Empowering Māori homeownership through good stewardship

Empowering Māori homeownership through good stewardship

by | 17 Sep, 2024 | Events and News, Press Releases

Kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho – There’s no place like home.

Since 1972, Anglican Financial Care – Te Maru Mihinare (AFC) has been committed to providing mortgage finance tailored to the needs of our Anglican communities and scheme members. This year, we are proud to announce a significant expansion of our services: AFC now offers a unique loan product for building, relocating, purchasing, or renovating houses on Māori land.

Introducing AFC’s lending for homes on Māori land

Accessing finance for housing on Māori land can be challenging due to the unique ownership and legal structures associated with this land. Traditional banks often hesitate to provide mortgages because of these complexities, leaving many families without viable financing options.

AFC’s new loan product addresses these challenges head-on by offering a flexible financing solution specifically tailored for housing on Māori land.

Whether you’re looking to

  • Purchase an existing house on Māori land
  • Relocate a house onto Māori land
  • Build a new home on Māori land
  • Renovate an existing house on Māori land

Our loan product is designed to meet your specific needs while respecting and preserving the cultural and legal intricacies of Māori land ownership.

How does AFC’s lending for a house on Māori land work?

You are eligible to apply for the loan if you are Anglican clergy, a widow or widower of Anglican clergy, an employee or other worker of an Anglican organisation, a member of the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, a member of AFC’s The Retire Fund or a member of the Baptist Union Superannuation Scheme (which AFC administers). You must also have the right to live on the Māori land.

Unlike traditional mortgages that use the land itself as security, AFC’s loan is secured over the house and registered on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). This approach overcomes the common obstacles associated with securing loans for Māori land, as it doesn’t require placing a mortgage over the freehold land.

We offer competitive interest rates. You can view our rates here.

Why this loan matters

Māori land holds deep cultural, spiritual, and historical value. It’s more than just a place to live – it’s a connection to whakapapa (ancestry) and tūrangawaewae (a place to stand). AFC’s loan product is built around the Christian principle of stewardship. We believe that providing access to affordable housing is not only a financial responsibility but also a way to serve our communities as faithful stewards of God’s creation.

The initiative supports Māori communities in a variety of important ways:

Strengthening ties to whenua. We understand that Māori land is an intrinsic part of your identity. By offering loans for housing on this land, AFC works with you and your whānau to maintain and strengthen connection to your ancestral land.

Empowering whānau and hapū. Māori land is often collectively owned by whānau or hapū. Our loan product respects and supports these collective ownership structures, empowering communities to develop land without sacrificing cultural or legal frameworks. This helps enable intergenerational living and fosters the preservation of land and culture.

Supporting housing needs. Housing affordability is a growing concern in New Zealand. In line with Matthew 25:35, where Jesus teaches the importance of providing shelter to those in need, AFC aligns this new loan offering with addressing the housing challenges faced by our communities. We see this as part of our broader mission to act in accordance with the teaching of Christ.

Acknowledging cultural practices and legal structures. Our loan product is designed to work within the unique legal and cultural frameworks governing Māori land. By providing financial support that respects these customs and protections, AFC provides a unique opportunity to those wishing to live on Māori land.

Contributing to well-being and autonomy. We recognise that having the opportunity to live on Māori land supports the oranga (well-being), and cultural values, of whānau. The loan offers a pathway to home ownership without compromising integrity and cultural identity.

Aligning with broader Church initiatives. This initiative also aligns with the Christian Churches’ broader recognition of the importance of providing housing support. We are excited to extend our loan offerings to members who have the right to live on Māori land.

Taking the next step towards your dream home

Applying is a straightforward process. AFC’s knowledgeable team, with the help of their legal experts, work together with you in a partnership grounded in respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to getting you into your own home.

  1. Prior to applying: Talk with the landowner to get their agreement that you can live on the land.
  2. Apply: Complete the loan application form and provide supporting documents to AFC.
  3. Lending criteria assessment: AFC assesses whether you meet the lending criteria.
  4. Notification to lend: AFC informs you and its lawyers, Kāhui Legal, of its intention to provide a loan.
  5. Review of licence to occupy: If an existing licence to occupy the land is in place, Kāhui Legal reviews it to ensure it meets AFC’s requirements.
  6. Whenua Māori Housing Agreement: Kāhui Legal works with your lawyer and the landowner to prepare and execute the Whenua Māori Housing Agreement.
  7. Preparation of loan agreement: Once the Housing Agreement is in place, Kāhui Legal prepares the loan agreement and sends it to your lawyer.
  8. Settlement of funds: After the required documents are received, AFC deposits the loan amount into Kāhui Legal’s trust account.
  9. Payment and registration: Kāhui Legal pays the funds to your lawyer’s trust account and registers AFC’s security over the house on the PPSR.

We are committed to creating financial solutions that honour cultural heritage, promote community development, and provide tangible benefits to individuals and families across Aotearoa. We look forward to partnering with you on this meaningful journey.

Discover more about Anglican Financial Care’s lending on Māori land here: https://angfincare.nz/lending/houses-on-maori-land/

Christian Savings Governance Conference: A Day of Inspiration and Collaboration

Christian Savings Governance Conference: A Day of Inspiration and Collaboration

by | 13 Sep, 2024 | Events and News

Chris Clarke (CEO of Wilberforce Foundation) and Danielle Diprose (CA—Inovant Accounting Solutions) discuss how a Christian church or organisation can measure its mission success and its impact in its community.

On Wednesday 11 September 2024, several of us had the privilege of attending the Christian Savings Governance Conference at Arise Church in Petone (near Wellington). It was an amazing day filled with great discussions about how we can continue to support and uplift the Christian community through good governance, which results in responsible investments, future planning, and financial stewardship. We heard from speakers who are passionate about making a positive impact in New Zealand while staying true to Christian values.

Christian Savings plays a vital role in helping churches, Christian organisations, and individuals by providing them with ethical financial services. Through loans and term deposits, they empower ministries to build new facilities, start projects, and reach more people with the Gospel. Their work not only strengthens the Christian community but also ensures that resources are used in a way that aligns with our faith.

Our Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is proud to invest in Christian Savings. By doing so, we are not only helping our members prepare for retirement but also contributing to a larger mission. Our investment with Christian Savings forms part of their overall lending pool of money, which supports churches, schools, and other Christian organisations. This means that when our members invest with us, they are helping to support a wider goal of making a difference beyond personal savings.

Our goal with the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is not just to help Christians make wise financial decisions, but to help them make decisions that align with their values. We believe that by providing our members with faith-based investment options, we can support the Christian community while also helping people prepare for the future. Through our commitment to ethical investment practices, we strive to positively impact our members and the wider world we all live in.

The conference was a wonderful reminder that we are all part of something bigger, working together in collaboration to further God’s kingdom through our finances and resources.


Jo, Margaret, and Simon represented our team at the Christian Savings Governance Conference, where they gained valuable insights and forged connections in the Christian community.

The Blessing of Anglican House

The Blessing of Anglican House

by | 3 Sep, 2024 | Events and News

Blessing of Anglican House

A New Chapter for Anglican House: A Fresh Coat and a Special Blessing

Anglican House, a Wellington landmark since its construction around 1880, originally served as the residence for the Bishop. Nestled beside Old St Paul’s, which once served as the Anglican Cathedral, the building now functions as the headquarters for The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (Anglican Financial Care) and accommodates several other tenants. The history of this heritage building is rich, with stories that echo the growth and evolution of the Anglican Church in New Zealand.

A Historical Treasure

Anglican House has been part of the Anglican Church’s recent legacy since 1988, when The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board, alongside the Anglican Missions Board, jointly purchased the building. By 1993, AFC had moved into the top floor, which it still occupies today. Over the years, this property has provided not just a home for AFC staff but also a source of income through various tenancies, all while maintaining its status as a cost-efficient “office” premises and historically significant site.

A Long-Overdue Restoration

The latest chapter in the building’s story began in late December 2023 when a much-needed repainting project was initiated. The job was anything but straightforward. Given Anglican House’s status as a heritage building, the repainting required careful attention to detail, starting with sanding the structure back to its bare wood. Necessary repairs were made to ensure the building’s external integrity before it was finally repainted in traditional heritage colours, a requirement for maintaining its historic designation.

The process, which concluded in March 2024, was not without its challenges. Staff working on-site had to endure the noise, dust, and vibrations from the sanding and repairs, with windows closed during the height of summer. However, when the scaffolding finally came down, the building stood proudly in its new ‘coat,’ making all the discomfort worth it.


Anglican House with its new coat of paint.

A Blessing for a New Beginning

To mark the completion of the restoration, a special ceremony was held on May 2, 2024, during the first in-person Board meeting after the work was finished. With three Anglican clergy on the Board, it was a fitting occasion to bless the building. What made the ceremony truly special was the use of water from the Jordan River, the same river where Jesus Christ was baptized. One of the Board Members had recently returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, bringing back a flask of this very special water. Incorporating it into the blessing ceremony added a profound spiritual dimension to the event, connecting the history of Anglican House with the very roots of the Christian faith.


Rev’d Lawrence Kimberley, Rev’d Isaac Beach, Ven Carole Hughes, CEO Margaret Bearsley.

Looking to the Future

As we continue our mission from our beautifully restored home, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage while also embracing the future. Anglican House is more than just a building; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Anglican Church in New Zealand. We are proud to be part of its story and look forward to the chapters yet to be written.

For those interested in exploring the history of Anglican House further you can find more information on the Wellington City Council website here.

5 tips to help you navigate your retirement savings in 2024

by | 21 Aug, 2024 | Financial Planning

The global economic outlook is uncertain. While some major markets are optimistic (possibly overly so), predicting inflation control, lower interest rates, and stable corporate earnings, others are more cautious. Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, persistent domestic inflation including council rates and energy costs, remains a concern. There are doubts about how quickly interest rates will fall, and questions around the stability of corporate earnings. Recent weak growth statistics and geopolitical uncertainties, such as Middle East conflicts, US-China tensions, and the upcoming US election, also contribute to market volatility. In light of these uncertainties, we believe that focusing on effective retirement saving is more important than ever.

Here are five tips to help you navigate your savings strategy during these challenging economic times:

  1. ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Everyone should have a separate savings account specifically for emergencies. Economic hardships can increase the impact of unexpected expenses, making it vital to have a financial safety net. Setting up a regular automatic payment from your main account to an emergency fund can ensure consistent savings. Even small amounts add up over time.

Consider using an account that discourages withdrawals, through fees or reduced interest when money is withdrawn, which can help you resist the temptation to dip into your savings except in real emergencies.

There are even call account and other deposit account options in a Christian savings environment, at Christian Savings.

  2. MAINTAIN YOUR KIWISAVER CONTRIBUTIONS

Despite economic pressures, it’s essential to stay disciplined with your KiwiSaver contributions. Your future self will thank you! The power of compound interest means that your savings can grow significantly over time, making early and consistent contributions very helpful.

The Sorted website gives an example where if you invest $2000 annually into a fund that invests mainly in shares and that averages 5.5% returns annually (after fees and tax), starting at age 18, you could see your investment grow to approximately $362,562 by age 65. However, starting later reduces the benefits of compounding. Even if you start at age 42, your savings will grow, but to a lesser extent. To learn more about the power of compound interest, see the Sorted article here.

The key is time, so keep up your contributions regardless of your age. Remember Proverbs 13:11, … whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

  3. REVIEW AND REDUCE DISCRETIONARY SPENDING

Before ever considering reducing your KiwiSaver contributions, we recommend you evaluate your discretionary spending. Identifying and cutting back on non-essential costs can help you maintain your retirement savings without compromising your future financial security. Let the power of compound interest work for you by prioritising your KiwiSaver contributions over and above less critical spending.

  4. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS

Automation can be a powerful tool in ensuring consistent saving habits. Setting up automatic transfers to your emergency account, and, when you can, automating regular additional contributions to your KiwiSaver, can help you stay on track without having to think about it every payday. This method can also help you avoid the temptation to spend money that should be saved.

We even found a Scripture that is applicable to regular, automated savings, in Proverbs 6:7-8, The ant has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

  5. SEEK GUIDANCE AND STAY INFORMED

Staying informed about economic conditions and seeking guidance can help you to make sound investment decisions. To ensure that your KiwiSaver fund matches your unique financial situation, it’s important to periodically review your fund to make sure it fits your risk tolerance, investment timeline, and ethical principles. The Christian KiwiSaver Scheme website can direct you to resources to help you work out your risk profile and therefore whether you are in the right fund for you. The Christian KiwiSaver Scheme can support you in aligning your Christian values with your investment goals.

In 2024, staying focused on your retirement savings is more important than ever. By taking these steps, you can navigate economic challenges and save for a comfortable retirement while staying true to your faith.

You can read more about the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and our Ethical Investment Policy here: https://christiankiwisaver.nz/ethical-investing/

CKS Quarterly Returns to 30/06/2024

CKS Quarterly Returns to 30/06/2024

by | 12 Aug, 2024 | Investment

Investment returns as of 30 June 2024, before fees and tax

Growth Fund Balanced Fund Income Fund
3 months 1.0% 0.9% 0.8%
1 Year (p.a.) 11.1% 9.3% 5.2%
3 years (p.a.) 7.2% 5.0% 0.9%
5 years (p.a.) 8.7% 6.4% 1.7%
10 years (p.a.) 8.7% 6.9% 2.8%

We’re pleased to report that all our funds have shown positive performance this quarter.

While the long-term returns for our Income Fund have been influenced by the low-interest rate environment during the pandemic, we remain committed to navigating these challenges with prudence and care.

Market Insights: Navigating Uncertainty

The current market sentiment is largely optimistic, with many believing that inflation is under control, interest rate reductions are imminent, and corporate earnings will remain robust. This has led to several central banks lowering their official cash rates.

However, we adopt a more cautious stance. While headline inflation is indeed decreasing, central banks remain concerned about ‘sticky’ inflation, which includes factors like council rates, insurance premiums, and energy costs. This type of inflation is less responsive to traditional monetary policies, which could mean that interest rates might not decrease as swiftly as the market anticipates.

We also question whether corporate earnings will meet current expectations. If central banks cut rates aggressively due to economic risks, it could signal underlying vulnerabilities that might affect corporate profitability. Consequently, investors may become hesitant to pay higher prices for anticipated earnings, potentially leading to market corrections.

Our Strategy: Cautious and Diversified

In light of these uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and domestic growth fluctuations, we remain cautious about the investment return outlook. Our strategy emphasises cautious investment, diversification, and maintaining higher-than-normal cash reserves to help navigate potential market volatility.

At the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, our priority is to grow your investments responsibly. We continue to monitor market conditions closely, ensuring that our investment decisions align with our commitment to your financial well-being.

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for entrusting us with your KiwiSaver investment. Together, we navigate the path to a better financial future.

A closer look at the unique demographics of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme members

by | 8 Aug, 2024 | Events and News, Financial Planning

KIWISAVER DEMOGRAPHICS STUDY 2023

In February 2024, Melville Jessup Weaver (MJW), New Zealand’s largest firm of consulting actuaries, released its annual KiwiSaver Demographic Study for the Retirement Commissioner. This study, now in its third year, aims to collect comprehensive data on KiwiSaver scheme members to guide the Commissioner in making informed retirement income policy recommendations to the Government and to enhance resources on the Sorted website.

The study covered 98% of the total KiwiSaver member base, providing invaluable insights into the diverse landscape of KiwiSaver schemes in New Zealand.

A JOURNEY TO A BETTER RETIREMENT

The Retirement Commissioner’s purpose is to empower the people of Aotearoa New Zealand on their journeys to a better retirement. By leveraging the detailed data collected by MJW, the Commissioner can better understand the demographics of KiwiSaver scheme members and tailor recommendations and resources accordingly.

KEY INSIGHTS FOR THE CHRISITAN KIWISAVER SCHEME

The Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is dedicated to serving Christians and those working in Christian organisations, ensuring that their investments reflect their faith and commitment to God’s purposes. As a participating provider in the study, we received a tailored set of data, revealing where we stand in comparison to other KiwiSaver schemes.

The 2023 study helps us to understand the unique demographics of the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme’s membership.

Age demographics

  • The Christian KiwiSaver Scheme has the highest proportion of members aged between 51 and 65 years, at approximately 37%. This is significantly higher than the average of just under 25% across other study participants.
  • We also have the highest proportion of members over 65 years, with nearly 20% of our members in this age group, compared to an average of 5% among other study participants.

These figures confirm our strong connection with older savers. Even as they withdraw amounts from their KiwiSaver accounts to support their retirement, our over-65 members continue to benefit from investment returns on their remaining funds. We are blessed to have this demographic continue their financial journey with the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme.

Gender demographics

  • Over 60% of our members are female, giving us the highest proportion of female members among all participating providers.

This statistic is a testament to our success in creating a supportive environment for women to save for their retirement in a way that aligns with their hearts and Christian principles.

Balance comparisons

  • Our female members have an average balance that is approximately 25% higher than the average female balance across other schemes.
  • Similarly, our male members also enjoy higher average balances, approximately 20% above the average for other schemes.

These findings indicate that our members are doing exceptionally well in saving for their retirement, and show the importance of starting saving early into KiwiSaver, to enjoy the benefits later on in life.

SUPPORTING FINANCIAL WELLBEING IN OUR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

For the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, this demographic study highlights a focus on serving older savers, supporting women, and helping our members achieve higher balances. It reflects our commitment to aligning investments with Christian values and promoting financial well-being within New Zealand’s Christian community.

We believe it is important for everyone to take the first step and join a KiwiSaver scheme to make regular contributions towards their retirement. As Christians, we can take an extra step and choose a KiwiSaver scheme that supports our Christian values. And, in doing so we express our dedication and devotion to God through our financial lives.

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Click the link to learn more about our Ethical Investment Policy and start your journey to a better retirement with us. https://christiankiwisaver.nz/ethical-investing