KiwiSaver | Christian Kiwisaver Scheme

Investment Knowhow – August 2025 in Review

by Chris | 1 Sep, 2025 | General, Investment, KiwiSaver

Welcome to our monthly investment catch up. In this edition we discuss what went well in the markets last month, what captured the attention of our investment team, and we share insights into some of the actions the investment team took in the portfolios.

What went well in August?

Interest rate cut boosted optimism – The Reserve Bank reduced the Official Cash Rate to 3.00% in August, helping with mortgages, loans, and overall confidence in the economy.
NZ share market showed modest gains – The NZX 50 rose 0.8% for the month, reflecting cautious optimism among KiwiSaver members.
Currency exchange rates showed some stability – The New Zealand dollar held relatively steady against major currencies, reducing uncertainty for imports, exports, and offshore investments.
Global trade showed tentative recovery – Demand in Asia improved, but global trade remains fragile due to tariff tensions.
Global share markets rose – Gains in Europe and Japan helped investors grow their overseas investments, despite mixed performance in the US.

What captured our attention?

China’s economy slowed – Weaker growth in China reduced demand for New Zealand exports like dairy, meat, and logs.
Fuel and food costs stayed high – Elevated oil and gas prices, along with persistently costly groceries, kept pressure on inflation and household budgets.
US–China trade tensions – Ongoing disputes between the two largest economies unsettled global markets and affected NZ exporters.
Australian economy cooled – As New Zealand’s largest trading partner, slower growth in Australia raised concerns about the potential spillover effects on our own economy.
Longer term bond yields stayed high – Rising yields have reduced the value of existing bonds, which can lower returns for conservative funds.

Market Commentary.

August was a month of mixed results for investors. Global share markets mostly held firm, with US tech and AI companies continued to outperform. However, higher bond yields caused some ups and downs, so not all parts of the market moved in the same direction.

Emerging markets were uneven. Slower growth in China and ongoing trade tensions with the US made it harder for global markets and New Zealand exporters. Some parts of Asia’s technology sector performed well, providing bright spots. Here in New Zealand, the NZX 50 rose modestly, supported by solid local company results and improving investor confidence.

Bond yields stayed high, which lowered the value of existing bonds and affected more conservative KiwiSaver funds. Commodity prices were mixed: energy costs spiked at times, increasing costs for households and businesses, while dairy and other exports were slightly softer due to lower global demand.

Investors are staying cautious but engaged. Many are watching developments in China, Australia, and the US, alongside inflation trends and company earnings. The Reserve Bank’s recent rate cut has given a boost to confidence, but uncertainties remain, particularly around energy costs and global trade.

Looking ahead, August’s mixed results show why it’s important to understand the mix of assets in your KiwiSaver fund, so you know how your investments may react to global and local developments.

What this means for your portfolio.

This month, our investment team sold selected New Zealand shares that had performed well but now appeared overvalued relative to our assessment of their true worth. This was a positive move for clients, as it allowed us to lock in past gains and reduce the potential risk of future price declines in those shares.

One of the key strengths of active management is flexibility. Rather than holding a fixed equities portfolio, we actively monitor market trends, company performance, and broader economic conditions. When we think a share is overpriced or the risk is too high, we act to adjust our holdings. This helps us adapt to changing circumstances and move capital toward opportunities that better support our long-term goals for members.

During the month, we held our quarterly Investment Committee meeting. Our Investment Committee helps ensure our decisions are well-informed, balanced, and aligned with the long-term goals of each fund. It brings together a separate set of experienced voices to review our approach, assess risks, and guide strategy. For investors, this means greater confidence that their money is being managed thoughtfully, with oversight and accountability. The Committee also helps maintain consistency and values-based decision-making, especially when navigating complex or changing economic conditions.

Overall, these actions reflect our commitment to actively managing your portfolio with care, discipline, and a long-term focus.

The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board trading as Anglican Financial Care is the manager and issuer of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, The Retire Fund and The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund. Product Disclosure Statements and Fund Updates are available on the Documents page of the AFC website (Pension Fund and The Retire Fund) and https://christiankiwisaver.nz/documents/ (Christian KiwiSaver Scheme).

Giving Our Young People a Strong Financial Start – Without Sacrificing Our Own Security

by Chris | 1 Sep, 2025 | Financial Planning, General, KiwiSaver

We all want the best for our children, nieces, nephews, and young people we care about. Watching them grow from toddlers to teens to independent adults is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s no secret that the journey can be expensive. While we wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, there’s a fine balance between giving them a great start and protecting our own financial wellbeing.

So how do we support their future without putting undue pressure on our own finances? Depending on the age of your young ones, we have a simple strategy across the ages. These small steps don’t require deep pockets, and they’ll ease the financial pressure on you later on too.

👶 Under 5s
We can all get caught up buying endless toys, which are fun for a while, but then break or get passed on. Instead, consider starting a “parent and grandparent fund.”

Open a savings account and invite loved ones to contribute a small monthly amount. Over time, this can grow into a meaningful fund for school costs, a laptop, or even university fees. If you’re able, set up a KiwiSaver account for them and put in some money each month, for a powerful head start towards their first home.

🧒 Ages 10–14
Kids at this age crave independence. Channel that energy by encouraging small chores for pocket money. Let them help set the rates, to teach negotiation, build a good savings habit, and understand the value of effort. They’ll begin to understand that money doesn’t just “appear,” and that their time and skills have worth. In the years ahead, they’ll be grateful they began early and had the freedom to make thoughtful spending choices.

👦 Ages 14–16
Now’s the time to support their first job. Maybe dishwashing at a café or helping a neighbour with gardening. These experiences build confidence, teach workplace etiquette, and help them understand employment basics like contracts and pay. Early work experience also boosts their chances of landing jobs after school or uni. The’ll also love the ‘pay rise’ from their previous pocket money!

🧑 Over 16s
Before they leave school, help them master the basics of money management. Help them set up two bank accounts for themselves: one for spending, one for saving. Encourage goals like keeping a few hundred dollars in the spending account as a buffer, and to transfer a small amount to savings each month. Teach them to compare interest rates and understand compound growth. If they want a credit card, and you believe they are ready for one, start with a low limit and stress the importance of paying it off monthly.

💡 The Long View
These small steps may seem modest now, but they compound over time. By the time your young person is ready to leave home, they’ll be equipped with financial confidence, discipline, and a sense of independence, all without compromising your own financial future.

Let’s raise financially savvy young adults, together.

Investment Knowhow – July in Review

by Chris | 11 Aug, 2025 | Investment, KiwiSaver

Welcome to our monthly investment catch up. In this edition we discuss what when well in the markets last month, what captured the attention of our investment team, and we share insights into some of the actions the investment team took in the portfolios.

What went well in July?

🇳🇿 NZ share market moved higher – The NZX 50 rose during July, with several large companies in healthcare and utilities helping to lift the index.
🎢 Economy performed better than expected – GDP growth came in stronger than forecast, lifting confidence in the outlook for jobs and spending.
🌍 Exports remained strong – Dairy, meat, kiwifruit and tourism earnings stayed healthy, supporting the wider economy.
US markets reached new highs – The S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbed to record levels, helped by strong technology earnings and optimism around AI. This boosted KiwiSaver funds with offshore shares.
Technology sector continued to perform – Global leaders like Microsoft, Meta and Nvidia delivered strong results, lifting global market sentiment.

What captured our attention?

⚖️ Reserve Bank’s next move – With inflation easing but still above the long term average, markets are watching closely to see if the RBNZ hints at any rate changes.
🌍 Impact of new U.S. tariffs – Any shifts in American trade policy could flow through to global markets, affecting NZ exporters and investment returns.
Strength of the U.S. dollar shifting — After earlier expectations of decline, the dollar is showing renewed strength. That matters for KiwiSaver investors with overseas exposure.
Oil price movements – Geopolitical tensions and OPEC supply changes could push fuel prices up, affecting inflation and consumer spending.
Investor sentiment – With markets at or near record highs in some regions, we’re watching whether confidence holds or starts to cool.

Market Commentary

Global share markets finished July on a positive note, with US indexes reaching new highs. This was mainly thanks to strong earnings from tech and AI companies, which lifted investor confidence. Early hopes for better trade relations helped too, although some late-month tariff announcements reminded everyone that risks remain.

Emerging markets also did well, supported by growth in Asian tech sectors. Here in New Zealand, the NZX 50 rose about 1.3%, following the global trend. The Reserve Bank held the Official Cash Rate steady at 3.25%, hinting that a future rate cut might be possible if inflation keeps easing.

Bond yields moved slightly lower, which helped fixed income returns. Commodity prices were mixed and energy stayed strong, but copper and some farm products fell due to softer demand forecasts.

Investors stayed optimistic overall but cautious. They’re watching company earnings closely and keeping an eye on any signals from central banks. Looking ahead, key things to watch are trade talks, economic data from the US and China, and any changes in interest rate policies.

With the economy showing both positives and uncertainties, we might see some market ups and downs in the coming weeks, but there are still good opportunities for investors willing to stay patient.

What this means for your portfolio?

This month, we increased protection on the portion of our portfolio invested in Australian dollar-denominated assets. Currency movements can have a meaningful impact on investment value, and the Australian dollar has faced increased volatility. By adding protection, such as currency hedging or reallocating risk, we aim to reduce the potential impact of unfavourable exchange rate changes. This helps preserve capital and provides clients with more stable and predictable investment outcomes.

Our current exposure to offshore assets, which are denominated in foreign currencies, remains well positioned. We’re comfortable with how these investments are performing and have made no changes to those allocations this month.

We also adjusted several holdings and allocated funds into term deposits, each chosen with specific maturity dates and interest rates to suit our strategy. These moves are based on ongoing analysis of interest rate trends and potential policy decisions, particularly from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

We regularly monitor our entire portfolio and remain flexible. When opportunities arise or risks shift, we’ll adjust the portfolio, whether that’s individual assets or the overall mix, to align with our clients’ goals.

The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board trading as Anglican Financial Care is the manager and issuer of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, The Retire Fund, and the New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund. Product Disclosure Statements and Fund Updates are available on the Documents page of the AFC website (Pension Fund and The Retire Fund) and https://www.christiankiwisaver.nz/documents/ (Christian KiwiSaver Scheme).

Walking alongside you through serious illness

by Stephen Williams | 11 Aug, 2025 | Financial Planning, General, Investment, KiwiSaver

At Anglican Financial Care, our commitment to our members goes beyond helping them save for retirement. When life takes an unexpected turn, we aim to provide support as a way of walking alongside our members during times of illness, uncertainty, and change.

Every year in New Zealand, thousands of people are told: “You have cancer.” These words can turn life upside down. For those individuals and their whānau, the journey ahead can be challenging not only; medically and emotionally, but financially as well.

A serious illness can affect more than just your health. It can limit your ability to work, disrupt your daily routines, and create financial stress. In these moments, having options and knowing support is available can offer real peace of mind. How Anglican Financial Care supports members facing serious illness

For members of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and of other schemes through Anglican Financial Care, we offer several ways to help ease financial stress during a health crisis:

No matter which of our schemes you belong to, Anglican Financial Care is here to support you. We offer a range of options that may help ease financial pressure during a serious illness, because when life gets difficult, we believe no one should face it alone.

1. Accessing savings through ‘Serious Illness Withdrawal’

If you are facing a serious illness such as cancer or another condition, you may be eligible to apply for a Serious Illness Withdrawal from your account. This option is available to members of Christian KiwiSaver Scheme and some members of the Pension Fund.

To be eligible, the condition or illness must either permanently affect your ability to work or pose a serious and imminent risk to your life.

If you qualify, this type of withdrawal may allow you to access some or all of your retirement savings early. These funds can provide vital breathing space when you’re unable to work or facing unexpected medical bills.

It’s important to know that this option is available only for those who meet strict criteria, as confirmed by a medical professional. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to contact our team – we’re here to guide you through the process.

2. Financial hardship withdrawal options

If your illness causes significant financial pressure, but you don’t meet the threshold for a Serious Illness Withdrawal, you may be able to apply for a Significant Financial Hardship Withdrawal. This can provide early access to your savings to help cover essential living costs or medical expenses.

3. Mortgage support

If you hold a mortgage through Anglican Financial Care, we can work with you to ease your financial commitments. Adjusting your repayment terms or exploring other options can provide much-needed relief when your focus needs to be on your health.

4. Financial assistance grants and loans

Financial assistance is available to eligible Anglican clergy, their widows, widowers, and dependents to help cover costs such as medical treatment, travel for healthcare, or essential living expenses during times of hardship.

Every request is handled individually, with compassion and confidentiality.

5. Guidance and support

While we cannot provide you with financial advice around your insurance needs, we can listen, understand, and help you navigate your options, within your personal AFC product.

At AFC, you’re never just a number. Our team is here to walk alongside you, providing care and someone to speak to, when you need it most.

Reflecting on community and care

Days like Daffodil Day, held annually in August by the Cancer Society of New Zealand, remind us of the importance of standing together. Daffodil Day makes us think how we can each show up for people facing serious illness, whether through donations, encouragement, or practical support.

At Anglican Financial Care, this belief in walking alongside others is woven into everything we do. Serious illness can feel isolating, but with the right support, no one has to face it alone.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, The Retire Fund, and the New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund is managed and issued by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (trading as Anglican Financial Care). The Product Disclosure Statement can be found here Documents | Christian KiwiSaver Scheme.

KiwiSaver for teens. Small start, big future.

by Stephen Williams | 4 Aug, 2025 | Financial Planning, Investment, KiwiSaver

When you’re a teenager, retirement feels a lifetime away. And it is. But what if your future self could thank you for something you did today? That’s the power of starting KiwiSaver early.

If you’re a parent helping your teenager navigate their first part-time job and the start of financial independence, now’s the perfect time to talk about KiwiSaver. It could be one of the most meaningful financial decisions you make together.

Here’s what you need to know about starting young, and why joining a values-aligned scheme like Christian KiwiSaver Scheme can give your teen a powerful head start.

Yes, teenagers can join KiwiSaver, and many already have

Teenagers aged 13-17 can join KiwiSaver with a parent or guardian’s consent. It won’t happen automatically when they start a job (that only kicks in at 18), but with a simple application through a provider like Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, your teen can open their account and begin their savings journey.

There are around 190,000 people under 18 already in KiwiSaver. From 1 July 2025, there’s even more reason to join. Teens aged 16–17 will now qualify for the government’s annual top-up of $260, provided they contribute just over $20 per week.

And, from 1 April 2026, employers will also be required to contribute to KiwiSaver for 16–17-year-old employees, as long as the teen is enrolled and contributing. It’s a major step forward in helping younger Kiwis build lifelong saving habits.

“Whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” — from Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)

How compound interest works

Let’s break it down with a simple example:

According to Sorted, if 15-year-old Tui puts $10 a week into her KiwiSaver account and it earns an average return of 5% per year (after fees and tax), by the time she’s 65 she could have around $110,000.

If she waits until she’s 25 to start saving the same amount, she’d end up with only about $63,000.

That’s a $47,000 difference just by starting 10 years earlier. It’s not about how much you contribute at the start; it’s about how long your money has to grow.

That’s compound interest in action; Money earning money while you sleep. The earlier you start, the more you benefit – even if you only contribute a small amount.

If Tui is working and is over age 16 by April 2026, , her employer will also start contributing to her KiwiSaver account on top of her own contributions. She may also be eligible for an annual government contribution. That means even more money going in, growing over time, and boosting her future balance well beyond what she saved herself.

KiwiSaver can help buy a first home

One of the biggest motivators for young people joining KiwiSaver is the chance to use it for a first home deposit.

After just three years in KiwiSaver, your teen may be eligible to withdraw their savings to help buy their first home. For a teenager, that means joining now could make them eligible in their early 20s, just when many start thinking seriously about getting onto the property ladder.

With housing costs rising, giving your child a financial head start could make all the difference. It’s one of the most practical, empowering reasons to open a KiwiSaver account during the teen years.

Where does the money come from?

The good news is, there’s no required minimum contribution for under-18s. That means parents, grandparents or the teen themselves can contribute as much or as little as they like.

For teenagers earning money from part-time jobs, they can choose to contribute from their wages, even if employers don’t yet top it up. And with no fees for under-18s in Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, that money goes straight towards building their future.

Some families treat KiwiSaver like a long-term gift account, contributing birthday or Christmas money, or setting up a small weekly transfer. Even $5 a week, left to grow over decades, adds up.

Joining early builds financial confidence

KiwiSaver is a great learning opportunity. Having an account introduces teenagers to real-life financial lessons like making regular contributions, understanding investment growth, and reading account statements.

Research shows that growing financial literacy helps young people manage money “with confidence and without parental or other intervention.” And with financial literacy now becoming a standard part of the school curriculum, more and more teens are ready to get involved.

By starting early, KiwiSaver becomes normal. And that helps build strong financial habits for life.

Why Christian KiwiSaver Scheme?

At Christian KiwiSaver Scheme, we believe in supporting long-term financial wellbeing in ways that reflect our values. That’s why we:

Don’t charge fees for members under 18, so every dollar stays in their account
Offer a choice of funds to suit different needs and timeframes
Invest in ways that are values-aligned, and consistent with our Christian principles.

Then, when your teen becomes a first -home buyer, we can be there to support them with a competitive mortgage.

For many families, opening a KiwiSaver account is a practical expression of stewardship; a way to prepare for the future, make thoughtful decisions, and help the next generation thrive.

Ready to start? It’s simple

Here’s how to get going:

Talk about the benefits with your teen or as a family
Choose a provider that aligns with your values (like Christian KiwiSaver Scheme)
Open an account and start small, even a few dollars a week makes a difference.

The sooner you start, the more time you give your money to grow. And when it comes to KiwiSaver, time really is the greatest gift.

Now is the perfect time to begin

Joining KiwiSaver is about learning, growing, and preparing for the future. Whether you use it to buy your first home, build long-term wealth, or simply form good money habits, the benefits of starting early are clear.

Start your journey with Christian KiwiSaver Scheme today and help your teen lay a foundation shaped by faith, purpose, and possibility.

Christian KiwiSaver Scheme is managed and issued by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (trading as Anglican Financial Care). The Product Disclosure Statement can be found here Documents | Christian KiwiSaver Scheme.

Strengthening connections across the Anglican Community

by Stephen Williams | 28 Jul, 2025 | Community Activity, Events and News, Investment, KiwiSaver

Anglican Financial Care visits Diocese of Polynesia in Suva

As part of our continued commitment to supporting the Anglican Church in New Zealand and across the Pacific, Anglican Financial Care recently visited the Diocese of Polynesia at its Suva offices in Fiji. This visit reflects our role in serving the wider Anglican community, which includes not only Aotearoa but also the countries of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands, that together form the Diocese of Polynesia.

The Diocese of Polynesia, plays a vital role in leading and supporting Anglican communities across the region. Through our administration of a pension scheme, welfare funds, and clergy housing support, Anglican Financial Care partners with the Diocese to help meet the unique pastoral and financial needs of Polynesia’s clergy and their families.

Building relationships in Suva

In late May 2025, Anglican Financial Care’s Board Chair Reverend Lawrence Kimberley, along with Bruce Dutton and Jo Cheramie from our Member Services team, travelled to Suva for two days of face-to-face engagement with Archbishop Sione Ulu’ilakepa, clergy, diocesan leadership, and administrative staff. This in-person connection was a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships and share updates on Anglican Financial Care-administered schemes and services.

Sharing updates on key funds and services

Over the course of the visit, Anglican Financial Care presented updates on the Pension Fund, Welfare Fund, Basden Fund, Health Fund, the two Diocese of Polynesia Housing Funds, and the Diocese of Polynesia Medical Fund. These sessions prompted open and productive discussions, particularly around pensions, financial assistance, clergy housing, and the complexities of administering support across multiple countries and currencies.

A key outcome of the visit was the Archbishop’s support for re-establishing a Diocesan Pension Committee, which will be chaired locally by Anglican Financial Care Board Member Manoj Kumar. This committee will help strengthen local governance and oversight, ensuring continued support for clergy across the region.

Supporting clergy and families across Polynesia

From the perspective of our Member Services team, the visit was both pastoral and practical. It provided an opportunity to clarify administrative processes, address challenges such as maintaining contact with retired clergy and their families, and discuss possible improvements, including the appointment of a Chaplain to the Retired – a role that Anglican Financial Care is willing to help support through funding.

The Diocese also expressed interest in further training and awareness-building initiatives, particularly to help clergy, diocesan staff, and widows or widowers better understand their entitlements and how to access support.

Ongoing partnership and future focus

We’re grateful to the Diocese of Polynesia for their warm hospitality and open dialogue throughout the visit. Partnerships like this one are essential to ensuring that Anglican leaders and their families are not only spiritually nourished but also practically supported.

As the Diocese of Polynesia continues to grow in faith and mission, Anglican Financial Care remains committed to walking alongside its clergy, staff, and communities – supporting their work across Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands.

Photo credit: Reverend Liliani Havili and Kate Tarere.

The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Fund is managed and issued by The New Zealand Anglican Church Pension Board (trading as Anglican Financial Care). The Product Disclosure Statement can be found here Documents .

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