Kōura Wealth

New Zealand's banks reported around $7.5 billion in profits in 2024.

That naturally raises questions about competition, transparency, and whether customers are getting the best deal available.

In this carousel, we share some of Kōura founder Rupert Carlyon's thoughts on why stronger competition could lead to better outcomes for everyday New Zealanders, including:

✅ More transparency around fees and charges
✅ Easier switching between providers
✅ Greater competition across the banking sector

This isn't about banks being good or bad - it's about creating an environment where customers can easily understand what they're paying, compare options, and make informed decisions.

What do you think would improve banking in New Zealand?

*The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of Rupert Carlyon. This content is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, consider consulting a financial adviser. Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at kourawealth.co.nz/documents.

The idea of the "Kiwi dream" has meant different things to different generations.

For some, it was owning a home and building financial security through hard work and patience. For many younger Kiwis, that path feels much steeper today.

This carousel isn't about blame. It's about recognising a challenge many people are feeling and starting a conversation about what financial security looks like now.

While no single solution will fix everything, understanding where your money is invested and making informed financial decisions can help put you in a stronger position over time.

Do you think the Kiwi dream is getting harder to reach, or has it simply changed?



*The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of Rupert Carlyon. This content is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, consider consulting a financial adviser. Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at kourawealth.co.nz/documents.

There's a difference between taking a risk and understanding a risk.

One of the most interesting changes we've seen over the past few years is how much more engaged New Zealanders are becoming with investing.

People are asking better questions, learning more about how markets work, and thinking more carefully about where their money is invested.

That's good news regardless of what you invest in.



*Bitcoin is highly volatile and not suitable for all investors. Before investing, ensure you fully understand the risks associated with Bitcoin at www.kourawealth.co.nz/cryptocurrency and/or consider seeking financial advice. Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of Rupert Carlyon. This content is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, consider consulting a financial adviser. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at www.kourawealth.co.nz/pds.

We talk a lot about buying a first home. Not many people talk about paying for the last 30 years of life.

Yet that's becoming one of the biggest financial challenges facing New Zealand.

It's not the most exciting money conversation. But it might be one of the most important.

How do you think New Zealanders are doing when it comes to preparing for retirement?



*This content is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, consider consulting a financial adviser. Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at kourawealth.co.nz/documents.

Matariki is a time to pause.

For generations, this season has been a time to reflect on the harvest that sustained communities and prepare for the seasons to come. Today, our harvest may look different, but the principle remains the same. Looking after your financial wellbeing isn't just about growing wealth; it's about creating opportunities, providing security, and helping your whānau thrive.

Inspired by the meanings of the nine stars of Matariki, here are nine practical ways to reflect on your own financial journey this Māori New Year.

Mānawatia a Matariki from all of us at Kōura. 💛

Most investors aren’t failing because they’re lazy.

They’re failing because they’re guessing.

As Rupert (Kōura founder) puts it - investing in individual stocks is hard.

The better approach? Build a system that works long-term.

*The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of Rupert Carlyon. This content is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, consider consulting a financial adviser. Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at kourawealth.co.nz/documents.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is people treating KiwiSaver plan like something they'll worry about "later". The problem is that later has a habit of arriving pretty quickly.

Nobody knows exactly what retirement will look like in 20, 30 or 40 years. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: future generations may need to rely more on their own savings than previous generations did.

That's why KiwiSaver isn't something to set up once and forget about.

A good place to start:

👉 Check what fund you're in
👉 Review your contribution rate
👉 Make sure your investment strategy matches your goals and timeframe

Small decisions today can make a surprisingly big difference over the long term.

Know someone who hasn't looked at their KiwiSaver plan in years? Send this to them.



*The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of Rupert Carlyon. This content is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Before making any financial decisions, consider consulting a financial adviser. Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at kourawealth.co.nz/documents.