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The awards come as general practice continues to face pressures across Aotearoa, alongside a need for care that better reflects the communities it serves.

Bindi Norwell, CEO at ProCare says supporting the next generation of GPs is critical to the future of primary care.

“General practice is under pressure so supporting our future workforce is one of the most important things we can do for the future of care. This scholarship is about backing them early — giving them the support and space to focus on their training, their wellbeing, and the communities they want to serve.”

“It’s the same approach we take with the practices we support. When you back the people delivering care, it has a ripple effect for patients, whānau and communities,” she continues.

This year’s recipients are Laura Barr as the top Māori GP (Te Ātiawa and Ngāpuhi, a previous nurse graduate) and Claudia Bloy as the top Pacific GP (Cook Islands, a previous biomed graduate). The ProCare Scholarship for medical students, established in 2003, is awarded annually to the top-performing fifth-year students in the programme.

Barr says her clinical placements have strengthened her interest in general practice, particularly the opportunity to build long-term relationships and support whānau over time.

“What stands out to me about general practice is the ability to build ongoing relationships and support people across their health journey.”

Bloy received the Fuimaono Ben Taufua Award for the top GP, which also recognises a Pacific medical student who demonstrates a strong commitment to Pacific health and community, and reflects the legacy of an influential Pacific health leader.

She is passionate about giving back and hopes to return to the Cook Islands later in her career to practise medicine.

“To other Pacific students, I’d say stay connected to your ‘why’ and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Medicine is a community, and this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Norwell said initiatives like the scholarship play an important role in building a workforce that is both sustainable and culturally connected.

“These students represent the future of primary care. By supporting them early in their careers, we’re helping grow a workforce that can better meet the needs of our communities now and into the future.”

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. 

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

Source: Porirua City Council

Source: Greenpeace

Source: Save the Children

These awards come at a time of political challenges to the approach of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) investing in the US. However, there are also strong commitments to sustainable investing in other markets globally. This reflects growing financial risks from climate and environmental impacts, as well as massive opportunities from the rapid shift towards sustainability and the climate transition. These awards are more relevant than ever. 

Mindful Money’s Founder and Co-CEO, Barry Coates commented: “These awards celebrate innovation and excellence in ethical and impact investing. They set a high bar for the sector and have become the standard for excellence in ethical and impact investing. We encourage others in the investment sector to respond to public demand and move further and faster towards high standards of sustainable investment.”

Mindful Money’s Co-CEO, Kate Vennell added: “Transitioning towards net zero and a more sustainable economy will need capital to be re-directed from harm to positive outcomes, such as clean energy, human health and community housing. These awards show the investors that are leading the way.”

Best Integration of Positive Outcomes

This is a new award, reflecting the exciting opportunities for mainstream investment providers to contribute to social and environmental solutions. In recent years, there has been an increased allocation towards positive real world outcomes from mainstream KiwiSaver and managed funds.

Generate was Highly Commended for their pioneering work in investing KiwiSaver and managed funds into opportunities in affordable housing and venture capital.

Pathfinder was the inaugural award winner. Their strategy integrates investments for positive outcomes across their investment portfolios. They have made innovative and impactful investments into a range of private companies delivering positive outcomes.

Best New Ethical and Impact Investment fund 2026

This is always an exciting award category, highlighting the funds that are bringing new ideas and options to the New Zealand investment scene. 

Te Piringa and Home Capital Partners were Highly Commended. Support for community housing partnerships is at the core of the fund – providing partners with access to capital that will support growth in social and affordable housing provision. 

Climate Venture Capital Fund 2 was the winner of this award. Starting a follow-on fund for climate solutions is a challenge and there are important innovations in this second fund. They make a strong contribution in supporting investee companies to commercialise global-scale climate solutions and building climate investing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Best Ethical or Impact Overseas Fund
This award is open to overseas investment funds that are actively marketed in New Zealand. The judges were looking for overall excellence in all aspects of funds management.

Pella Global Generations PIE Fund was Highly Commended for a sound ethical investment framework, including strong engagements with investee companies to raise their standards.

Australian Ethical Emerging Companies Fund was the award winner. Their Ethical Charter, applied across all fund holdings, is effective in avoiding investment in harmful activities and integrating positive outcomes investing. They have a comprehensive stewardship approach, with strong research, escalation pathways and divestment triggers. 

Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment
This category is for the best journalism about ethical or impact investment. The judges were looking for high standards of journalism, attuned to the interests of their audiences. 

Frances Cook was Highly Commended and congratulated by the judges for her podcast and multimedia interviewing skills and insights. Her stories are compelling.

Susan Edmunds won the award for her ability to make stories interesting and relevant, reaching RNZ audiences far beyond those interested in finance. Her reporting has provided ways for large audiences to find out more and take action.

Best Ethical Financial Adviser
Financial advisers have an important role in providing informed, independent and appropriate advice on ethical and impact investment. They provide New Zealand investors with financial advice that reflects their values and financial aspirations, and those of their family.

Dr. Rodger Spiller of Money Matters was Highly Commended. Rodger is a thought leader for ethical and impact investing, through the delivery of research papers for the sector and high quality resources for clients.

Carey Church of Moneyworks was the winner of the award. Carey combines a strong client-centred approach with deep research into investment options to meet clients’ needs. Ethical issues are integrated throughout her practice and in her work across the financial advice sector.

Best Ethical or Impact Asset Owner

This new award category recognises the crucial role played by the institutions that hold capital for investment, including trusts and foundations, charities, faith-based organisations, financial institutions and family offices. They are the ones who set the mandate for investing and the ethical and impact investment policies.

Clare Foundation was Highly Commended for their innovative approach, focused on investments that generate positive outcomes.

BayTrust was the award winner. They have built an impact-oriented investment approach, benefiting the communities in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. They have forged strong partnerships with local partners, iwi and communities in projects such as the Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Trust and Taumata Hauha. They are showing leadership in investing community capital for good.

Best Impact Investor

This award is for funds that intentionally invest for positive impact as well as financial return. This is a growing and important part of the investment sector, in New Zealand and internationally. Unusually, the judges decided to give a joint award to two impactful and exciting investment funds.

Climate Venture Capital Fund, joint winner, has built impressive momentum from their first fund into their growth-oriented follow-on fund. They have built a diverse base of investors, including philanthropists, KiwiSaver and institutional investment, private investors and AIP visa migrants. Their investments are providing well-documented impacts in terms of emissions reductions and avoidance, with opportunities to scale globally.

Te Pae ki te Rangi, Soul Capital, joint winner, is innovating in its approach, with investments ranging from flaxroots initiatives in te Tai Tokerau to rapidly growing global companies. Soul Capital brings academic rigour and strong values, along with clear financial aims. They have a clear articulation of impact, linked to the focus of the founders, and a robust theory of change.

Best Ethical Investment Provider (sponsored by Public Trust)

The award has been expanded this year, so that it covers both KiwiSaver and managed funds. Despite a turbulent market, these funds have continued to grow into a significant pool of domestic capital. now totalling over $230 billion.

Pathfinder won this year’s award. Pathfinder is continuing to innovate and provide leadership in the ethical investment sector. They have increased their investment in positive outcomes and made a commitment to the Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative for climate action. Ethical values are core to their strategy and investments.

David Callanan, Public Trust Corporate Trustee Services GM, says he’s proud the organisation is returning as principal sponsor of the main awards for the third year in a row, plus sponsor of the Best Ethical Investment Provider award. As the supervisor for 14 KiwiSaver schemes, Public Trust plays a significant role in investment fund oversight.

Callanan says: “Ethical and impact investing is evolving quickly, driven by New Zealanders who want their money invested in line with their values. Investors are asking better questions about where their money goes, and they expect greater transparency, accountability and choice. That is a positive shift for the sector, because credible ethical investment claims help build confidence, lift standards, and support better outcomes for investors and the communities they care about. The Mindful Money Awards play an important role in recognising that leadership and helping investors see who is setting the standard.”

Jono Broome, Morningstar Sustainalytics commented: “The Aotearoa sustainable fund market has continued to stand out from other markets around the world with consistent and impressive demand. Net positive inflows have been recorded in every quarter of the past four years across managed funds and ETFs. Morningstar Sustainalytics is pleased to support Mindful Money in the annual fund awards to acknowledge the best of New Zealand's ethical funds in 2026.” 

Notes:

The keynote speaker for the awards event, held at the Maritime Room, Princes Wharf, Auckland, was Jono Ridler, endurance swimmer, ocean advocate, and co-founder of the Swim4TheOcean initiative. The awards MC was Jesse Mulligan, well-known as a leading radio presenter on RNZ, writer, comedian, restaurant critic and media personality.

Prior to the awards ceremony, Mindful Money’s conference started with Barry Coates announcing two major developments. Mindful Money has launched a transparency tool in Australia, providing free information to Australians on where their super funds are invested. Mindful Money will also launch a new website tool providing Kiwis with information on the degree to which their KiwiSaver and managed funds are invested in companies that generate positive outcomes. 

This issue of positive outcomes was the focus of the first panel, facilitated by Kate Vennell, with panelists: James Palmer, Community Finance; Yasmin Winchester, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare; and Gary Holden, Lodestone Energy.

The second panel focused on political issues that should be discussed in the forthcoming election. The panel was facilitated by Bridget Coates, with panelists: Mike Casey Re-Wiring Aotearoa; Nicola Toki, formerly Forest & Bird; Fraser Whineray; and Helen Robinson, Auckland City Mission.

Facilitated roundtables with the audience identified key initiatives to move forward on positive outcomes and election priorities.

Photos from the conference and awards ceremony can be found here:  https://alishalovrich.smugmug.com/2026/2026-Mindful-Money-Awards-/n-chjc22

Sponsors:

Sponsors for the conference were: lead sponsor Morningstar Sustainalytics; sponsorship contributions from Australian Ethical, First Sentier, Generate and Trust Investments Management; and community support from Foundation North.

Mindful Money has secured generous support for the awards ceremony from: lead sponsors Public Trust and Morningstar Sustainalytics; silver sponsor New Zealand Super Fund; sponsorship contributions from Always Ethical and Generate; and community support from Foundation North.

Unlike Australia, France, Spain, Malaysia, Türkiye and other countries, New Zealand and its Israel First Foreign Minister Winston Peters have failed to launch a government investigation into the mistreatment of New Zealand citizens.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP), under instruction from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, have now launched an investigation into rape and torture by Israeli forces on Australian citizens who were detained in international waters.

“Knowing we were coming to Wellington, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent us an email yesterday asking us to provide information on what happened to our activists,” Rana Hamida of Global Sumud Aotearoa said. “The message was that they would put this to the Israelis – in other words: they will leave it to Israel to be both the criminal and the judge. That’s not good enough. Malaysia, for example, is taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over the kidnapping and violence dished out to their citizens.”

Returning Sumud member Hāhona Ormsby, who endured multiple beatings by the Israelis after being seized in international waters and taken to Israel, says, “Calling in the Israeli ambassador and slapping him with a wet bus ticket over tea and scones does not count as meaningful action.”

The government has treated people like Ormsby as a “threat” whilst doing nothing to hold Israel to account.

“I had two detectives come and interview me this week to assess if I was a “threat”. Imagine that? I joined the Sumud flotilla armed with nothing other than aroha and I – a New Zealand citizen – get treated as the problem! But some Israeli soldier fresh from killing women, children, and babies in Gaza and Lebanon knows they can holiday in New Zealand no questions asked. Hey, Winston, are you Israel First or New Zealand First?” Hāhona Ormsby asked.

Global Sumud Aotearoa is demanding that the New Zealand government launch its own non-Israeli-led investigation. New Zealand should coordinate with the other governments who have already launched inquiries into the attack on their citizens.

A first step would be for the government to formally interview our returning activists. Second, the government should liaise with the Turkish authorities who sent planes to Israel to bring over 400 detained Sumud activists to safety in Istanbul. It should be noted New Zealand provided absolutely no support whatsoever to their citizens.

All the Sumud people who were flown out of Israel, including the New Zealand citizens, were given medical examinations and forensic interviews in Türkiye. Some, including Hāhona Ormsby and fellow Kiwi Mousa Taher, received hospital treatment for their injuries. MFAT requesting medical records from Türkiye would be a useful place to start.

Below is a detailed response to Israeli propaganda that ludicrously suggested that the black eyes, broken noses and ribs inflicted on citizens from over 40 countries was an elaborate hoax. The photo of the damaged face of New Zealand citizen Julien Blondel, beaten by Israelis in an attack in international waters on April 29, should have triggered immediate action by the government. The Israelis, realising that New Zealand and other Western governments stood with them, not their own citizens, increased the level of violence in their June attack on over 50 vessels.

New Zealand First should mean standing up for our citizens not providing cover for Israeli crimes. New Zealand should also stand up for the suffering people of Palestine and Lebanon and demand that the United Nations Charter and the Genocide Convention be upheld and enforced.

Source: Greenpeace

Source: Northland Regional Council