Kiwi Wealth sale could be 'embarrassment of epic proportions'

Kiwi Wealth sale could be 'embarrassment of epic proportions'
Associate professor Martien Lubberink says debt means trouble. (Image: Victoria University)
Jenny Ruth
Fisher Funds Management's debt financing of the $310 million purchase of Kiwi Wealth should be raising alarm bells for the government.That’s according to Victoria University associate professor Martien Lubberink, who said the sale “could potentially be an embarrassment of epic proportions” to the government. The Kiwi Wealth sale is still awaiting approval from the Overseas Investment Office because Fisher Funds is 34%-owned by US private equity firm, TA Associates. The Toi Foundation, formerly the TSB Community Trust,...

More Finance

NZX edges lower as Infratil, profit-taking weigh
Finance Market close

NZX edges lower as Infratil, profit-taking weigh

S&P/NZX 50 Index slips with Infratil, Blackpearl and Heartland in focus.

Andy Macdonald 13 Nov 2025
Heartland reaps benefit of change, reiterates guidance
Finance

Heartland reaps benefit of change, reiterates guidance

Bank looks to sustainable, profitable growth.

Andy Macdonald 13 Nov 2025
Kids KiwiSaver mooted to invest in children's future
Finance

Kids KiwiSaver mooted to invest in children's future

Proposed savings programme could accumulate up to $18 billion in 18 years.

Andy Macdonald 13 Nov 2025
Asbestos scare sees RBNZ's Wellington staff home-bound
Finance

Asbestos scare sees RBNZ's Wellington staff home-bound

Earthquake exacerbates existing asbestos concerns at Reserve Bank office. 

Andy Macdonald 12 Nov 2025