LOCAL ADVISORY FIRM HITS SOLAR SUCCESS
Stewart Financial Group CEO Nick Stewart knows a thing or two about planning for the future. As a fiduciary, he and his colleagues help clients plan for their financial futures (including the potential for pitfalls along the way; inevitable market fluctuations when investing long term, or lifestyle changes due to health or other circumstances).
For the past decade, they have been steadily actioning an addition to their future-thinking practice: sustainability, most visibly in the form of their Te Rehe Solar Network panels perched atop the Karamu Road offices.
From a humble handful of users in 2021, Te Rehe Solar Network (TRSN) clocked 110 members in its private community solar network as at February 2024. They hope to reach 1000 by 2026.
Much like Stewart Group clients, TRSN members come from all around New Zealand. The furthest north hails from Houhora in the Far North district, and the furthest south is currently on The Terrace in Wellington.
Not content with physical infrastructure.
Stewart Group also made changes to their investment offerings to better reflect the values held by themselves and their clients. The increase in demand for investment options which take into account environmental, social and governance factors (ESG) has become apparent. The firm even boasts an increasingly-coveted certified B Corp status, which is as close to a globally recognised tick for best practice in ESG practices as one can get.
Stewart Group has implemented sustainability in their once as well as in their financial offerings; solar panels on every available area of roof, EV chargers for their electric fleet, while rethinking water usage, waste & recycling management, and supporting local brands. and businesses where possible.
Their reasons for doing all this? The very same guiding principles they use in advisory settings.
From Nick: “Thinking for the future requires a holistic view. When we help clients with financial planning and advice, we look at the whole package and encourage them to do the same. Planning long-term means mitigating factors which may become a problem later.
Our sustainability initiatives – tax effective ESG portfolios, TRSN, becoming a certified B Corp – reflect our commitment to taking a similar long-term view on business operations, financial products, and how we can best serve our communities.”
Stewart Financial Group can be found in the heart of Hastings at 204 Karamu Road, or 158 The Terrace in Wellington. They offer financial advisory services including wealth management, investment advice, insurance advice, KiwiSaver scheme support, and retirement planning; all available face-to-face from friendly, local financial advisors.
Any opinions expressed in this article are of a general nature only and should not be construed or relied upon as a recommendation to invest in a financial product or class of financial products. You should seek financial advice specific to your circumstances from a Financial Adviser before making any financial decisions.
