New Zealand Investment Forum 2026
The New Zealand Investment Forum convenes asset owners, key stakeholders and leaders within their field of research to tackle the big themes shaping markets and investment practice today and over the years to come. The event brings together leading thinkers across the investment landscape to learn, share and connect through keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking opportunities.
Beyond this event, you can access the latest insights on our digital research platform MercerInsight® Community, home to some of our latest strategic investment research and valuable insights from the industry.
2026 Theme: Put to the test – Investment strategy for today’s markets
The theme for the New Zealand Investment Forum 2026, “Put to the test – Investment strategy for today’s markets”, focused on what really counts when market theory is stress tested by real-world forces. Rapid shifts in market structure, geopolitics and sustainability policy are reshaping opportunity sets, forcing investors to prioritise practical, implementable solutions.
The forum brought together asset owners, industry practitioners and local and regional experts to deliver clear market outlooks, hands‑on approaches to portfolio construction, and actionable ideas that teams can put into practice immediately. Sessions explored where returns are hiding, how to capture them without taking unnecessary risk, and how governance, judgement and operational readiness matter as much as any strategy.
Post-event wrap up
In New Zealand, the best outcomes come from firms that know their strengths, partner well, and work together across a connected market. That partnership mindset is central to the New Zealand Investment Forum – bringing together our industry partners to connect, share ideas, and explore the latest insights across a wide range of investment topics.
Chief Executive Officer, Marsh People and Investments NZ
Insights from the 2026 New Zealand Investment Forum
Active vs passive investment
- Anna Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Marsh People and Investments, NZ
Must investors choose between active and passive management strategies? Why a blended approach captures targeted alpha while keeping efficient, low-cost coverage.
Today’s key issues for not-for-profit organisations
- Rebekah Dunn, Head of Endowments and Foundations, Marsh Investments and Retirement, Pacific
What keeps not-for-profit investors up at night? Insights from the latest Mercer Endowments & Foundations Survey.
Myths of emerging markets
- James Wilson, Portfolio Manager, Marsh Investments and Retirement, NZ
Are emerging markets a riskier asset class? Is growth in emerging markets driven by structural trends or cyclical factors? Myths and challenges in emerging markets.