International Women's Day 2023

Investing has long been a male-dominated arena, with women often left out of the conversation. However, recent studies have shown that women not only have a natural ability to excel in investing, but they also tend to perform better than their male counterparts.

Despite this, the number of women investing in New Zealand falls far below that of men (16% compared to 30-40%). So, what's holding women back? It's not a lack of interest, but rather a knowledge gap. Many women simply don't know how or where to get started.

In celebration of International Women's Day 2023, we spoke with some of our team and female investors to learn about their investing journey and gather their advice on how women can break through the barriers and start investing today.

Omea Willows

Director, Investment Relations & Operations

Can you tell us about the beginning of your investment journey?

I always used to watch my dad buy shares and use complicated spreadsheets to track an entity’s performance. I always thought it looked amazing. Once I had generated enough cash, I asked Dad to help me invest. Since then I have been slowly tipping additional income into investment opportunities as they come along.

At what age did you first start investing?

18 years old.

Can you share your motivation for getting into investing?

Financial freedom and ensuring I have enough capital to pass on to my children. Being able to own your own property is becoming out of some people’s reach, but that shouldn’t be an excuse for not trying. I always tell my children that it’s always as hard as you think it’s going to be. If you can get past your negative thoughts, the world is your oyster.

Do you have a background in finance?

No, a background in finance is not necessary. It’s just perseverance. You just need to manage your expenses and always ensure you can put some money away to invest. If you are young and time is on your side, put away $100 a month into a managed fund which will naturally grow over time. It doesn’t matter about picking the market as you will never be able to pick it, but investing over different periods of time and within different asset classes all help.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your investment experience?

Timing, trying to pick the best time to invest. As I have aged, it’s become clear that you should never try and pick the market otherwise you will never invest.

What advice would you give to women who are interested in investing but don’t know where to begin?

Read and listen. Financial literacy is something that is well worth the time and should be taught in schools. Everyone should know what they have to do, to either own their own home or manage their finances. There are many free podcasts and online tools you can use, such as Sorted, to help with your investment goals. Set out your investment goals and stick to them. There will be some ups and downs along the way, but the end goal is motivating.

Tess Wethey

Regulatory and Compliance Manager

Can you tell us about the beginning of your investment journey?

My journey started at primary school with a Post Office Savings bank book! The message we were given then was that regular deposits, no matter how big or small, meant the bank balance would grow. I learned my attitudes towards the value of money, savings, earning interest, and investment types and goal setting from my parents.

At what age did you first start investing?

When I was first employed in my 20s it was compulsory to make contributions to a Super Scheme. When I left teaching, I invested those funds in a solicitor’s nominee mortgage account which paid a quarterly return. I was hooked. That was in the 1980s and the era of New Zealanders’ love affair with share trading. Some of the shares purchased proved very poor investments and it taught me the value of due diligence and having a trusted advisor. To gain more knowledge, I returned to university. By my thirties, we had bought our first investment property.

Can you share your motivation for getting into investing?

To create wealth, provide a passive income stream in retirement, and leave a legacy for our family’s benefit.

Do you have a background in finance?

No.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your investment experience?

There have been many challenges along the way: learning to hold my nerve when market fluctuations undid the gains made, coming to terms with risk and return being very closely linked, maintaining a big picture view in the face of short-term pessimism, and some decades ago, a close brush with an unethical advisor.

What advice would you give to women who are interested in investing but don’t know where to begin?

Ask questions. Read. Find a mentor, a person you trust, with whom you can discuss where you are now and where you want to be. It might be a friend, professional advisor, banker, or just someone whose journey inspires you. Talk with as many others as necessary to satisfy your curiosity, and always complete your own research and reading. Choose investments wisely based on knowledge, diversify, and once you’ve begun your journey, actively monitor what your investments are doing. Without letting go of the big picture, never be afraid to raise concerns or change tack.

Pip Macauley

Investor

Can you tell us about the beginning of your investment journey?

In primary school, we had a post office savings account with a little book that was physically adjusted with every deposit. We made small deposits weekly, which encouraged a saving habit. When I was around 21, my father gave me 100 Skyline Shares. I managed to multiply that by five by taking up a share issue in which the new shares did not become A-class shares for a few years, but I was investing for the future.

At what age did you first start investing?

In my 30s, I began investing in the share market through a share group that bought and sold shares with the contributions we all made. I had a fairly healthy portfolio but got caught up in the share market crash of 1987. This taught me that it was better (although not as much fun) to invest in equities than to buy and sell privately.

Can you share your motivation for getting into investing?

I think it comes down to a desire to increase your portfolio, giving security for the future. There’s no doubt that a lot of learning occurs on the way. I believe it is better to develop a saving and investing habit early in life.

Who inspired you to start investing?

My father would have been my inspiration. His mantra and consequently my mantra was “never spend your capital”. Meaning that if you sell some investment or asset, it must be spent on other investments that are not depreciating assets.

Do you have a background in finance?

My father, a successful businessman, showed me the ins and outs of finance, but Warren Buffets’ advice on investing has stuck with me. He said put your cash into equities - let the professionals do the homework - they know what they are doing.

Investing in a group of shares, bonds, property and businesses spreads your risk and even the smallest amount will grow over time. I didn’t get into Kiwi Saver until I was 63 but unlike many others, I stayed in and kept making contributions. It has been a very good investment and will be a useful asset in the future. Having listened to experts, I believe that in today’s economic climate when equities and shares are down, it’s better to keep making your payments if you can, as your dollar buys more when markets are down. Do not panic. History has shown that prices will most likely get back to where they were, if not better.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your investment experience?

Selling a farm and not knowing what to do with the cash. Luckily, with my family experience in commercial property and decisions that we both made on the way, my husband and I were able to invest in property and grow our investments.

What advice would you give to women who are interested in investing but don’t know where to begin?

Go to a professional equity management company and take their advice. Preferably, add to your investment as frequently and as much as you are able. Develop a good relationship with your trusted advisor. Get into Kiwi Saver and make sure that you deposit the minimum amount in time to receive the bonus every year.

To find out more about Mackersy Property and how we can help you on your investment journey, email us at invest@mackersyproperty.co.nz