The Aotearoa New Zealand National Advisory Board (ANZNAB) is now a member of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investing, which could mean more opportunities for social enterprises and developing businesses.

ANZNAB's role is to connect New Zealand to global markets, learn from international experience, and develop the local ecosystem so that it supports investment opportunities.

Its membership within the Global Steering Group (GSG) for Impact Investing will provide valuable ways to understand how impact investment works around the world.

ANZNAB independent deputy chair David Woods says the pathway to membership all began with an idea seeded by board members. Those board members include representatives from the Ākina Foundation, Philanthropy NZ, and the Tindall Foundation.

Ākina Foundation representative and ANZNAB board member Tina Porou says GSG membership is an exciting prospect for New Zealand's evolving social enterprise sector.

"We have a unique perspective on Impact Investment here in Aotearoa and we're so thrilled to share it with others,” says Porou.

She notes that impact investment is increasingly seen as a powerful tool in the fight against global challenges such as climate change.

"Adding our voice into the mix internationally is good news for developing businesses in other countries, and it will help organisations like Ākina find new ways to enable the growth of environmental and social impact here at home," Porou continues.

The GSG is the result of a G8 initiative back in 2013 and aims to advocate impact investment worldwide. So far the GSG has recruited 21 regional advisories worldwide. New Zealand, Bangladesh, and South Africa are the latest boards to join. They will become ratified members at the 2018 Impact Summit in India next week.

Speaking about ANZNAB's membership, David Woods says insight into impact investment will benefit the flow of ideas, and investment.

“Fifteen months ago we took the view that New Zealand should be at the table rather than looking in from outside. After a year of planning, interviews and discussions, we will be formally invested as members next week at the GSG Summit in New Delhi,” Woods says.

“Membership gives us valuable insight into the ways the impact investment movement is growing around the world. It's a great opportunity for a two way flow of ideas – and potentially investment flows – with other members."

The ANZNAB was officially launched in April and comprises eight business leaders. Along with David Woods and Tina Porou, board members are Jamie Newth, John McCarthy, Raewyn Jones, Alex Hannant, Simon O'Connor, and Anne-Maree O'Connor.