KiwiSaver funds pile into global defence industry boom

KiwiSaver investment into weapons companies grew 41% in a year. (Image: Getty Images)

Thu, 14 Aug 2025

KiwiSaver funds may have largely pulled out of nuclear arms in recent years, but overall investment in weapons companies has surged 41% in a single 12 months.According to analysis by the charity Mindful Money, KiwiSaver investments in weapons companies reached $392 million in the year to March 31, 2025.Alongside that, managed fund investments reached $509m in March this year. KiwiSaver funds invested $200m into military weapons, a 35% increase over the previous year, while investment in firearms companies increased 110% to $156m.Investment...

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