offer everyday New Zealanders with access to investment markets, and our respondents feel confident in their knowledge of how it works. With 73 per cent claiming to be either reasonably or very confident in their understanding of KiwiSaver, KiwiSaver remains a well-known scheme with good buy-in from Kiwis.

But KiwiSaver may also be the one place in which average Kiwi investors feel the impact of Trump’s trade wars.

KiwiSaver providers invest in offshore assets, therefore any turbulence in the US or European economy due to businesses being lumped with tariffs, may lead to a market downturn. This could be reflected in our returns in the short term.

This knowledge also translates to term deposits (where 77 per cent claimed to reasonably or very confident in their knowledge).

Managed funds are less well understood: 60 per cent of respondents were reasonably or very confident in their knowledge, but nearly 40 per cent had less confidence in this area.

The motivation

The perception of investors as speculatory wide boys, taking high-risk gambles for instant rewards, was dispelled in our survey results.

In fact, a meagre 1.9 per cent of respondents claimed their motivation for investing was speculation and quick creation of wealth. Rather, the respondents stated they invested for security and family reasons.

Retirement security is the main reason they invest; with 77 per cent of those surveyed stating this was their primary driver. Growing wealth for family was

the impetus of 52 per cent of investors, with the generation of income chosen by 32 per cent.

Lesser chosen motivators were keeping assets safe (17.14 per cent) and keeping up a family tradition (3.8 per cent).

And another interesting concept is shattered in this survey. No longer a male domain, 50 per cent of our respondents were women, 47 per cent male, and 1.9 per cent non-binary.

Heath, from InvestNow, says this is not surprising.

“We’ve always enjoyed a pretty consistent, and largely even, split of male and female investors.

“Sure, there have been specific initiatives and efforts right across the investment industry to more actively engage with women, but I also think it is a function of the compounding effects of attempts to lift awareness amongst all Kiwis re the importance of getting involved in your investments and financial futures.” T

What is your primary reason for investing?

Time to take stock of your investments

We explore how different asset classes performed last year, what they may achieve in 2025, and what you need to know if you’re planning to invest.

The stock market

The New Zealand stock market experienced significant growth in 2024. The market, measured by the S&P/NZX 50 Index, ended the year with an 11.4 per cent increase, a notable gain given the 2.6 per cent rise of 2023.

The upward momentum was evident from mid-June as expectations of a loosening of monetary policy grew.

Between March 2023 and November 2024, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand cut the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent to 4.25 per cent, which further fueled a surge in activity.

Blackpearl Group, a New Zealand-based data-driven cloud service provider, was last year’s top performer, with their reported revenue of $10.4 million, representing a 126 per cent increase from the previous year. This underpinned a remarkable 136.36 per cent return for investors last year.

A lack of large catastrophic events, improved claims performance, premium growth and operational efficiencies saw Tower achieve a net profit after tax of $85.5 million last year, a dramatic turnaround from the $1 million it lost in 2023. This led to a 122.6 per cent growth in stock value last year.

In 2024, Gentrack Group, a New Zealand-based based software company that provides billing, customer management, and data analytics solutions primarily for utilities and airports worldwide, also experienced significant growth. This was due to a 25.5 per cent increase in revenue, which reached $213.2 million. Their share price surged 24 per cent to a record high $11.65 following the announcement of its full-year results.

This year the NZ share market is likely to be influenced by the balancing act of domestic economic recovery and global uncertainties.

Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) reduced the official cash rate (OCR) to 3.75 per cent in February, and government budget projections point to a decline to 3 per cent by year-end. The monetary easing aims to stimulate economic activity by encouraging consumer spending and business investments. There are GDP growth projections and inflation stabilisation is likely to fuel business confidence.

But global trade disputes and geopolitical fragmentation present risks that could impact our exportdriven economy, potentially leading to market volatility.

Foreign exchange

The forex market in 2024 was marked by a strong US dollar, geopolitical unrest, and volatility in developed and emerging currencies.

The performance of the US dollar was largely due to the Federal Reserve taking a cautious approach to monetary policy, as chair Jerome Powell sought to bring inflation under control.

‘ Forex is complex and investors need to capitalise on fluctuations in exchange rates between currencies’

Political uncertainties in Europe adversely influenced Eurozone economies. In France and Germany, the resignations of key political figures and early elections contributed to the euro’s decline. The euro depreciated 5.7 per cent against the dollar and muted economic growth prompted expectations of further rate cuts by the European Central Bank.

In Britain the pound remained relatively stable (it ended 2024 around the same as 2023) but the snap election called by then prime minister Rishi Sunak led to significant volatility, with GBP/USD experiencing one of the largest historical single-day declines.

Some emerging market currencies stood out, with the Chilean peso and Brazilian real appreciating against the dollar. This was driven by favourable interest rates and chatter around central banks reducing borrowing costs to stimulate growth.

This year, the forex market is likely to be driven by volatility caused by Trump tariffs, ongoing conflicts, and political unrest.

“We can expect volatility in the forex market,” says Chris Smith, general manager at CMC Markets. “US trade policies and geopolitical uncertainty will be the key watch-outs in the coming months.”

Forex is complex and investors need to capitalise on fluctuations in exchange rates between currencies, Smith says. Many macro and technical forces move currencies, so risk can be high. “The market is open 24 hours a day and can be quite volatile.

“Taking an FX position can be short or longer-term; it just comes down to your expectations, position sizing and risk management. Some use FX trading for hedging or speculating purposes.”

It’s necessary for investors to take an active role in their forex investment. The current challenging geopolitical environment will add layers of complexity for traders trying to navigate the markets. It’s not for the fainthearted (or the inexperienced) and investors need to be well-versed in the geopolitics of the countries whose currencies they are trading.

“Successful forex traders need to have a deep understanding of financial markets and economics, and the risks can be difficult to identify for those who are not as

‘ While less volatile than some other investments, index funds do carry risk’

well-versed in these areas,” warns Smith.

But time and in-depth research can help investors understand the risks and make more educated calls.

“When done properly, it is possible to take advantage of the volatility in the market, but it’s important to remember that investments always carry risk no matter how much you might know.”

Index funds

Major indices had a decent year in 2024, with the US S&P 500 rising 27 per cent. In fact, the past two years has seen it grow 57 per cent, the largest increase since the 1990s.

But past success is no guarantee of future performance: Trump’s tariffs have increased the likelihood of escalating trade wars and growing global tensions could make life difficult for some businesses, which in turn could impact the performance of the major indices.

Index funds replicate the performance of a market index by tracking a broad spread of different stocks. The S&P 500, which mirrors the top 500 stocks listed on stock exchanges in the US, is one of the most recognisable and best performing.

“Index funds tend to offer broad exposure to the market and are usually used for longer-term investments,” says Smith. “One of the best aspects of index investing is the index will rotate out the underperforming companies and replace with the new companies that are stronger.”

Novice and experienced investors can utilise index funds as a form of passive investment that doesn’t require a handson approach.

“They can cover stock markets with weightings across Europe, US, Australia, for example, or they can be single country focused or industry sector,” Smith says.

While less volatile than some other investments, index funds do carry risk. As indices are tied into the performance of companies, market forces that impact companies (including earnings

performance) spread across indices, particularly when those companies are all in the same sector or country.

“Macroeconomic forces like the overall economic health of a country or consumer confidence can impact indices. If consumers aren’t willing to spend, then companies can start to struggle.”

Smith suggests those who invest in indices should also keep an eye on corporate earnings because these numbers will often determine how well companies are doing.

“Many indices have a high weighting to the biggest companies in the world such as the ‘magnificent seven’ – namely Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Tesla – which make up over 40 per cent of the Nasdaq 100 index.”

The global environment – politics, war, events such as Covid-19 – can have a huge impact on the performance of indices.

“The pandemic gave us a stark reminder of how vulnerable markets are to major events,” says Smith.

‘By the tail end of the year, with Trump’s election and promises of an SEC overhaul, Bitcoin is at an all-time high’

Digital assets

Anyone with even a passing interest in crypto will be aware of the effect Trump has had on this volatile asset. Bitcoin, the bellwether for crypto performance, topped US$100,000 (peaking at US$103,332) in early December and others followed, with Ethereum (the world’s second largest crypto asset) also peaking in December and Solana reaching its highest price in January.

Trump’s embrace of crypto, and the promise of regulatory clarity with a changing of the guard at the United States Security and Exchange Commission (which has traditionally been crypto shy, mounting numerous lawsuits against leading crypto providers) underpinned this market enthusiasm.

Hester Peirce, head of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, has been charged with establishing the legal status of digital assets – the Republican Party being far more open to crypto than their Democratic forebears.

This could be a major turning point for the assets, says Paul Quickenden, chief commercial operator for Easy Crypto.

“Traders have traditionally been left in an ambiguous position with regard

to the status of Bitcoin and other major crytocurrencies: there was no legal clarity around what they were trading,” he says.

But if the SEC clarifies the status of cryptocurrencies and codifies this in law, it will offer more surety to traders and financial advisers.

Last year started positively for crypto, with Bitcoin spot ETFs being approved by the SEC, and several Bitcoin ETFs established. This occurred prior to the four-year Bitcoin “halving” (which sees miners’ compensation reduced by 50 per cent) an event which has traditionally seen the value increase.

Bitcoin reached a peak of just over US$70,000 in March 2024, before the halving, and fell to the sub US$60,000s in September last year as some cautious new investors exited the ETF market.

But by the tail end of the year, with Trump’s election and promises of an SEC overhaul, Bitcoin is at an all-time high.

Quickenden says 2024 was extremely positive for his company, with buyers re-emerging from hibernation and actively trading. The change of guard in the States, while not directly impacting the New Zealand market,

fueled international positivity around cryptocurrency.

But crypto assets aren’t created equal. There are over a million types of tradable crypto assets, many of them are highly speculatory, and there is need for extreme caution in this space.

Bitcoin is the flagbearer for crypto, and other assets tend to follow its lead. Solana experienced solid growth in 2024, and SEC has recently acknowledged an application for a spot Solana ETF (only Bitcoin and

What your financial advisor is

(not) telling you?

Paul Quickenden, Easy Crypto’s chief commercial officer, dives into why financial advisors are gun-shy when it comes to crypto.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU. Your personal to-do-list says it’s time to get your finances sorted. So, you book a coffee with your financial advisor, and she spends an hour going over your finances, the different types of assets, the funds you can invest in, and your goals and risk appetite. Crypto was only briefly glossed over as part of a long list of possible investments. Once you have both finished coffee, you ask her if she owns any crypto. “Plenty!” is the reply! So why isn’t she talking to you about it?

Do as I say, not as I do…

A recent Bitwise study confirmed the worst – financial advisors are happily investing their own funds in crypto, but not their clients’ funds. Although around half of financial advisors own crypto as part of their own portfolio, only 22 per cent of them were making any client allocation to crypto. And of the other 78 per cent of financial advisors who hadn’t allocated client funds to crypto,

only 18 per cent of them lean towards doing so (at some point).

So what’s stopping your financial advisor from, well, advising?

The answer is two little words with big implications: volatility and regulation.

Let’s start with volatility. Financial advisors don’t like it because when portfolio values go down, they have to have tough conversations.

Time horizons are often forgotten and essentially, they get the blame for “giving bad advice”. Investors will also often take drastic action in response to volatility. We saw this in New Zealand over Covid when people experienced a fall in their KiwiSaver portfolios and responded by taking all the volatile assets out – moving from aggressive funds to conservative –for instance.

The downside of this approach is that without those types of allocations, your returns are hobbled. And if you aren’t beating inflation, you are going backwards in real terms. If, conversely, we think

about some level of volatility and risk as a positive, then this opens up a whole new way to get ahead. Sometimes it’s just about zooming out, as short-and-longterm-charts will often demonstrate.

Investment time horizons are important. The research is clear – holding assets over a long period of time tends to outperform short-term trading. Bitcoin and crypto are volatile, but over a decent (five-year) time horizon, the trend has been consistently up and to the right.

Volatility also presents opportunities as investors can purchase assets at lower prices during market dips. This benefits investors when they dollar-cost average and it enables investors to lower the average cost per coin over time.

Regulation has also held a lot of advisors back. Rupert Carlyon from Kōura Wealth, who is a pioneer in integrating crypto into KiwiSaver funds, explains that “it’s a huge concern for advisors because any advice they give needs to be well researched, typically relying on research from large investment houses either in New Zealand or offshore. If you can’t use that research to clearly show that it was in the client’s best interests to recommend investing in a product, you open yourself

up to regulatory pressure if you get a complaint.

“Lots of advisors understand and believe in crypto, but regulation and reticence from the large global investment firms prevents them from feeling they can openly and confidently advise on it.”

Finally, it would do everyone a disservice not to mention compensation. Because investors can buy crypto products directly, this challenges the commissionbased revenue model of some financial advisors. Financial advisors are going to have to adapt.

It is no surprise, then, that investors are taking things into their own hands. Now, it’s becoming a case of “doing what they do, not what they say”.

Before you hit ‘buy’

But, if you are going to get into crypto alone (sans advisor), you should “do your own research”.

We’ve summarised some basics for you below.

Bitcoin has been the standout performer of the past decade, outpacing all other asset classes. The S&P

Cryptocurrency Broad Digital Market Index, launched in 2021, has soared 826 per cent since inception (88 per cent annualised), with Bitcoin leading the charge. But while the long-term gains are undeniable, Bitcoin’s journey isn’t a straight line: it often moves independently of traditional markets, making it a unique diversifier in an investment portfolio.

Even conservative analysts recognise its low correlation with stocks and bonds, which can help smooth out market volatility.

Beyond diversification, Bitcoin also enhances portfolio performance through its strong Sharpe Ratio (0.96), a measure of risk-adjusted returns. In simple terms, it offers high returns relative to the risk taken. Adding even a small allocation of Bitcoin to a KiwiSaver or investment portfolio can improve overall returns without amplifying volatility – a counterintuitive but powerful advantage for long-term investors. T

Ways to access crypto

• Use a local platform: Kiwi crypto exchange Easy Crypto offers a secure, fast onboarding experience for Kiwis, plus tools, education and simplicity.

• Other platforms: Be mindful of credit card and withdrawal fees when using offshore platforms - do your research and check reviews.

• ETFs: Nervous about diving in? ETFs can be a starting point, but remember, you’re paying someone else to manage your crypto.

• KiwiSaver: You could also consider KiwiSaver providers like Kōura Wealth that include crypto options in their portfolios.

Disclaimer: Investing in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies carries risk. Always do your own research or seek professional advice.

Fig 1. The Bitcoin daily chart (TradingView) since mid-December 2024 is choppy.

Fig 2. The Bitcoin monthly chart (TradingView) since 2022 paints a different picture.

Fig 3. The Bitcoin monthly chart (TradingView) since 2016 shows a consistent picture of an asset that is trending upwards over time.

A brief history of the dismal science

Andrew Kenningham explores eight key thinkers who helped shape our understanding of economics.

WHEN INFORMED INVESTOR

suggested I write about the history of economics, the first question was “which economists should I highlight? Those with the most colourful biographies, the most influential, or my personal favourites?” In the end I have whittled it down to eight of the greats, including one Kiwi. Enjoy!

Adam Smith and the magic of the market (1723-1790)

Adam Smith was arguably both the first and the greatest ever economist. An eccentric Scottish genius, he lived in the late 18th century, at a time when the British Empire was at its height, industrialisation was getting under way, and the importance of markets was expanding as the country moved from peasant agriculture to manufacturing.

Smith coined two phrases that revolutionised economic thought. The “invisible hand” describes the seemingly mysterious process by which goods are made and transported to people without any overall coordination.

For example, he pointed out that no planner was needed for the baker to supply bread early each morning. And the “division of labour” refers to manufacturing being more efficient if workers specialise in a particular element of the production process – rather than working as individual craftsmen, as was commonplace back then.

These concepts remain relevant 250 years later. Indeed, the division of labour has gone far further than Smith could possibly have imagined. The iPhone, for example, is famously made in 43 different countries and involves numerous different companies.

Thomas Malthus and fear of population growth (1766-1834)

The rather harsh description of economics

as the “dismal science” was inspired by Thomas Malthus. A vicar and self-taught economist, Malthus argued in An Essay on the Principle of Population (1798) that humans are doomed to suffer famine and plague forever because the population will always grow faster than agricultural output. This was certainly a gloomy conclusion, but not a ridiculous one given that it has been true for most of human history.

Ironically, though, things were beginning to change just at the time when Malthus was writing. Since then, agricultural production has risen more than he could ever have imagined and population growth has slowed due to improvements in contraception and preferences for smaller families. The spectre of famine has been averted in much of the world.

Malthus was one of the first people to think and write about, population but not the last. Gary Becker won the Nobel Prize for arguing, among other things, that family size reflects a trade-off between the “quantity” and “quality” of children – the quality being not the child’s IQ or attractiveness, but how much time and money a parent can devote to them. He came up with this idea at a time when families were large. More recently, economists have worried not that the birth rate is too low rather than too high.

David Ricardo and the gains from trade (1772-1823)

Among economists, David Ricardo is known as an advocate of free trade. In particular, he explained why all countries could be better off if they trade, including countries that are not the most efficient producers of any particular commodities: he called this his theory of comparative advantage.

TOP Thomas Malthus

ABOVE David Ricardo

LEFT Adam Smith, The Muir Portrait

‘Phillips is one of a handful of economists to have achieved the ultimate accolade of having a curve named after him’

BELOW RIGHT Joan Robinson

Ricardo’s views on free-trade policy became the conventional wisdom during the 19th century, particularly in the United Kingdom. But trade policy has remained controversial and many people have supported the use of trade barriers in certain circumstances. Alexander Hamilton – he of the Broadway musical and the first US Secretary of the Treasury – argued that tariffs would help the young United States develop its industrial base. East Asian countries adopted the same approach after World War II. Donald Trump advocates tariffs to slow the emergence of China and protect US jobs –even if they are jobs in areas where the US has no comparative advantage.

Alban William Phillips crocodile hunter and economist (1914-1975)

Alban William Phillips was born in Te Rehunga, New Zealand, and had an unusual resume for an economist. He worked as a crocodile hunter and in a gold mine, busked with a violin and spent more than three years as a Japanese prisoner of war, where he learnt Mandarin and made a tiny shortwave radio concealed in the heel of his shoe. Later, as a professor at the London School of Economics, Philips made a model of the economy from Perspex pipes and plastic tanks in which flowing water represented household, government and business expenditure. (The machine is kept in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.)

Students of economics may not know about his crocodile hunting skills, but

they will know his name because it has been immortalised in textbooks. Phillips is one of a handful of economists to have achieved the ultimate accolade of having a curve named after him.

The Phillips curve has had an interesting and varied life of its own. In its original form, it showed that there was a trade-off between unemployment and inflation: policymakers could choose lower inflation, but only if they accepted higher unemployment. In later variants, the Phillips curve suggested that there was no relationship between the two, so completely contradicting the original version.

John Maynard Keynes revolutionary conservative (1883-1946)

John Maynard Keynes was a revolutionary thinker who defended the capitalist system. He had many accomplishments in politics, the arts and finance – and had romantic relationships with the author Lytton Strachey and painter Duncan Grant, before marrying the Russian ballerina Lydia Lopokova.

Keynes and his colleagues invented macroeconomics, which means the study of the economy as a whole rather than the study of individual markets.

He rejected the idea that the market would always bring things back into balance of its own accord: Smith’s “invisible hand” may put bread on the table, but did not guarantee full employment. Keynes’ suggested solution was to use

government spending and tax powers to regulate the aggregate economy. In contrast, economists had previously thought that the budget should always be balanced. His influence is so profound that we use his way of thinking almost subconsciously these days.

Joan Robinson imperfect competition, imperfect economist (1903-1983)

Joan Robinson may have been the best modern economist not to have won the Nobel Prize. She was one of John Maynard Keynes’s entourage and made major contributions to economics in her own right. She coined many new

ABOVE Left to right: The team that restored the Phillips Machine, Colin Carter (a professional engineer), Professor James Meade, Professor Walter Newlyn (University of Leeds, LSE Alumnus), Dr Nicholas Barr, Reza Moghadam (Research Assistant, LSE Student)

terms including “macroeconomics”, “monopsony” and “imperfect competition”. And she worked on issues ranging from regulation of uncompetitive markets to the impact of gender discrimination in the labour market.

Robinson was a communist sympathiser who became more radical as she got older – eventually even writing an apology for Chairman Mao’s cultural revolution. That may not have been a smart move had she wanted to win the Nobel Prize.

John Nash phantoms, games and oligopolies (1928-2015)

Mathematician and genius John Nash introduced game theory to economics. This is a branch of mathematics used to analyse situations when decisions by one party affect those of another.

Sadly, Nash suffered from schizophrenia for much of his life. He became known as the “phantom of Princeton” as he haunted the university occasionally leaving cryptic messages on blackboards. But he later recovered and received the Nobel prize.

Nash’s legacy is that economists now analyse markets in which there are only a handful of producers using game theory. Classic examples are OPEC (the cartel of oil-producing nations) and the airline industry (which is dominated by just two firms, Boeing and Airbus).

Elinor Ostrom institutions and communities (1933-2012)

The tragedy of the commons is the observation that commonly owned land or property is often over-used. The original idea can be traced back to a British economist called William Forster Lloyd who described this phenomenon in the context of shepherds in an English village: the shepherds over-grazed the land with the result that grass quality suffered.

Elinor Ostrom identified many examples in which this “tragedy” was avoided. For example, communal use of water basins and agreed fishing rights could prevent over-use. She showed that organisations and norms of behaviour provided a solution to the paradox.

It is unclear whether such an approach could be applied to the greatest and most

worrying example of the tragedy of the commons: climate change. But Ostrom’s worldview is strikingly practical and a welcome antidote to the notion of the “dismal science”.

Ostrom is also one among numerous economists who have incorporated understanding of institutions and behavioural norms to economic situations. She did so at a when the professions was becoming ever more abstract and mathematical.

Conclusion: an ever-changing science

These eight great thinkers have not had the last word on how the economy works: after all, the world does not stand still, so economics is always changing. Think how artificial intelligence, 3D printing and the replacement of cash with virtual money may change things. So as the world evolves, future economists will no doubt come up with new models to describe it. T

TOP LEFT John Maynard Keynes with wife Lydia Lopokova ABOVE John Nash

BELOW Elinor Ostrom

Why women need to network more

Charlotte Clark and Victoria Bahadoor, co-founders of Empower Her Community, explore the power of genuine connection in business.

SUCCESS IN BUSINESS isn’t just about strategy, skill, or luck – it’s also about who you surround yourself with. The right people, the right conversations, and the right support system can change the entire trajectory of your career. But for so many women in business, the journey can feel isolating. Entrepreneurship is often glorified as a solo mission, but the truth is, no one truly succeeds alone.

Women, more than ever, need strong, intentional networks. Not just to exchange business cards or gain referrals, but to find spaces where they can be seen, heard, and championed. Spaces where their dreams aren’t too big, where ambition isn’t intimidating, and where success is celebrated, not envied. The power of genuine networking isn’t just in growing your business – it’s in growing yourself. Too often, traditional networking events leave women feeling disconnected. Forced pitches, surface-level conversations, and the pressure to “sell yourself” can feel uncomfortable and ineffective. That’s why spaces designed specifically for women, by women are so powerful. When women gather in the right rooms, magic happens. It’s not about handing out business cards – it’s about creating real connections. It’s about surrounding yourself with women who inspire you to dream bigger, take bolder action, and step into your full potential.

That’s exactly why we created Empower Her Community. It started as a single event, a way to bring women in business together in a space that felt safe, inspiring, and energising. But it quickly became clear that this was something so many women needed. The demand for something deeper, more meaningful, and more transformative was undeniable. What started as one event turned into a

movement – now spanning across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Bali with 20-plus global networking hubs, an Inner Circle membership, and retreats that offer not just business growth, but deep personal transformation.

Women thrive when they are surrounded by others who get it. Who understand the late nights, the selfdoubt, the pressure to balance it all. Who celebrate their wins as if they were their own and push them to take up space unapologetically. Empower Her has become that space – a community that isn’t about competition but about lifting each other higher. It’s about showing up not just for yourself, but for the women standing beside you.

The impact of the right connections is undeniable. Through our community, we’ve watched women go from hesitant entrepreneurs to confident business leaders. We’ve seen them land opportunities they never thought possible – media features, speaking engagements, collaborations, and life-changing clients – all because they put themselves in the right rooms. We’ve seen women walk into their first networking event filled with nerves, only to leave with new friendships, a fresh perspective, and the momentum they needed to take their next big step.

Networking is no longer a nice-tohave – it’s a necessity. The world moves fast, and opportunities don’t always come knocking at your door. You have to put yourself out there. You have to be willing to be seen. You have to step into spaces where you can grow, evolve, and expand your vision for what’s possible. Because the truth is, no one succeeds by doing it alone.

At Empower Her, we don’t just provide networking events – we provide

a platform. A place where women can not only connect but also become leaders. Our Inner Circle offers expert-led masterclasses, accountability, and a highvalue online membership designed to give women the tools they need to grow their businesses. Our in-person networking hubs create space for authentic, meaningful conversations – where you’re not just asked what you do, but who you are and what impact you want to make. Our retreats, like our upcoming Bali Retreat in July, are designed for deep connection, personal transformation, and taking your business to the next level in an environment that inspires you to think bigger.

But we also know that community isn’t just about attending – it’s about contributing. That’s why we actively provide a platform for women to step into leadership. Whether it’s speaking at our events, hosting a masterclass, running a local networking hub, or collaborating on new projects, we create opportunities for women to be seen and celebrated for the expertise they bring. When one woman rises, she brings others with her. And that’s the ripple effect we’re creating. This isn’t just about networking. This is about rewriting the rules of how women show up in business. It’s about creating real success, built on real relationships. It’s about knowing that when women come together with intention, the ripple effect is unstoppable.

We’re not just building businesses. We’re building a movement. And we’d love for you to be part of it. T

Join us at Empower Her Community and start making connections that will change everything. www.empowerhercommunity.com

Charlotte Clark (right) and Victoria Bahadoor (left), co-founders of Empower Her Community.

Optimising returns

SINCE THEY WERE first launched in 2020, InvestNow’s Foundation Series Funds have been hugely popular among investors.

The funds currently have more than $400 million under management across a suite of diversified and international equities funds, including funds that offer cost-effective exposure to some of the world’s most popular ETFs.

And there are more options coming.

The secret is two-fold. The Foundation Series Funds are housed within a taxefficient structure, which can provide savings of up to 0.55 per cent per year, compared to investing directly into the same underlying offshore ETF. The funds also have some of the lowest management fees of any fund in New Zealand, with fund options featuring management fees as low as 0.03 per cent per annum*.

At InvestNow, we believe that high costs should not be a barrier to accessing quality investment strategies. The mission of the Foundation Series Funds is to provide greater value for investors by offering cost and tax efficient exposure to leading investments, including access to some of the renowned names in the industry such as Vanguard and Charles Schwab.

InvestNow’s Foundation Series Funds combine low fees with tax efficiency.

Cost-efficient way to access ETFs

The Foundation Series Funds are managed in-house by InvestNow and structured as PIE funds, which are taxed at a maximum rate of 28 per cent. In contrast, investing directly into the offshore ETFs that the funds are exposed to would mean investors are taxed at a marginal tax rate of up to 39 per cent.

The material difference between these two rates is larger than the numerical 11 per cent difference. In real terms, you could side-step a roughly 40 per cent higher tax bill by investing via a PIE fund rather than directly into the ETF itself.

The international equities funds within the Foundation Series Funds range also feature super-low annual management fees, in line with those charged by the offshore ETFs themselves.

The annual fee and tax savings from this cost-efficient fund structure was purposely designed to help maximise value for long-term investors.

The Foundation Series Funds range*

We started the Foundation Series Funds with the view that robust, long-term investment outcomes are underpinned by the core principles of diversification and efficient portfolio construction.

These values have been incorporated to provide a broad set of fund offerings that are designed to form the “foundation” of any investment portfolio.

The funds range began with two diversified funds – the Foundation Series Balanced Fund and Foundation Series Growth Fund, before adding a set of international equities funds – the Foundation Series US 500 Fund and Foundation Series Total World Fund –available in both in hedged and unhedged variants, which invest into the popular Vanguard S&P 500 ETF and Vanguard Total World Stock ETF respectively. T

*The Foundation Series US 500 Fund, Foundation Series Hedged US 500 Fund, Foundation Series Total World Fund, Foundation Series Hedged Total World Fund, Foundation Series US Dividend Equity Fund and Foundation Series Global ESG Fund are all subject to a transaction fee charge of 0.50% for all Buy Orders (Entry Fee) and 0.50% for all Sell Orders (Exit Fee).

Expanding the Foundation Series Funds

Due to their popularity, we are pleased to be able to grow the Foundation Series Funds line-up with three new fund options that appeal to a wider range of evolving investor needs.

The Foundation Series US Dividend Equity Fund invests solely into the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF, and offers dividend-orientated investors access to a low-cost solution that charges a management fee of just 0.06 per cent pa, in line with the underlying ETF.

The Foundation Series Global ESG Fund provides investors with access to a low-cost, ESG-screened global shares fund that is powered by popular Vanguard ETFs (Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF and the Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF) and comes with a management fee of just 0.10 per cent pa.

The Foundation Series High Growth Fund adds a more aggressive diversified fund option that is exposed to almost all growth assets such as local and global shares, while also featuring an ESG investment strategy and a management fee of just 0.37 per cent pa.

The revamped Foundation Series Funds now provide an even greater range of building blocks for Kiwis looking to create a low-cost, diversified portfolio.

By innovating the vehicle through which investors can access world-leading investments, we empower investors to more effectively achieve their goals; both financially and from a values perspective.

It’s the same investment strategy that you can get elsewhere, and the same world-leading products that many Kiwis would already be familiar with. What’s different is the cost-effective PIE fund vehicle through which investors can access these funds, and that can lead to more meaningful returns.

To find out more about InvestNow’s Foundation Series funds, visit www.investnow.co.nz/foundationseries

Disclaimer: This information is provided by InvestNow Saving and Investment Service Limited (“InvestNow”). The information and any opinions in this publication are based on sources that InvestNow believes are reliable and accurate. InvestNow, its directors, officers and employees make no representations or warranties of any kind as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication and disclaim liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense that may arise from any reliance on the information or any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in it, whether that loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of InvestNow, or otherwise, except for any statutory liability which cannot be excluded. All opinions and market commentary reflect InvestNow’s judgment on the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. This disclaimer extends to any entity that may distribute this publication. The information in this publication is not intended to be financial advice for the purposes of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, as amended by the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act 2019. In particular, in preparing this document, InvestNow did not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. Professional investment advice from an appropriately qualified adviser is recommended before making any investment. The issuer and manager of the Foundation Series Funds is FundRock NZ Limited. A Product Disclosure Statement is available at www.investnow.co.nz. There are always risks associated with an investment and an investor should read all disclosure material carefully before making an investment decision.

Educating children in finance

Our relationship with money begins at a young age, and our upbringing often influences our perceptions, writes Bridgette Jackson from Equal Exes.

WHEN FINANCIAL STRESS is present in childhood – perhaps due to economic hardship, living pay cycle to pay cycle, or constant analysis to ensure every dollar is accounted for – those attitudes can carry into adulthood. Alternatively, if money is saved excessively or spent freely, especially when a child has parents in separate households, these experiences will also shape financial behaviours later in life.

The key to long-term financial success isn’t just how much you earn; it’s about how you think about money and the behaviours you model for your family. Without positive financial habits, young people may struggle with money management or make costly mistakes.

Akin to learning to drive or developing healthy eating habits, financial habits formed in childhood and early adulthood tend to persist throughout life. If young people learn to budget, save, and invest early, they will likely make confident financial decisions later.

Key early habits set the foundation for success. Understanding the difference between needs and wants early prevents overspending, and impulse buying later. Having an allowance or tracking earnings from a part-time job teaches accountability and responsible financial management.

Helping young people to save small amounts consistently can instil discipline and provide a sense of security and selfworth, and being introduced to investing early and understanding compound interest and long-term wealth-building concepts will help foster a proactive financial mindset.

Early money lessons

Children are more likely to adopt similar

habits when they observe their parents making sensible financial decisions, such as saving for big-ticket items, rather than relying on debt. They are also influenced when parents openly discuss financial goals.

Children who witness their parents living beyond their means, such as constantly upgrading cars or taking on debt, may learn to assume these behaviours as normal. This can be especially true when separated parents have vastly different spending habits, with one indulging while the other struggles. Conversely, if parents educate their children on how to use their money, such as saving, responsible spending, and investing, they will foster confidence and resilience in financial matters. This approach prepares young adults with an informed perspective rather than learning through costly mistakes.

Fostering wealth-building mindsets

Breaking free from a cycle of financial stress has become increasingly challenging, especially given the economic conditions since 2020. These conditions have impacted many people, regardless of location or income level. Some families have struggled with debt, worked to rebuild their savings safety net, or avoided financial discussions altogether, which can lead to additional relationship stresses.

What matters now is a focus on financial recovery, positive communication and establishing good habits. But there are ways to change the narrative.

Try to move from scarcity to an abundance mindset. Focus on how money can work for you rather than dwelling on what you lack; your

children will be listening and learning.

You may have made poor financial decisions in the past, but they don’t define the future; what matters is the lessons learned from them. If you talk openly about money, it helps break down stigma and improves financial literacy. Utilise books, podcasts, and online resources to provide valuable insights.

Financial literacy is a lifelong journey, and the earlier good habits are introduced, the better. This is especially important as we transition to a largely cashless society. Teaching children, teenagers, and young adults about money in a way that is relevant to their life stage helps build confidence and independence. T

When to introduce budgeting, saving, and investing concepts

Practical ways to reinforce financial responsibility

Bridgette Jackson is a CDC-certified Divorce/ Separation Coach with a postgraduate dispute resolution qualification. She is also a trained divorce mediator (AIMNZ), a Relationship Coach (Institute for Life Coach Training), and a member of the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (accredited by the ICF - International Coaching Federation). Bridgette is also a Certified Organisational Coach, Level One with IECL (Institute of Executive and Leadership Coaching) and an enrolled barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.

• Ages 5–10 Introduce the concept of money, earning, and saving. Use pocket money or chores to teach the idea that money is earned, not given.

• Ages 11–15 Teach budgeting, needs vs. wants, and the value of saving towards goals. Start discussing bank accounts, KiwiSaver, and digital banking.

• Ages 16–18 Reinforce the importance of managing income from part-time jobs, understanding student loans, and avoiding debt traps. Introduce investing basics and compound interest.

• Ages 19+ Encourage financial independence through budgeting apps, emergency funds, and long-term financial planning, including KiwiSaver contributions and diversified investing.

• Use real-life examples. Show them how you budget for groceries or plan holiday savings. If they have a mobile phone, a great way to do this is to set up a budgeting app and have them track their spending money.

• Involve them in financial decisions. For example, let them compare prices when shopping or help plan a family outing within a set budget.

• Gamify learning – apps like Banqer, MyBudgetPal, or Sorted.org.nz tools make learning about money and tracking it fun and interactive.

Targeted returns

Select Invest offers term-loan investments underpinned by first mortgage security.

PROPERTY HAS LONG been viewed as an excellent option for investors. Under the right conditions, property can offer both capital gains and steady cashflow. Like all investment classes, property has its cons also including that traditional direct property investment can be very hands-on, including managing tenants and navigating regular legislative changes brought in by successive governments.

Investors are exploring other investment classes that require less management. Select Invest offers one such class of investment – term-loan investments underpinned by first mortgage security, allowing investors to choose from a range of loan profiles and target returns. The first mortgages that underpin these loans provide propertyrelated security while offering targeted fixed returns, without the effort required for self-managed investments.

Key investment features include:

· target returns from 8% per annum (net of fees, before tax)

· investment terms between 6-18 months

· flexible distribution options (returns paid monthly or at end of term)

· the ability to fund an entire loan or invest alongside other investors.

Established in 2022 by Fico Finance – a Nelson-based property finance lender with nearly 40 years’ experience in financing business, investment and property development – Select Invest provides approved wholesale investors access to private real estate debt via mortgagebacked loan investments.

With target returns starting at 8 per cent per annum, investment terms are between 6-to-18 months. Returns are paid monthly or at the end of term. Investors can fund a whole loan or invest alongside others.

“Investment duration and return structure are linked to the terms of the underlying loan, which allows investors to select investments that align with their specific investment criteria and cashflow needs,” explains Finn Brooke from Select Invest.

Select Invest works in partnership with Fico Finance, leveraging a network of

over 600 financial advisors nationwide to originate and assess loan applications and loan investment opportunities. If a loan application meets all relevant criteria and is approved, a conditional loan offer is issued.

Once a loan offer is accepted, Select Invest works with its legal team and borrowers to ensure all conditions can be satisfactorily met. Borrower applications need to meet initial credit and security assessments which are followed by a due diligence process in order to confirm whether final credit approval will be granted.

“Select Invest requires stringent conditions to be met, placing a strong emphasis on good quality property securities, appropriate loan-to-value ratios and borrower creditworthiness. Our thorough due diligence process assesses the borrower’s ability to repay the loan within the agreed term in the manner intended,” says Brooke.

Once all conditions are met and the loan settles with funds disbursed, Select Invest manages the loan and monitors adherence to loan terms and conditions,

on behalf of the investors. Select Invest charges a fee for its services.

Investment opportunities

Approved wholesale investors can select from a range of loan investments where the underpinning loan is supported by first registered mortgages against residential, commercial or industrial property. Select Invest does not provide funding for property developments or construction which can be inherently higher risk.

Investors earn a return via the interest rates borrowers are paying. Investors have a range of loan investment options to choose from, according to risk appetite, location preference and other investment criteria.

“Private real estate debt is a growing asset class and Select Invest’s platform is designed to offer approved wholesale investors transparent and tailored access to the non-bank property finance sector,” Brooke explains.

Wholesale investors who meet Select Invest’s criteria are then able to choose

the loans (and location and type of secured property) they are happy to invest in. Select Invest is able to provide potential investors with information about these options and to discuss them with investors.

“Our experience is that investors often prefer specific regions or propertysecurity types and appreciate being able to access curated investment opportunities which have a set duration and clear exit strategy,” Brooke continues.

Prior to investment in a specific loan, approved investors are provided with a fact sheet and information memorandum which contain key loan and investment specifics. If they wish to proceed, the next step is to review the investment agreement and sign an application form.

Once approved by Select Invest, investors fund some or all of a loan by transferring funds to Select Invest’s ANZ trust account for disbursement on loan settlement.

Interest is paid monthly to investors’ nominated bank account (net of fees and before tax). Interest is based on the target

‘Select Invest requires stringent conditions to be met, placing a strong emphasis on good quality property securities’

return of each specific investment.

Capitalised investments are also available (with interest paid in a lump sum at the end of the term). When the underlying loan is repaid, investors receive return of principal and interest to their nominated bank account (net of fees and before tax).

“Select Invest offers investors the ability to access, evaluate and choose individual investment opportunities tailored to their unique risk appetite. The underlying assessment and ongoing investment management is supported by an organisation with close to 40 years’ lending experience, which provides additional comfort that investments are managed effectively and responsibly,” says Brooke.

Investments are not guaranteed by Select Invest or Fico Finance.

All investment involves risk including the risk that security is not enough to fully cover a borrower default – see https://www.selectinvest.co.nz/risks/ for more information. T

* Investments are only available to certain categories of wholesale investors as defined under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, specifically those investing $750,000 or more and large investors as defined in the FMCA. Select Invest does not offer investment opportunities to retail investors.

In search of the magic number

Sam Bryden, Head of Distribution at Nikko AM NZ, shares three questions to ask your financial adviser about KiwiSaver.

KIWISAVER MAY HAVE the catch-all title, but as the retirement savings vehicle for almost 3.5 million of us now, it should by no means be seen as a onesize-fits-all solution.

Your personal KiwiSaver settings should reflect your individuality and take into account a whole array of factors. These include where you are at in your career journey, when or whether or not you plan to purchase your first home, your wider investment plan, your comfort with volatility and your social and environmental beliefs.

Finding the right combination of quality funds that meet these criteria is essential to you unlocking your KiwiSaver potential.

With 18 high-quality funds from six of New Zealand’s leading fund managers to choose from, we’ve developed a multimanager KiwiSaver scheme that enables you to tailor, track and when necessary, tweak your portfolio settings to meet your unique requirements.

While you can of course do this directly yourself – and I’d encourage you to check out how you can create your own bespoke portfolio on our GoalsGetter investment platform – we’ve developed GoalsGetter to make it more efficient for financial advice providers (FAPs) to offer a KiwiSaver service aligned to each

individual client’s situation by being able to choose from a range of select managers.

With more and more investment products available directly to consumers, working with a financial adviser can play an important role for Kiwis seeking to navigate their way to financial security. When it comes to getting the most out of KiwiSaver, here are three of the most important questions you should be asking yours.

1. Will my KiwiSaver settings keep me awake at night?

Understanding your own unique investor profile will lead you to the right fund mix for you. Your profile occupies the sweet spot between your savings ambition, your level of comfort with risk, your investment timeline and your personal beliefs. With funds carrying varying levels of risk and return (conservative, balanced, growth, aggressive) and thematic exposures, your adviser can guide you to not only the right mix of funds, but the right weighting.

2. How much should I contribute?

Standard contribution rates are 3 per cent, 4 per cent, 6 per cent, 8 per cent or 10 per cent. Contributing more will obviously make your balance grow faster, and through compounding returns this

can make a significant difference to your retirement fund over decades. Similarly, if you’re self-employed, making greater contributions – particularly through your best earning years – can compensate for the lack of employer contributions. However, preparing for the future needs to be balanced against the reality of navigating the high cost of living in the present. Your adviser should be able to help you work out what rate is best for you, both for now and for the future.

3. How am I protected through diversification?

It’s important that you understand the make-up of each fund you invest in. Having three or four different funds may not offer you the risk protection you think it does, if each fund invests in the same companies and sectors. A truly diversified KiwiSaver portfolio can allow you to spread your risk across managers, sectors, industries and geographies without compromising on your core beliefs.

The 18 high-quality funds we have handpicked for the GoalsGetter KiwiSaver Scheme enable you to create a portfolio with this level of diversification; your adviser is there to help you achieve it. T www.goalsgetter.co.nz

Money secrets laid bare

Being honest about money matters is vital for any healthy relationship, writes Lynda

Moore

RELATIONSHIPS ARE A delicate mix of emotions, habits, and, often, secrets. I was reading an article intertwining two of my favourite subjects – money and psychology – when I stumbled upon an intriguing take on the secrets men keep from women in traditional relationships. It examined everything from harmless fibs to financial infidelity, prompting me to explore further.

Please don’t think I am picking on men. I’m not. These behaviours can be seen in both men and women. But historically, they appear more in men.

I know from my own life experience that a decision I made to “protect” my husband from our financial situation (which was financial infidelity, even if well meaning) was the worst decision I have ever made in my life. We didn’t learn this until it was too late.

Men are often less open than women in relationships, particularly about emotions and finances. This tendency isn’t always rooted in deception but often stems from societal norms that discourage vulnerability. Let’s unpack some of the common secrets kept in relationships and how they can impact them.

Money matters more than you think

Financial secrets are among the most common issues in relationships, and financial infidelity – where one partner conceals money or financial information – can have far-reaching consequences.

One of the most damaging financial secrets, however, is the “rainy day” fund. While saving is prudent, doing so secretly can undermine trust. When one partner secretly hoards savings, or conversely, hides debt or loans, it creates a barrier to open communication about finances. These hidden financial behaviours can erode trust, making it difficult to navigate challenges as a team.

The emotional impact of financial

infidelity often outweighs the monetary implications. Once trust is broken, rebuilding it becomes a long and arduous process and is often not successful.

Suppressing emotions takes a toll

Many men are taught to suppress emotions like fear, anxiety, and vulnerability. While emotional restraint might appear harmless, it can create significant issues in relationships, especially when tied to financial stress.

For example, a man struggling with financial insecurity keep his worries to himself, leading to hidden debt or poor money management.

The woman on the other hand has no idea it’s about money and starts to think the problem is “her” which leads to other forms of insecurity and so the downward spiral begins.

Encouraging emotional honesty in a relationship can prevent these issues from festering. When both partners share their feelings openly, it fosters trust and strengthens the relationship, enabling them to tackle challenges – financial or otherwise – together.

Appearance matters to men too

Men’s concerns about appearance often fly under the radar. Insecurities about weight, ageing, or grooming can lead to secretive spending on clothes, fitness equipment, or grooming products.

Open discussions about appearancerelated concerns can help demystify these spending habits. Seeing your man dress differently and his appearance changing can set the woman’s brain down the completely wrong track, which again adds a whole new layer of complexity that a simple conversation could prevent.

The comparison trap

Men, like women, notice others – whether it’s someone more attractive, successful, or

wealthy. This can spark a desire to measure up to societal standards or peers. This is a form of “keeping up with the Joneses”, but it’s only one of you that’s doing it.

Purchases aimed at keeping up appearances, such as luxury items or extravagant experiences, can create confusion in the relationship.

“I don’t understand why you are spending money on this instead of that” becomes the catchphrase.

As with so many of these behaviours, communication in a caring and loving way is the answer, it needs to be done before things spiral out of control, both financially and emotionally.

Little lies to keep the peace

To avoid conflict, people often resort to small lies. Whether it’s pretending to enjoy an activity or minimising the cost

‘One of the most damaging financial secrets, however, is the “rainy day” fund’

of a purchase, these “white lies” are often intended to maintain harmony. However, when these lies involve money, it’s never that straightforward.

For instance, a man might claim he’s fine with financial arrangements while secretly feeling overwhelmed by debt. While the intention might be to avoid arguments, such deceptions can snowball, leading to larger trust issues over time. They can feel unsupported by their partner and that they are shouldering the whole financial weight of the relationship.

If things go wrong, of course it’s all his fault.

Most of these secrets aren’t rooted in malice. Instead, they stem from insecurities, fear, or a desire to protect the relationship.

Financial infidelity, however, represents a deeper issue. Concealing

debts, income discrepancies, or spending habits can cause irreparable harm if not addressed.

For a relationship to thrive, transparency is non-negotiable. While it’s natural for both partners to have private thoughts, honesty about finances is vital. Conversations about money might feel uncomfortable, but they’re essential for fostering a secure and fulfilling relationship.

The secrets we keep about money reveal much about ourselves and our relationships. By addressing financial infidelity early and encouraging openness, couples can strengthen their bonds. Vulnerability, rather than being a weakness, can foster intimacy and deeper connection.

Honest discussions about finances are the foundation for a resilient partnership. T

Nest-egg thinking

Liv Lewis-Long, head of marketing at Simplicity, on why KiwiSaver is such an important tool for ensuring financial wellbeing in retirement.

KIWISAVER IS ALMOST 20 years old – a milestone worth celebrating as a country facing a potential retirement poverty crisis. This concept probably sounds a little dramatic, I know, but with our ageing population – and a super scheme that is looking less and less sustainable to support it, we need to consider the facts.

KiwiSaver should be a pivotal component of retirement planning for Kiwis and is only going to get more important as the cost-of-living increases and the total tax take available to fund NZ Super decreases.

So, what’s the current state of retirement in New Zealand? Te Ara Ahunga

Ora, the Retirement Commission, carried out some research on this very topic in 2024 which painted a worrying picture.

Worrying picture

Their research found that almost 40 per cent of retirees (ie someone 65 or over) are completely reliant on NZ Super for their income, and less than 50 per cent are mortgage-free; 46 per cent of respondents were not financially comfortable, and the same percentage had to decrease their nonessential spending in the last two years.

Even more worrying is the 28 per cent and 26 per cent of respondents who had to buy less food and put off medical treatments due to affordability

issues. This doesn’t match our vision of retirement – a time of debt-free living, travel, socialising and reaping the rewards of years of labour, right?

Things aren’t going to get easier when it comes to NZ Super and its ability to support retirees in the future. Our proportion of over 65s is steadily increasing, and our birth rate is declining.

Why is this significant? Because NZ Super is funded by the current working population. And what happens when you have an increasing proportion of retirees versus working people? Less taxes to support all those relying on NZ Super.

In my opinion, and one that’s shared by several people much smarter and wiser than me, something needs to change when it comes to how NZ Super is managed – and KiwiSaver is a big player when it comes to being part of the solution here.

KiwiSaver is a voluntary, opt-out retirement savings scheme classified internationally as a “tier three” initiative, aimed at increasing the income replacement rate in retirement rather than merely preventing poverty (tier one).

Most people invest automatically through employer and employee

contributions, although non-salaried workers can contribute directly. And while KiwiSaver may pale next to some international schemes (looking at you, Australia!), it offers significant benefits. A mandated employer match of at least 3 per cent and an annual government contribution of $521.43 for those who are eligible, make the initial ROI extremely attractive. Additionally, its PIE structure provides valuable tax advantages, especially for those in the 30 per cent or higher tax bracket.

Why we need savings

But do we actually need KiwiSaver (or other) retirement savings? The Retirement Expenditure Guidelines Report, released on an annual basis by Massey University’s Financial Education Centre, is a handy resource to understand the gap between NZ Super and what retirees actually spend.

In 2024, this data showed that the average retired household spends more than their NZ Super income – what we call the “retirement income gap”. The gap ranges from $45 per week for a retiree living outside of the city on a “no frills”

budget, up to $940 per week for a couple living a “choices lifestyle” (which I certainly want!) in a metro area.

Even on a tight budget in a low-cost area, it’s clear that NZ Super isn’t enough – so we need to understand the important role KiwiSaver and other long-term savings and investments will play in funding retirement.

Sorted.org has two projection tools that can together help you plan your retirement needs, the first being their KiwiSaver calculator and the other being a retirement calculator.

Just using some rough numbers and assumptions: an 18-year-old starting out with zero KiwiSaver balance and a $60,000 initial income, putting the minimum 3 per cent employee contribution with their employer’s 3 per cent match into a high growth fund, could be looking at just over $500,000 balance in retirement. Alongside the NZ Super benefit of around $500 per week, this nest egg will allow them to afford the “choices” lifestyle described by the Massey research.

So, we know that even if NZ Super continues as-is (unlikely in my opinion), KiwiSaver will help plug the retirement gap.

Or, if you plan a bit smarter, potentially even replace the need to rely on a government pension in retirement. But how can we get the best “bang for our buck” with KiwiSaver?

Consider the variables

There are several variables that will affect the outcome here, a major being the benefit of time. Like me, many reading this article won’t have been enrolled in the KiwiSaver scheme since 18, and this means we don’t have a 40-plus year career to take advantage of when it comes to KiwiSaver accumulation. Regardless, the earlier we start (and have more money invested in the markets), the more our money has the potential to grow.

Contribution rates can also play a big factor, and using Sorted.org’s KiwiSaver tool can again come in handy here – just doubling the contribution rate from 3 per cent to 6 per cent alongside the working life calculations I did earlier adds almost $200,000 to the imaginary retirement balance.

This power of higher regular contributions is something not well understood or considered by many Kiwis. Fund types are a third variable that can affect your long-term balance, with (in my opinion) too many Kiwis in lower-risk and consequently lower average return funds, despite having 10-plus year investment horizons.

‘We know that even if NZ Super continues as-is (unlikely in my opinion), KiwiSaver will help plug the retirement gap’

Fees can also play a big part when it comes to your future KiwiSaver balance, something that I (working for a low-fee fund manager) am passionate about.

But that’s a topic for another day. And something to consider when it comes to ensuring you’re with the right KiwiSaver provider for you, alongside the even more important choices around fund type and contribution rates.

Take control

The crux of it is, we have more control when it comes to KiwiSaver than many think. Optimising how you manage your KiwiSaver during your working life could have a huge impact on your position at retirement, regardless of whether that’s near or far.

While there are a range of investment options to consider when it comes to planning for your retirement, KiwiSaver is a key tool to integrate into your financial planning.

The built-in advantages around employer and government contributions give investors a huge advantage in terms of ROI, and there are many levers you can pull to maximise your projected balance at retirement.

KiwiSaver’s inaccessibility is also handy for avoiding ransacking savings outside of absolute hardship – meaning that it’s a great vehicle for long-term wealth building. So, I highly encourage you, if you’re reading this, to take a moment to review your own KiwiSaver situation, ensure you’re making the most of what’s available to you, and if possible, increasing your own contributions now (not later!) to help secure your financial future. T

Hidden in plain sight

An investment option has been delivering consistent returns to Kiwis for over a decade.

MORTGAGE TRUSTS

DON’T often make the newspaper financial commentary, so many investors are unaware of what they are and what they offer.

But once people understand how they work and the benefits they provide, the interest is real.

“We find a lot of our business comes through referrals,’ says Glenys Holden, CEO of Norfolk Mortgage Management Limited, Manager of Norfolk Mortgage Trust. “When investors see the steady returns we offer, they tell their friends and family.”

Norfolk’s investor base reflects this confidence. Forty percent of their investors have been with them for more than a decade, demonstrating the trust and reliability built over the years. While some investors choose to place significant funds with us—the average investment sits at $155,000 – our mortgage trust is also accessible, with one-third of investments under $50,000 and a minimum entry of just $5,000.

“Our investors come from all walks of life – some are retirees looking for dependable income, others are professionals wanting a hands-off investment, and many are everyday New Zealanders simply looking for a secure place to grow their wealth,” says Glenys. “The flexibility of our trust allows people to start small, build confidence, and reinvest over time.”

In an unpredictable world, securing your financial future isn’t always about chasing the highest returns – it’s about finding stability. Whether you’re planning for retirement, looking for a passive income source, or seeking a reliable, low-maintenance investment, the key is balancing risk and reward. Norfolk Mortgage Trust provides a proven way

to achieve this – earning steady monthly returns while keeping your capital secured by New Zealand property.

What is a Mortgage Trust?

A mortgage trust pools investors funds to provide loans secured by property. This means your investment is backed by real assets rather than being subject to the unpredictable swings of the market.

Here’s how it works

1. Investors contribute funds and receive units in the trust.

2. The mortgage trust carefully selects borrowers who meet strict lending criteria.

3. Approved loans become part of the trust’s diversified mortgage pool.

4. Borrowers pay monthly interest, which is collected by the trust.

5. Investors receive monthly distributions from this interest – minus management fees, costs, and tax.

6. Investor Choice: Investors can choose to receive their monthly returns as cash deposits or reinvest them into the trust to compound their wealth.

If you’re new to mortgage trusts or want to understand how they work, watch Norfolk Mortgage Trust’s explainer video at www. norfolktrust.co.nz/informed. It provides a clear and concise overview of how mortgage trusts operate and why they’re a compelling option for many investors.

The Norfolk difference

Talking with Glenys and the team at Norfolk, it’s clear they take a disciplined, strategic approach to investing. They don’t rely on chance or speculation – every decision is grounded in nearly 20 years of experience, a focus on delivering strong returns, and a firm commitment to protecting investors.

As Stu Smith, executive director at Norfolk, explains, success comes down to three key pillars.

1: Rigorous loan evaluation: choosing the right opportunities Norfolk doesn’t just glance at credit scores. Every borrower undergoes a comprehensive financial assessment to ensure they can meet their obligations. This disciplined selection process helps maintain a portfolio of high-quality, secure loans.

2: Conservative lending practices: putting investor security first

• Every loan is backed by first registered mortgage. This means we have the first claim on the property in the unlikely event of a borrower defaulting.

• Strict Loan-to-Value Ratios (LVRs) create a built-in equity buffer, protecting investor capital.

3. Diversified portfolio: spreading risk for stability Rather than concentrating funds into a few high-risk loans, we diversify investments across a range of borrowers, property types, and locations throughout New Zealand, ensuring consistent performance even in uncertain times.

“When it comes to investment decisions, we err on the side of caution — because safeguarding our investors’ funds is paramount,” says Smith.

Why investors choose Norfolk Mortgage Trust

When investors talk about why they trust Norfolk, five key reasons stand out:

• Proven performance: Since 2006, Norfolk has delivered steady, uninterrupted monthly returns, even through market fluctuations.

• Reliable monthly income: Investors enjoy consistent cash flow rather than waiting on lump-sum payouts or market returns.

• Strong risk management: Conservative lending policies and strict LVRs help protect capital.

• Simplicity and transparency: No complex structures, no hidden fees – just a straightforward investment.

• Personalised service: “We’re not a faceless institution,” says Glenys. “Investors know they can pick up the phone anytime and speak directly with us.”

“Our investors aren’t just account numbers: they’re people with real goals, whether it’s funding their retirement, supporting their family, or planning for a major life milestone. We take that responsibility seriously.”

Mortgage trusts may not always make headlines, but for those in the know, they offer a powerful combination of security, stability, and consistent returns. Norfolk Mortgage Trust has been delivering exactly that for nearly two decades. Over the last decade, Norfolk has delivered an annualised average return of 6.56 per cent after fees and before tax. T

As of January 2025, Norfolk provided an annualised pre-tax return of 7.25 per cent.

With a minimum investment of just $5,000 and no entry or exit fees, Norfolk makes it easy to get started.

7.25% p.a. * *Past

Global snapshot

Innovations and forces affecting business, investment and the economy across the globe.

UK may need a US$63 billion investment in the power distribution network nationally to support additional demand and generation through 2050, double the current pace of additional investment, the National Infrastructure Commission has stated.

This investment would be essential to achieve the government’s growth mission and lower long-term energy costs for consumers, the commission said in an electricity distribution report in February.

S&P Global reported a 17-month low reported by S&P Global, and a string of surveys indicates business is becoming increasingly concerned about Trump’s tariff threats driving up costs internally. UK

The required investment levels would be at least a doubling of current annual allowances for load related expenditure, on top of business-as-usual investment, such as end of life asset replacement, the commission added.

French lawmakers in the National Assembly have voted in favour of a 2 per cent wealth tax on the assets of the super-rich. The bill, adopted by 116 votes to 39, was proposed by the Ecologist Party and supported by green and leftwing MPs on Thursday evening.

Lawmakers from the far-right National Rally party abstained, while turnout from the centrist government was low. Although the bill has passed a key legislative hurdle, it’s not expected to pass through the Senate. The so-called “Zucman tax”, named after economist Gabriel Zucman, would impose a minimum tax on the richest 0.01 per cent of France’s citizens.

The law would apply to around 4,000 people in France with assets of more than €100 million.

Business activity in the United States nearly stalled in February. This comes amid fears around tariffs on imports and deep cuts in federal government spending, facilitated by Elon Musk’s DOGE team. The gains made in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s election victory have been eroded.

Bank of Canada governor

Tiff Macklem warns the Canadian economy will not be able to bounce back from a protracted trade war with the United States, as the impact from the trade disruptions will be structural in nature.

In a speech outside the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, he stated:

“In the pandemic, we had a steep recession followed by a rapid recovery as the economy reopened. This time, if tariffs are long-lasting and broad-based, there won’t be a bounce-back.”

“Lower export revenues would reduce household income,” he said. “And retaliatory tariffs would raise the prices of many consumer goods.”

SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA

Australia’s fourth-biggest lender, ANZ Group said on Thursday that asset impairments jumped to their highest levels since 2021 in the first quarter, driven primarily by mortgages. This has sent its shares down 3 per cent, Reuters reported.

This is due to a muted run of trading updates by Australia’s banks, which have experienced higher income on loans in a high-interest rate environment but also struggled with slower credit growth and increased bad debts.

Businesses in South Africa are dealing with uncertainty around the government’s economic plans after the budget has been postponed indefinitely.

The finance minister Enoch Godongwana has delayed the budget speech after the Democratic Alliance, a coalition partner of the African National Congress, opposed plans to increase what is called valueadded tax from 15 per cent to 17 per cent.

This was intended to facilitate growth without further increasing borrowing – public debt is now 75 per cent GDP.

NEW ZEALAND THAILAND

Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr has stated that New Zealand’s inflation is low and stable inflation but warns that the volatile international landscape could impact New Zealand’s economy.

He believes that Kiwis should feel that things are on the up and that there will be “GDP growth, employment growth coming through, and low and stable inflation.”

But, he added, “geoeconomic fragmentation, so global potential growth will be lower and we will see international price volatility.”

Thailand has been urged by experts to proactively address the risks associated with US president Donald Trump‘s tariff policies. The country is particularly susceptible to increased tariffs among Southeast Asian nations.

With a significant trade surplus with the US, Thailand could become a target for tariffs, especially following Trump‘s recent executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum imports.

Thai commerce minister Pichai Naripthaphan has assured that the government will strive to avoid becoming a target by engaging in discussions with US officials. Despite efforts to negotiate, experts express concern that Thailand may still face tariffs, highlighting that the potential impacts on global trade and market stability can be significant.

KELVIN DAVIDSON

Year of conflicting forces

ANDREW KENNINGHAM

Andrew is the chief Europe economist for Capital Economics.He was previously an economic adviser for the United Kingdom Foreign Exchange.

SAM STUBBS

As Kelvin Davidson from CoreLogic explains, there are likely to be disparate forces at play in 2025 in the property market.

THIS TIME LAST year, we were anticipating an “underwhelming upturn” to show through in New Zealand’s housing market, as factors such as lower mortgage rates helped to boost sales volumes and property values. As it happened, 2024 was certainly underwhelming, but the “upturn” part ended up being missed. Property values declined across the country by around 4 per cent overall, and by 6-7 per cent in Auckland and Wellington. What might lie ahead in 2025?

Upward influence

Clearly, the most important upwards influence on market activity levels and property values this year is likely to be lower mortgage rates – not only for new borrowers, but also for the existing mortgage holders currently rolling off older, higher fixed rates and onto the new current levels.

Across existing loans, less than 20 per cent are fixed and with more than 12 months to run until their next rate review; in other words, about 80 per cent of loans will likely enjoy lower rates this year.

A return to some kind of economic growth and an end to the labour market downturn would also be beneficial for property, but nobody is really anticipating a quick return to boom times.

The challenges

30/11/23 4:46 PM

There are also reasons to be relatively cautious about the property market’s prospects this year. For a start, there are still significant affordability pressures in most parts of the country, even after the falls in property prices since late 2021. This doesn’t tell you everything about where values might be headed, but it does hint at some kind of handbrake on growth.

In addition, there are still plenty of listings available, and it remains a buyers’ market. This will tend to mean that transactions take longer to finalise and, with buyers in the ascendency, house prices may remain fairly subdued.

Although lower mortgage rates – and falls in the internal serviceability test rates at the banks – will tend to support the housing market, they will also bring forward the timing for when the new debt-to-income ratio rules become a more significant factor for some borrowers.

To be fair, we don’t expect DTIs to suddenly lock out vast swathes of borrowers in 2025 – partly because there’s a 20 per cent allowance to lend outside the rules and also due to the new-build exemption – but they’ll still become a much more common consideration in the

lending process, and make it harder to build a property portfolio as quickly as in the past.

Conflicting forces

Weighing all of this up, our modelling suggests that sales volumes (across estate agents and private deals) could rise from around 80,000 in 2024 to 90,000 or so in 2025, with property values nationally increasing by about 5 per cent. That’s still growth in values, but certainly more subdued than we’ve seen in the early stages of some previous upturns, namely the post-Covid experience.

First-home buyers will probably continue to enjoy market conditions, but a slow and steady comeback by mortgage investors seems likely too. Keep in mind that mortgage interest deductibility is back to 100 per cent from April 1 this year.

I’ll also be watching the general lending environment very closely this year, in particular if and when the current obsession with either floating rates or short-term fixes starts to shift back out to longer-term fixed rates again.

The possible timing of when (and if) three-to-five-year fixed rates might start to offer good value remains uncertain, but it’s a key factor to keep an eye on. T

Average Property Value

CoreLogic House Price Index

Percentage change last three months

Money for nothing

Nichole Lewis is a property investor who uses ‘no-money deals’ to create wealth; read on to find out how she does it.

EVERY PROPERTY INVESTOR

has experienced this at some stage. Found a brilliant deal but the bank won’t lend anymore. You don’t have enough income. You don’t have enough deposit. You don’t have enough equity. How do you buy property when you’re stuck for cash?

Strategy. You just need to think of a way to get the deal across the line with no money.

Doing property with no money was the only option I had when I was getting back on my feet. Now it’s a challenge to see how many million I can make with no money.

Made to trade

One gold mine for no money deals is looking for ways to trade property by doing deals like contemporaneous settlements, flipping, multi-house

subdivisions, vendor ventures and my specialty, rural subdivisions.

The secret to property with no money is in how you structure the deal and who you can find to work with. You can make millions in cash simply by using your expertise and partnering with others who have what you need.

You will also find no-money deals when you’re looking to add a cash-positive property to your portfolio. I’ve done it with multi-title, multi-unit deals, money partners to re-cycle equity, private lenders to refinance after four months by adding value and long-term settlements.

Here are some examples from the past year.

A rural subdivision with an eightmonth settlement with access to subdivide prior. This I got under contract and on-sold to a buyer who didn’t know

anything about rural, so I am managing the project. No money needed from me and the project will make around $3-$4 million in profit for the buyer.

Naturally, I would have loved to have done this project myself and pocketed the $3-4 million profit, but I didn’t have the money at the time.

Instead of passing the deal by, I got it and looked for someone who wanted to make the profit. I made a few hundred thousand on the deal and have a very happy buyer who I can continue to work with. As my business coach says, never leave money on the table.

Clear intentions

Currently I have a $4.5 million dollar property I bought with a six-month settlement, with access to renovate and sell prior to settlement. The

renovation is completed, it goes on the market at the end of February, from which I’m hoping for a sale with a contemporaneous settlement.

I was totally up front with the agent and the owner, I put in the agreement that my intention was to renovate and use the same agent to re-sell and got the owner to sign to say they were happy with that. One thing that’s very important to me is reputation and finding the win-win solution. The vendor needed the sale and was happy with my terms.

This was a no-money deal because I used investor funds as my deposit for which I paid $100,000 and to fund the renovation, which I negotiated as 50 per cent payable up front and 50 per cent upon sale.

A developer I admire greatly taught me there are no rules in property. There are multiple ways to structure a deal. Ask what each party needs and come up with a solution to solve everyone’s problem.

In March last year, I bought a property that settles in September 2025 with access. I paid $2.5 million and it will value to at least $2.9 million (hopefully over $3 million) when September comes around.

People power

I have a group of property powerhouses that I belong to where these deals are the norm. In fact, one of them said their

longest settlement was six years – and I thought my 18 months was brilliant. It is such an amazing group of people including high-end investors, big developers and high-net-worth individuals who like to fund deals that other people run.

In property you’re always learning, I’m excited to grow my skills and knowledge this year and to have 10 times the deals I’m working on now.

As a seasoned investor I am well aware property is just a matter of knowing the right people.

You can achieve anything, even when you’re stuck for cash. You’re not the only one who has hit a wall with the bank, so get involved with those who have been there and have the solutions.

Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve this year? Do my impossible exercise: achieving (your goal) is impossible unless … Now make a list of everything you need to do to turn your goal into reality. Then meet the people to help you do it.

That’s exactly what I did in January 2024, which led me to those few multimillion dollar deals using no money that I’ve told you about above. It’s amazing what you can achieve in property when you set your mind to it – money or no money! T

‘One gold mine for no money deals is looking for ways to trade property’

Investing in uncertain times

Andrew Nicol on what global events mean for Kiwi property investors.

Under Republican presidencies, it would have grown to $2.7 million. But if you had invested consistently, ignoring politics. You’d have $9.2 million.

The key takeaway is to invest consistently and avoid being swayed by political noise.

Trump effect

Still, it’s fair to ask what a Trump presidency could mean for New Zealand.

One argument in favour is his probusiness stance, particularly his support for lower corporate taxes.

His policies on reducing reliance on China have also encouraged companies to diversify their supply chains. While disruptive in the short term, this could create more balanced global trade over time. Stock prices initially rose after Trump’s election, partly due to expectations of lower corporate tax rates.

Four months later, those gains have nearly disappeared. The S&P 500 has almost wiped out its gains since Trump moved back into the White House last month.

An “America first” trade policy means higher taxes on imported goods, which could hurt exporters – including New Zealand’s.

If American import restrictions set off a global trade war, it could create economic ripples that reach us. Trump’s stricter immigration policies could also push up wages in the US, making goods more expensive and potentially nudging inflation higher, which might slow interest rate cuts worldwide.

IT’S HARD TO ignore the news. Whether it’s the war in Ukraine, the Trump re-election, Germany’s recent election, or Britain’s departure from the European Union, global events seem more unpredictable than ever.

Naturally, as a New Zealand investor, you might wonder: Does any of this affect me?

I was recently giving a presentation to the board of an industry association. They asked the same question: “How do global events impact how you invest? Can you really believe any of the forecasts you get from the banks and economists?”

There are two ways to look at it. On the one hand, you don’t want to be naïve and assume that what happens overseas has no impact here. On the other, overreacting to every headline can lead to unnecessary panic.

New Zealand context

The key is understanding where New Zealand fits in and what matters most. Take the US election, for example. Media

headlines painted dire pictures.

The same doomsday headlines we are reading now, could have been (and were) printed almost a decade ago when Trump first took power.

“Economists: A Trump win would tank the markets,” Politico wrote in 2016.

CNN Business claimed a Trump victory would sink stocks. The Washington Post warned he could destroy the world economy.

Yet after he won, property and share prices rose, and the world economy remained standing. That’s not to be naïve. But there is a limit to how much an individual politician can impact global markets.

Many Kiwis invest in property. So, let’s look at how New Zealand property prices have changed over time based on who’s in the Oval Office.

Say you had invested $100,000 in New Zealand property in 1970. If you only invested during Democratic presidencies, that money would be worth $334,000 today.

The same analysis applies to other global events, such as the war in Ukraine. It’s easy to imagine worst-case scenarios – what if China joined the war? What if they cut off trade with New Zealand, triggering a recession? But has that happened? No.

Thinking through risks is important, but reacting prematurely can lead to poor decisions.

Forecasts and economic predictions always carry a band of uncertainty. The further into the future we look, the more that band widens. A one-year outlook is reasonably reliable. But a three-year forecast is far less certain.

Global geopolitical events widen that band. The lesson here? Pay attention, but don’t overreact. The world can feel more uncertain than ever, but when has it ever been certain?

We’ve seen wars, depressions, pandemics – yet markets recover. Political and economic landscapes shift constantly.

History shows that those who stay invested, rather than reacting to short-term global events, tend to come out ahead. T

Sustainability central

In just five years, Central Park has evolved into one of New Zealand’s largest mixed-use commercial precincts through a value-add strategy, with significant growth yet to be unlocked.

IN 2018, A newly formed capital partnership between global investment firm KKR and leading New Zealandbased commercial property firm Oyster Property Group acquired the Central Park business park in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and fastest-growing city.

Central Park was an underutilised and outdated business park at the time of purchase. However, the partnership

recognised the latent potential in its extensive landholding and prime location to maximise diversified income streams and strong tenant covenants.

Central Park’s approach was to incorporate sustainability into the precinct followed a four-stage strategy designed to unlock its value through integrating key sustainability initiatives into its DNA.

The aim has always been to meet and exceed industry best practices; demonstrate sustainability leadership beyond legislative requirements; ensure resilience while maintaining its sustainability credentials in a changing landscape; and create attract and retain high-value tenants.

Seeking to expand its sustainability journey an ESG strategy was created

Our Sustainability Framework

The

implementation

4 Strategic Pillars

for Central Park with the objective to develop a “green-print” for the precinct’s future development.

Central Park’s approach to sustainability remains adaptable, innovative, aligning with evolving requirements and market shifts. By leveraging a rigorous ESG framework, Central Park aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and cultivate a vibrant, resilient community that fosters inclusivity and wellbeing. Through strategic partnerships and continuous improvement, Central Park will elevate its environmental and social credentials, attracting premium tenants while setting new standards in sustainable development. T

Investing in tomorrow

For more information on the Oyster Property Group portfolio and current investment opportunities: www.oystergroup.co.nz

Fashion Update

The colours and styles of autumn 2025.

1. COS Double-Breasted Linen Blazer – $450, 2. Kowtow Alfie jacket – RRP $409, Kowtow Riley jean RRP $289, Kowtow Staple tee – RRP $109, 3. adidas EQT Reflective Crewneck Sweatshirt – RRP $290, 4. adidas EQT Track Pants – RRP $220, 5. R.M.Williams Comfort craftsman boots – RRP $799, 6. R.M.Williams Narran panel stripe rugby – RRP $169, 7. Birkenstock Milano Crosstown in Oiled Leather – $330

1. AHLEM Buci Dark Green – $915, 2. Jasmin Sparrow Bloom Hoops in Gold – $550, 3. Kowtow Composure crew – RRP POA, 4. COS Striped Knitted Midi Skirt – $165, 5. Kathryn Wilson Carmel heel – $329, 6. Birkenstock Birki Flow Eva in Elemental Blue – $180, 7. Kowtow Parallel trackpant RRP – $189, 8. CAMILLA

I CAN’T BELIEVE we are already entering autumn; thankfully summer came late, so we are able to enjoy the sun for a while longer.

Individuality is going to be huge this year, and the easiest way to express yourself is by using colour.

Blush and clay will be seen in decor: they are very muted, subtle, soft and grounding colours – maybe what you envision when you hear the words “love and warmth” or “laughter and softness”? Either way, they are gorgeous colours to weave into your home.

Colour psychology is important in the home, and there are some fascinating books regarding colours and personalities. “Biophilic design,” where we incorporate nature into our designs, will be key. Green resembles the growth of grass, trees, ferns; it’s a revival. Light blue speaks of calming skies, and deep blue is the colour of oceans.

I love to talk about the colour navy blue as being a psychologically “loyal” colour that represents trustworthiness. It is used by the police: even Cleopatra once wore blue. It can also be seen as royalty. This can have a strengthening influence in the home.

Be careful with colour

I am interested in how colour affects those who are neurodiverse, and each condition requires a different approach. Bright red may be overstimulating for someone with ADHD; even pink, which is just red with a touch of white, can be too much. A subtle green can help to balance pink. Ruby red can be quite intense, but on its own rather striking. Light and soft blues and greens seem to be the most relaxing of hues.

Given we are entering autumn, you will see a lot of new looks for the season; therefore, I have curated a few designer pieces to help lift your space. Cushions are the easiest way to transform a space; you

Autumnal offerings

Colour is extremely powerful, so choose wisely when making decisions around your home decor, Mary-Anne Tobin advises.

can throw them on any chair for a slight pop of colour. Imagine coming home to a feeling of freshness without doing too much.

If looking to transform your office, consider a textured paint application or plaster. For the minimalist, it may give a little bit of luxury without using colour: sometimes the right undertone may be all that’s needed.

Secret of scent

Scent goes a long way too – I personally love having a bathroom spray and room spray, diffuser, or candle in each room. I tailor each scent to each room, from my children’s rooms, to my office, to my kitchen.

Slim Aarons has some nice art pieces

which can really help to showcase your personality. Why not add some photography to your walls in simple frames, it is a real conversation-starter and people love to look at older photos as reminders of earlier times.

I am a fan of a beautiful vessel filled with autumn leaves. Autumn tones pair well with antique bronze and marble; you may also see some copper with sparks of orange flying through in the stores.

To sum it up, why not use a dash of colour this autumn. Textured walls with earthy hues are bound to see a resurgence. And next time you choose a paint swatch, ask yourself who lives or works here and how they would feel living with that colour. It isn’t just décor; colour is also a tool for making people feel good. T

Yield to temptation

Timothy Giles, host of the Full of It wine podcast and experienced wine writer, on the opportunities wine can offer investors.

WINE HAS PERHAPS the best fallback position of any asset. If the market turns against you, just drink away your sorrows! But seriously, our aim is to drink only in celebration, so here’s an introductory look at succeeding with wine investment.

Globally, wine is a niche secondary market. The biggest single player, Sotheby’s, announced that its global wine and spirits auction sales reached NZ$280 million in 2023, its best for the third year running.

The London International Vintners Exchange, Liv-ex.com, which serves as an exchange for some 600 business in 43 countries, reports NZ$217m in active bids and offers.

Performance wise, it’s steady. America’s oldest wine merchant, Acker Wines, benchmark its annual fine wine index against the S&P 500. Over the past 20 years, there is an average difference of only 1 per cent in performance of wine and equities (S&P 9.66 per cent average annual return to 8.38 per cent).

From July 2001 to July 2021, the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 Index, rose 270.7 per cent, outperforming the S&P 500 by 8 percentage points (without dividends reinvested).

Secret to success

The key to success is, as ever, to buy well, which in New Zealand means, at auction, en-primeur (buying from producers before wines are made). The other option, which is arguably simpler, is to purchase an allocation of every vintage from some of our leading producers.

Well-known names like Felton Road,

Kumeu River, Bell Hill and Ata Rangi offer value at release, with strong auction prices once wines are no longer available. Newer names are building strong auction history too, such as Bilancia (Hawke’s Bay), Prophet’s Rock (Central Otago) and Kusuda (Martinborough).

A good data set for buy-and-sell decisions can be gathered by comparing local auction sales, with a price-check site like wine-searcher.com.

Balance these with the ratings and classifications of expert tasters such as The Real Review or James Suckling and of course, your own palate.

Low-cost opportunities

New Zealand wine offers low-cost opportunities to whet your palate for wine investment. Even our most expensive wines, foremost being Destiny Bay Magna Praemia (with an average price on Wine Searcher of $495 a bottle) is impressive, but good value, compared to global

equivalents, some of which are many thousands per bottle.

As for selling, Reece Warren, founder and managing director of The Wine Auction Room, New Zealand’s leading wine auction house, offers an interesting insight.

“Look to sell on anniversaries. Five, 10, 15 and 20 years from the vintage. People celebrate landmarks and will pay a premium,” Warren advises.

“Twenty-one years on from the year on the label can be a great time to sell.”

Less reliable are vintage reports on “good” and “bad” years. To mark the 80th year of the Brajkovich family producing their world-renowned Kumeu River Wines, a flight of chardonnay’s going back 20 years was lined up.

More than once, chardonnays from a “bad” year positively sung in the glass and would do in sale price too. Wine investment is very much a matter of taste. T

‘Look to sell on anniversaries. Five, 10, 15 and 20 years from the vintage. People celebrate landmarks and will pay a premium’

REECE WARREN

Insightful sites

Wine-Searcher.com

The most useful price comparison website, according to UK wine authority and master of wine (MW) Jancis Robinson. That it’s New Zealand-based adds to its value for local investors. wine-searcher.com

The Real Review

Founded by the peerless Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review New Zealand and Australian Wine classifications are a helpful threetiered benchmark. Solely by tasting panel scores, takes no account or pricing or market. therealreview.com

Liv-ex

The London International Vintners Exchange, founded by two London stockbrokers, is a marketplace that publishes useful market data, on pricing and sales. liv-ex.com

Local auction houses

Wine Auction Room is New Zealand’s leading wine auctioneer, and their investment in The Wine Storage Room reflects the value they put on surety of providence and cellaring in their lots. They offer limited direct retail sales and are the most reputable source for collection pricing. wineauctionroom.com

Webbs, New Zealand’s oldest and largest auction house, has had a challenging history with wine sales. Current owners and management working to re-establish market position. webbs.co.nz/fine-wines-and-whiskies

Fitzgerald Auctions has experienced ownership change in recent years, and aims to be a low-fee disruptor. fitzgeraldwine.co.nz

TOP Bidders get in on the action at the 2024 Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction.

RIGHT Tony Bish and other winemakers at the pre-auction wine tasting.

Rest and reflection

A three-day break at Resolution Retreats has had lasting benefits for Joanna Mathers

THREE DAYS WITH no wine, limited caffeine and zero sugar – it sounds like hard work.

But when fresh, tasty food is waiting for you at every meal, there’s likeminded women to spend time with, and interesting, informative classes, relaxing yoga and blissful spa treatments to enjoy, the urge for the bad stuff fades.

Resolution Retreats has been a wonderful partner to Informed Investor for many years, but as editor I never felt I had time to take three days for myself and appreciate what they had to offer.

Located on the banks of Lake Karapiro, in the midst of the Waikato countryside, it’s nestled in between fields where thoroughbred mares and their delightful foals frolic.

The front gate opens to a sweeping driveway, which curves past a grand entrance. Walking into the main building through a conservatory-style entrance, with glass walls revealing soothing water lapping large rocks,

first impressions are of Japanese-style natural simplicity.

Earth, water, nature, sky – grounding and wholesome, the antidote to digital and daily life overload.

The chalet

I arrive a little later than the other guests for the two-night, three-day fresh start retreat, but this is fine and I am shown around by wellness manager and retreat leader, Casey. She takes me to the spa treatment area, sauna, swimming pool and yoga chalet and hands me my spa treatment schedule and chalet keys.

The gentle walk along the path to my home for three days in blissful sun and silence is a wonderful prelude to what is ahead. The chalet is cosy but spacious for one person – there’s a spa bath, extremely soft bed, and fruit tea.

I’m soon hungry and happy that lunch is being served. It’s here I’m introduced to the other retreat attendees, and I’m happy

to discover they are all warm, open, and keen to share the journey together.

The lunch (a healthy pizza) is filling and satisfying and the selection of fruit teas delightful.

I am lucky to be booked in for a Flowpresso treatment at 4.30pm. Prior to that I jump into the indoor swimming pool (I’m the only one there so it’s super relaxing) before heading back to the chalet to change into long pants and t-shirt for the treatment.

Flowpresso originates in New Zealand and involves wearing inflatable wraps with Velcro fasteners that secure around the back, hips, arms and legs. The 22 chambers provide gentle, warm pressure.

Compression therapy

A combination of compression therapy improves lymphatic drainage, encourages circulation and releases toxins. Heat therapy allows you to relax and supports well-being, and deep pressure therapy helps soothe anxiety and releases stress.

‘The wheel of wellness comprises exercise, sleep, happiness and nutrition’

It’s unusual but strangely blissful – being cushioned and compressed in a warm cocoon – and I would highly recommend it.

After the treatment we gather for a delicious Massaman curry, talk about our day, and what’s to come. I slink off to blissful relaxation, take a jacuzzi and read my book (the Booker Prize-winning Orbital about astronauts in a space station circling Earth). It’s a rather dreamy end to my chilled day.

On the morning of the second day I decide to be extremely lazy and sleep in while others do early fitness. There follows breakfast, yoga in the chalet and fitness education.

The emphasis of the retreats is “progress not perfection” – it’s a mantra I keep returning to. Casey is an excellent instructor and very good at explaining and unpackaging the hang-ups people have around exercise.

It doesn’t have to be hardcore – even a gentle daily walk, with yoga and strength work on other days – can have an amazing effect.

We take a lovely walk around the retreat, which raises our pulses a little, and head to lunch with a small boost of energy. The food on retreat is extremely tasty and nutritious. Today’s lunch is a hummus bowl with lovely raw vege; breakfast was a healthy eggs bene.

Blissful facial

My afternoon treat is a blissful resolution facial – a first for me. I love spa treatments, but I’ve not experienced a facial before; it leaves my skin feeling plumped, soft and youthful. After the treatment I head back to my chalet for more reading, “me” time and a nap.

Soon it’s time for dinner – and a wonderful creamy mushroom casserole is perfect for ending the day.

When I head back to the chalet, I look through the extensive fresh start workbook. It’s very detailed and covers everything you learn on the retreat – mental health tips, serving sizes, resilience, habits and tendencies, meal planning and shopping.

The retreat philosophy is based on a “wheel of wellness” that’s comprised of exercise, sleep, happiness and nutrition.

A large component of wellness is mental balance and self-care; we are encouraged to list ways in which we will incorporate things that make us happy,

healthy and rested in our lives when we return home.

My list includes: start horse riding again limit sugar

incorporate yoga into my weekly life limit alchohol

· spend more time in nature.

As I sit in the final yoga class on the final day I commit to making these things a reality in my life at home. The fact that I’ve had three riding lessons and taken one horse trek since I left the retreat, that I’m limiting sugar and drinking less, means these resolutions were worth a visit to this retreat. T

Riding high

Joanna Mathers finds herself in safe hands as she climbs into the saddle and takes to the beach for the first time in a decade.

DARK IS A gentle giant, a huge horse that’s happy to carry beginners and brides in flowing white gowns (more on that later) in safety. He’s a wonderful creature for a nervous-rider-returningto-the-saddle to sit astride, especially on the windswept stretches of Auckland’s Muriwai Beach.

Muriwai Beach Horse Treks have always appealed to me. I am a returning rider, having taken 10 years off to have a child, and entrusting myself to the whims of creatures weighing over half a tonne is

never easy. But the combo of black sand, crashing surf, and those majestic, almost mystical beings, is more than enough to draw me back.

The treks have always had an excellent reputation. The head of the riding school I used to attend spoke highly of the establishment, and I had met some lovely, calm horses who lived and worked there, so I felt comfortable the horses would be well looked after.

So early one morning before Christmas I drove from my home near Titirangi in

West Auckland to Muriwai Beach. It was a bucolic meander through countryside to Muriwai Beach; the treks are signposted, making them easy to find even if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Slow and steady

I spot horses are tied to wooden railings and there’s a massive horse truck with Muriwai Beacg Horse Treks written on the side, so I figure I am in the right place.

I introduced myself to Clara and Sienna, the experienced young

horsewomen who would guide my trek – they are extremely friendly and reassuring. Also in attendance was a family who spoke little English, who were nervous but obviously excited.

I was instantly drawn to Sienna’s horse Casper, a stunning palomino that she was schooling. But my mount for the day was Dark – a massive Clydesdale with a Game of Thrones vibe and a beautiful, gentle nature. Clara explains that the horses are sometimes used for wedding photos and Dark is particularly popular, as he has no

‘I loved the experience so much I instantly booked riding lessons at a local stable’

fear of flapping white wedding dresses. I find this reassuring as there are lots of flapping things in the forest – his calmness sounds comforting.

We are lead to the ramp of the truck and everyone mounts carefully – I take my place at the back of the ride with Casper and Sienna and the trek begins.

The beauty of the Muriwai Beach Horse Trek is that it also takes in Woodhill Forest. This is a place I have ridden before with friends, cantering along the sandy trails under the pines.

The trek begins here, winding up and down gentle slopes and over bridges, then ambles onwards toward the sea. The black sand is a stunning, waves crash and mist the shoreline. The horses walk through a freshwater stream, plunging their noses into the water and drink happily.

Wonderful creatures

We walk along the beach and then make our way inland, travelling through trails lined with unique native plants. Muriwai’s dunes and shrublands are an ecosystem in need of protection – the horse treks cross Maori-owned land that requires permits to access – and the trek provides riders with a glimpse of unique flora that’s not readily accessible to the public.

After a trot through the sandy shrubland, we end up in the forest again. While it’s not native, it’s still beautiful –the smell of pine is divine – and its very peaceful. I get the chance to go for a little trot on the sensible Dark – he’s lovely and free moving once he’s away from the others, and easily keeps up with the younger Casper.

The two hours goes in a flash (I find horse-riding speeds up time) and I head back to the base relaxed and contented. The trek was all I’d hoped for: I had a little confidence boost, resurrected my love of riding, and enjoyed a glorious gulp of that purifying west coast air.

In fact, I loved the experience so much I instantly booked riding lessons at a local stables – and once I regain my cantering confidence I’ll be heading back to the beach for a faster ride along the magnificent Muriwai.

Muriwai Beach Horse Treks offers treks for all ages and abilities. Beginners can join a two-hour starter horse trek; there are more advanced trails for experienced riders by appointment. T

For more information visit muriwaibeachhorsetreks.co.nz, call 09 871 0249, or email staff@mbht.co.nz

Sporting chance

British actor and producer Theo James emerges as the face of a new global Range Rover Sport campaign. Photo: JLR

THE RANGE

ROVER

Sport has long been a staple in the luxury SUV segment, offering a blend of performance, refinement, and off-road capability. It also plays an important role for its parent company, Land Rover, as it’s a stepping stone for customers to move up the luxury Range Rover.

The Range Rover boasts a slightly greater length and height than the Sport that is slightly wider. But the main

difference is price point; the Range Rover is priced from $250,000 while the Sport is from $170,000.

The 2025 Sport has had a facelift that brings a range of updates to enhance its appeal in a competitive market.

Land Rover has introduced a series of refinements to the Range Rover Sport and while not a full redesign, the facelift brings improvements in styling, technology, and powertrain options.

‘It continues to be one of the stand-out SUVs on the roads with great street appeal’

It continues to be one of the stand-out SUVs on the roads with great street appeal and I found the updates, though minor, make the Range Rover Sport an all-round in its segment.

New Zealand now has five models; from the base SE (reviewed here), to the Dynamic SE, the Dynamic HSE, Autobiography and limited edition SV Edition Two.

Land Rover is expected to introduce an all-electric version, which will mark a significant shift towards electrification.

No matter what the model, the facelift Sport retains its signature muscular stance but features subtle changes to the front and rear bumpers, slimmer LED headlights, and a new grille design. These tweaks give the SUV a more modern and aggressive look.

Inside, the cabin sees upgrades in materials, a new 13.1-inch curved infotainment touchscreen with improved Pivi Pro software, and additional customisation options for upholstery and trim.

Our D250 SE was powered by a threelitre diesel engine that produced 183 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque via an eight-speed automatic.

The four-wheel-drive has a maximum rated towed capacity of 750kg unbraked trailer or the important 3,500kg braked trailer. Those figures are important for potential buyers who want to tow a horse float or boat.

Enhanced adaptive suspension and chassis tuning promise a smoother, more controlled ride on both highways and rough terrain.

‘It continues to be one of the stand-out SUVs on the roads with great street appeal’

Main rivals

BMW X5 M

The X5 M offers aggressive performance with a twin-turbo V8.

Porsche Cayenne

With its sporty driving dynamics and high-end interior, the Cayenne appeals to those prioritising on-road performance.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

& AMG GLE 63

The GLE lineup offers luxury, power, and a high-tech cabin, making it a strong competitor.

Audi SQ7

This SUV delivers a blend of performance and refinement, with a tech-forward interior.

Maserati Levante

A more exotic alternative, the Levante focuses on Italian styling and powerful engine options.

I was impressed with the Range Rover Sport as it continues to deliver a balance between luxury and sportiness. It’s not too flashy but still stands out as a luxury European SUV.

I drove it through inner city streets, on the motorway, then winding country roads where it was able to hold its own as it wasn’t too bulky that it struggled around tight corners, instead, I was able to handle hard left and right turns with ease.

That is down to the latest updates to the suspension and steering improved cornering stability, making it feel more planted on the road.

The ride quality remains exceptional, especially with the air suspension system, which adjusts to different terrains seamlessly.

Yes, it’s a large SUV and made for the race track, but it shows its all-round appeal thanks it its abilities on and off the tarmac.

Equipped with Terrain Response 2, the SUV can adapt to various surfaces, making it one of the most capable luxury SUVs for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Range Rover Sport competes in a segment filled with luxury SUVs that offer a mix of performance, comfort, and advanced technology.

The 2024 Range Rover Sport facelift refines an already impressive luxury SUV. With enhanced technology, improved performance, and a more modern design, it continues to be a top choice for those looking for a mix of luxury, power, and off-road capability.

While it faces stiff competition from BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz, its unique blend of British refinement and ruggedness ensures its place among the best in the segment.

For those who value style, presence, and all-terrain capability, the Range Rover Sport remains a compelling choice. T

On the road in style

TrailLite motorhomes and caravans are ideal for those who want to hit the road in luxury, as Joanna Mathers discovers.

NEW ZEALAND IS THE ideal country for epic road trips. Punching well above its weight when it comes to scenic splendour – white sand beaches, snow-capped peaks, rambling rivers and grassy pastures –Aotearoa’s wonders are arguably best explored from behind the wheel of a luxury motorhome

Forget high-end hotels – luxe motorhomes offer the comfort of topflight accommodation, with transport thrown in. And they allow you to spend the night surrounded by some of the best scenery in the world.

TrailLite is a New Zealand company that creates high-end motorhomes for the top of the market. The company’s story dates back to the early 1950s, when Pukekohe cabinet makers made their first caravan for a local family. Since then, the company has weathered the ups and downs of the market and established itself as a go-to for Kiwis looking to travel in luxury.

Shaun Newman is the joint managing director of TrailLite. His father purchased the business from the original owners in 1980, and he’s proud of the brand’s heritage, which can be traced back to post-World War II.

The

first vans When the war ended, so did petrol rationing. Kiwis started buying cars and travelled the country. Caravans, too, became popular for holidaymakers.

And when Pukekohe locals decided they’d like to hit the road in style, they contacted their local cabinet makers (the business that would become TrailLite) and asked them to create a van.

Caravans brought a new revenue stream to the business and formed one component of the furniture (and occasional coffin) making business. In 1980, Shaun’s father Peter bought the business and from that point on the focus was caravans and motorhomes.

But every successful business has times of tribulation. An early challenge came in the form of New Zealand’s most polarising prime minister, Robert Muldoon. He imposed a 20 per cent tax on luxury goods (including caravans) in the late 1970s, which led to a huge drop in customers. Peter had to pivot.

“I remember Dad assembling kitset garages and portable buildings. Muldoon killed off every caravan builder in New Zealand [with the tax],” Shaun says.

But in 1984 the Labour government

returned to power, and brought with it tax law liberalism, then called “Rogernomics”. The prohibitive taxes were removed, and Peter was able to relaunch as a caravan maker – one of only a few remaining in the country after the harsh “luxury tax”.

“He managed to grow a solid business,” says Shaun. “Dad was a bit of an entrepreneur and a skilled cabinet maker. In a flash of genius, he built a caravan on the back of a truck for a client – creating the company’s first motorhome.”

It was a magic formula. The creation of bespoke motorhomes switched the focus of the company and set it apart from other providers, who primarily offered motorhomes as rentals.

Excellence shines through

When the global financial crisis (GFC) decimated the world economy in 2007, TrailLite was uniquely placed to weather the storm. It had a long-standing reputation for excellence and was able to hunker down and survive.

And by 2015, having come out the other side, TrailLite had a new focus and new management in the form of Shaun and his brother, Adam.

‘The creation of bespoke motorhomes switched the focus of the company and set it apart from other providers’

TOP TrailLite on the road.

ABOVE TrailLite joint managing director Shaun Newman.

RIGHT TrailLite caravan, circa 1956.

As Shaun reveals, TrailLite couldn’t compete with the scale of international motorhome producers, so it had to do things a bit differently. Rather than pumping out standard versions of the same thing, it decided to focus on the premium market, with fits and finishes crafted by the best tradesmen.

Today, each motorhome has a Volkswagen Crafter base and has technology and features expected in a luxury car.

The 300 series (the smaller of the

motorhomes) has a capacity for 300 litres of freshwater and 250 litres of greywater, large batteries and 540W solar power, three gas hobs with built-in grill, doubleglazed windows and full insulation, a 60cm satellite dish and 27-inch smart TV. The interiors are neutral and attractive with earthy tones, plush beds, and soft furnishing.

The larger 700 series is more than 2.2m wide inside and has the option of a slideout extension to create more space. It has 420 litres of freshwater and can be used off-grid.

Then there’s the Landmark series, which allows buyers to work with TrailLite designers on fully customised interiors.

As well as its motorhomes, TrailLite has continued to produce caravans. These

also adhere to the luxury standards of the motorhomes with ultra-comfy beds, soft furnishing and a range of colour options. Its 100 series was recently a finalist in the consumer section of the Designers Institute of NZ awards.

Interestingly, TrailLite motorhomes have proved so popular with some owners they have decided to call them home.

“We have people who’ve made the lifestyle decision to move out of their houses and live in the motorhomes fulltime,” says Shaun.

The company now has two locations – one in Pukekohe and now a base in Christchurch – and has ambitions to grow further. “Customer demand is strong, and we are investing in technology to make our products even better,” Shaun says.

So, keep an eye out for TrailLite motorhomes and caravans when you’re next travelling – it’s clearly a Kiwi-made mobile holiday option with stacks of style. T

TOP TrailLite motorhomes are perfect for parking by the beach.

ABOVE TrailLite caravans are great for family adventures.

RIGHT TrailLite in 1976.

Want a 6.5 x better

Go on, you deserve it

A visit to a skin care clinic has produced a glowing review by Joanna

Mathers

IN BETWEEN RUNNING a business, editing two magazines, and looking after a menagerie of two cats, one dog, a child and eight tame ducks, I have zero time for skincare.

I’ve always had “problem” skin – acne at a young age, large pores, redness. My solution: whack on the foundation and hope for the best.

So when I was given the opportunity to try a Caci Clinic treatment, it sounded like the perfect chance to indulge in muchneeded “me” time.

The Caci Clinic I attended was at Wynyard Quarter in Auckland’s waterfront. I love this area of the city – there’s good parking, it’s close to the sea, and there’s plenty of eateries with amazing, innovative food to partner with wine on slow summer days.

It was late afternoon when I popped into Caci Clinic for my inaugural treatment. Clinic manager Bernadette greeted me as I walked in and put me at ease. She told me she had just returned to work after having a baby, although her glowing skin and relaxed manner spoke more of someone who’d just spent 10 days at a yoga retreat.

Good advice

Bernadette sat with me and helped establish the best treatment for my skin type. She explained “hydradermabrasion” was designed to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate your skin – which sounded like it would tick all the boxes for my 50-something face.

I was led into a deeply relaxing darkened room with a very comfy bed and was left alone to change out of my dress and cover myself in a snug blanket. Being unused to alone time, especially in cocoon-like surroundings with chillzone music, I nearly fell asleep before the treatment started (this moment alone was worth the trip into town).

But then Bernadette quietly opened the door and my eyes opened. It was treatment time.

She walked me through the “hydradermabrasion” process and treatment started with a deep cleanse and exfoliation, using a diamond tip, suction and an active detox solution.

“The aim is to gently remove dead skin cells, clear congestion, and achieve deep hydration,” she said.

The treatment uses Skinsmiths Detox Serum, which includes skin-loving ingredients like green tea extract, aloe, chamomile and hyaluronic acid. Through a technique called electroporation (which is not as painful as it sounds) the serum is delivered deep into the skin to maximise hydration and nourishment.

Refreshed skin

Treatment involves a lot of massaging and general pampering with delectably scented product. The exfoliation and suction component is more energetic, but not uncomfortable. In fact the suction is strangely soothing … you can sense skin being revived and refreshed.

As Bernadette explains, hydradermabrasion can address multiple skin concerns. Many of you will be aware of microdermabrasion, which apparently is fantastic for boosting cell turnover, but it doesn’t hydrate the skin. This treatment marries gentle exfoliation with intense hydration, making it perfect for achieving that coveted glow.

Post-treatment, my skin felt incredible, younger and smoother, and had a glow I thought only possible for Kylie Jenner with Insta filters.

This would be a wonderful treatment prior to a special occasion, but Bernadette tells me it’s also a great monthly treatment option to keep skin looking and feeling its best.

This monthly treatment is now a 2025 goal – a treat that will keep my skin looking and feeling its best as we head into the cooler months. T

Caci has over 80 locations throughout New Zealand. For more information please visit caci.co.nz

Finbase provides property-related investments for private investors, family offices and high net worth individuals who meet relevant wholesale investor criteria. Finbase on-lends investment funds and take a registered first mortgage over land.

Security: Funds are utilised to provide first ranking mortgages to commercial borrowers for the purposes of short term property projects, typically a maximum 12 month term of any loan. Investors have security over Finbase’s security. Single investments only

Tauranga South and Welcome Bay, Tauranga

MORTGAGE ACROSS TWO SECURITIES

FIRST MORTGAGE ACROSS THREE SECURITIES

Security description: A nearly finished new build home, located on freehold section of circa 450m²

iValuation: $1,520,000

Purpose of funds: Last of funds required to complete the build

Exit strategy: Sale of the property once completed

Security description: Property 1: Three bedroom home, located on circa 920m² freehold site. Property 2: 240m² house, on circa 570m² freehold title

Combined Value: $2,045,000

Purpose of funds: Refinancing of the existing mortgage and an equity release for business purposes

Exit strategy: Sale of property one

Finbase is proud to have never missed an investor interest payment nor suffered a single loss of investor capital.

For investment opportunities contact our portfolio managers:

Security description: Property 1: 3.17ha lifestyle section with freehold title. Property 2: Three bedroom house, on circa 420m² freehold title. Property 3: Three bedroom home on 1.52ha freehold title

Combined Value: $3,660,000

Purpose of funds: Settle the purchase of property one

Exit strategy: Sale of property two and refinance the residual to a main bank

We will cover your legal and accounting fees of up to $2,500 to discuss this investment opportunity with your professional advisors, with no obligation for you to invest after doing so.*

Waihi Beach and Te Awamutu

Jacks Point, Queenstown

Informed Investor Autumn 2025 - Thinking Global

ASSET OVERVIEW

INVEST IN WINE

KIDS AND FINANCE

Thinking Global Geopolitics, investment and

UPFRONT

FEATURES

PERSONAL FINANCE

Contents

PROPERTY

INVEST

The power of print

A Good Time for Reflection

Meet some of our contributors

BRIDGETTE JACKSON

PAUL QUICKENDEN

CHARLOTTE CLARK & VICTORIA BAHADOOR

Meet Some of Our Contributors

Meet Some of Our Contributors

What we like

Poetic perfume

Croc flip-flop

Love for your skin

Repair and refine

Everyday needs

No money? No problem

Global

Investor sentiment survey

Investor sentiment survey

Confidence high

Investor overview

KiwiSaver knowledge

The motivation

Time to take stock of your investments

The stock market

Foreign exchange

Index funds

Digital assets

What your financial advisor is

Do as I say, not as I do…

A brief history of the dismal science

WHEN INFORMED INVESTOR

Why women need to network more

Optimising returns

Cost-efficient way to access ETFs

The Foundation Series Funds range*

Expanding the Foundation Series Funds

Educating children in finance

Early money lessons

Fostering wealth-building mindsets

When to introduce budgeting, saving, and investing concepts

Practical ways to reinforce financial responsibility

Targeted returns

In search of the magic number

Money secrets laid bare

Nest-egg thinking

Why we need savings

Consider the variables

Take control

Hidden in plain sight

MORTGAGE TRUSTS

What is a Mortgage Trust?

Why investors choose Norfolk Mortgage Trust

Global snapshot

SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND THAILAND

Year of conflicting forces

The challenges

Conflicting forces

Average Property Value

Money for nothing

EVERY PROPERTY INVESTOR

Made to trade

Clear intentions

People power

Investing in uncertain times

Trump effect

Sustainability central

Our Sustainability Framework

Our Sustainability Framework