Broker re-launches KiwiSaver scheme with adviser backing

Financial adviser Martin Hawes is backing a re-launch of the Forsyth Barr KiwiSaver scheme which has been renamed Summer KiwiSaver. Photo/Sheena Haywood.

One of the country's largest brokers has re-launched its KiwiSaver scheme with the backing of well-known financial adviser Martin Hawes.

Forsyth Barr, whose KiwiSaver scheme has around $50 million in it, will re-brand its scheme Summer KiwiSaver from today.

The name has been borrowed from Hawes' 2006 retirement planning book 20 Good Summers and investors in the scheme will get access to regular communication from Hawes who will also chair its investment committee.

The scheme will allow investors to pick their own asset allocation meaning they could have all their money in shares or bonds, should they wish.

Hawes said his decision to move into KiwiSaver was a natural extension of his mission to reach as many New Zealanders as possible with the message that the small decisions you make today can have a massive impact on your lifestyle in retirement.

"For many New Zealanders KiwiSaver will be their most significant financial asset outside the family home. That's why it's critical to get involved with your KiwiSaver investment now and take charge of it to create the future you want," he said.

As an authorised financial adviser Hawes must give advice based on what is in the best interests of his clients.

Hawes admitted that being on the investment committee of the KiwiSaver scheme meant there was a conflict of interest but said he would make that clear to clients in his disclosure documents and if they did not want to join the scheme he would help them find another.

"As an AFA I have to put my client's interests first and will continue to do that. I can not and would not make any investment recommendations without a really good reason to do so."

Forsyth Barr's share of the $33.4 billion KiwiSaver market was just 0.1 per cent as of June but Hawes said it hoped to build on that.

"The market share for Forsyth Barr has been tiny but I think that the advice that will come with this and the ability to engage will be appealing for a group of people.

He believed that group would be large enough to ensure the sustainability of the scheme.

The scheme will have a $36 annual member charge plus 0.9 per cent of a member's funds under management to cover all other costs.