Ākina's Social Investment White Paper

Developing a Successful Social Investment Approach: Supercharging Social Investment in Aotearoa New Zealand

Ākina is pleased to present you with its’ white paper titled Developing a successful social investment approach: Supercharging social investment in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Purpose of the White Paper

The white paper provides a detailed analysis of how social investment could work in New Zealand, offering insights into its benefits, challenges, and opportunities, including three recommendations. It is designed to inform political leadership, policymakers, investors, nonprofit organisations, and other stakeholders about the critical role social investment can play in driving sustainable social and economic development.

The key components of the document include:

  • Defining good social investment: An overview of what constitutes social investment and its key characteristics.

  • Strategic recommendations: Recommendations on how New Zealand can supercharge its social investment approach, reduce the financial burden on government and incorporate the voices of those experiencing the change, partner with external funders, and engender an apolitical, long-term approach.

  • Case Studies: Real-world examples of successful social investment initiatives and their outcomes.

  • Expert voices: The voices of those already making a positive social impact in the community, including academics, fund managers, and other leaders in the sector.

In an increasingly complex global landscape, aligning financial returns with social impact has never been more crucial. Social investment offers significant long-term opportunities while addressing key societal issues such as poverty, education, health, and environmental sustainability. By leveraging capital for social good, we can build resilient communities and a more equitable world.

Ākina believes this white paper will foster a better understanding of the dynamics and components of social investment across the board. Through informed dialogue and collaborative action, we can unlock the full potential of social investment to benefit all New Zealanders.

Tēnā rawa atu koutou to the expert voices that contributed to the white paper, Jonathan Boston Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, School of Government, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Helmut Modlik, Tumu Whakarae CEO and Executive Director Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira, Jamie Newth, CEO Soul Capital, Alastair Rhodes, Chair Impact Investing Network as well as Ākina Board chair, Te Pūoho Katene for his foreword to the paper.

Thank you to the social investment in action case studies, Acorn Neurodiversity, Manukau Urban Māori Authority (MUMA) for Waka Aronui, the Westpac Government Innovation Fund, The Ministry for the Environment for the Jobs for Nature funding programme.

If you’re thinking about how your organisation can invest in social or environmental outcomes, get in touch!

Rebekah Dorman-Sickler