New Zealand’s pioneer of ethical investing and business

Dr. Rodger Spiller

FOUNDER, LEADER, ADVISER, RESEARCHER, THINKER, DOER.

Rodger Spiller is an ethical investment adviser renowned for being the first and foremost pioneer of ethical investment advice in New Zealand. With decades of experience, he and his expert team at Money Matters, offer leading ethical investment advice that aims to enable investors to make ‘good’ money and make a difference.

Leadership development is key to achieving lasting transformation from ‘business as usual’ to a new paradigm of ethical business and ethical funds. Working with Professor Chellie Spiller through their business, Catalyst Leadership, Rodger and Chellie are exceptionally well qualified academically and practically to offer in depth leadership development. Rodger has long encouraged this type of leadership through his research, writing, presentations and courses. Drawing upon his PhD research coupled with an unparalleled ongoing investment in his own leadership development Rodger offers unique and profound insights to the why and how of the development of human capital.

Rodger's innovative 4D perspective aims to increase financial returns along with creating positive environmental and social impact. Transformation and enrichment of organisational culture can result from deeper self-awareness and inner development that includes a lighter, brighter and more engaging work environment.

Reflecting the aspirations of ethical investors, Rodger seeks to inspire fund managers and companies alike to adopt strategies that ensure prosperity and integrity. His work is a testament to the belief that good values and good business are not just compatible, but mutually enhancing.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (1983) - Senior Prize - Accounting for Corporate Social Responsibility

    Master of Commerce (1990) - First Class Honours

    Doctorate (1999) - Focused on business ethics, ethical investment and responsible business leadership

  • NZ Executive Director for leading Australasian investment firm IPAC Securities

    Board member of one of NZ's largest personal investment and financial planning firms

    Director and Chairman of the Association of Investment Advisers and Financial Planners (IAFP)

    Member of the International Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Council

    Member of the Securities Commission (now the Financial Markets Authority)

  • New Zealand’s first financial advisor to receive the Ethical Investment Certification symbol

    New Zealand’s first member and Director of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)

    Founding Member and Executive Director of the NZ Businesses for Socially Responsibility (NZBSR) that became part of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN)

    Executive Director of the NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development

    Created NZ’s first awards for ethical and sustainable business

    Founding Director of Transparency International (NZ)

“I aim to help make your money and leadership matter . I aim to create more sustainable wealth and wellbeing – to transform your money, your leadership, your life and the world.”

Examples of Rodger’s academic publications

“A man's interests and passions are discernible by what he chooses to write about; this reveals his true character." – Henry David Thoreau

‘Ethical Business and Investment: A Model for Business and Society’ was published in 2000 by the Journal of Business Ethics. Written by Rodger, this article summarises his PhD. It explores the answers to two key questions; is it possible for business and investors to do well while doing good; and if so, how can this be achieved? This article continues to be widely read and cited. Contact us for a copy.

Rodger’s chapter in Chellie Spiller’s 2013 internationally acclaimed book, ‘Viewpoint: Responsible Investment and Authentic Leadership’, introduces the perspective of responsible investors to test the idea of authentic leadership, and provides a definition of what authentic leadership might look like from a responsible investment point of view. Rodger integrates his unique practical and academic perspective to offer wise guidance. Contact us for a copy.

Examples of groups Rodger belongs to

"A man is known by the company he keeps."
– Aesop

  • Men’s Group

    Described by thousands of men globally as the most powerful personal growth opportunity they have ever experienced, Rodger participated in New Zealand’s first ManKind Project (MKP) course in 2002. MKP exists based on a belief that “emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men” are best placed to be able to contribute to their personal and professional relationships, communities, and the planet. Since 2002 Rodger has met fortnightly with his MKP Men’s Group – that provides “support to manifest your purpose in the world and transform your challenges into fuel for your growth”.

    Rodger has also participated in and is a supporter of NZ’s Essentially Men (EM) Education Trust including their ‘Men Being Real’ programme. Rodger encourages all men to summons the courage to participate in an MKP and/or EM event – these are life affirming opportunities to experience an ‘extra-ordinary’ space and become a more powerful catalyst for renewal and change.

  • Diamond Approach Group

    The Diamond Approach “provides a unique understanding of ancient spiritual wisdom and modern psychology to help students uncover their true potential”. Rodger participated in New Zealand’s first Diamond Approach (DA) course in 2008 and has been an active student since. The teachings, practices, and community provide a unique ongoing context for self-exploration that supports greater self-awareness, a more fulfilling life and enhances the ability for an individual to make a positive impact in the world.

    For the past two years Rodger has been participating in the new DA Deeper Integration Voyage experience (DIVe) teachings for a deeper dive into the Diamond Approach, based on teacher-training material. Rodger weaves insights from DA into his work – including the unique approach to the practice of ‘inquiry’. Rodger encourages everyone to explore the Diamond Approach – it is available online and/or through a new in-person group currently being created in NZ. See Rodger’s blog and podcast with Ashley Wain for more.

  • Virtues Project Group

    The mission of the Virtues Project is to provide empowering strategies that inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life. The Virtues Project was founded by Linda Kavelin-Popov with her husband Dr. Dan Popov (pictured above) and brother, John Kavelin, in Canada in 1991. Its foundation is research into the world’s great wisdom traditions. The purpose of its courses, books, and materials is to make this timeless knowledge accessible in our individual and collective lives.

    Rodger participated in one of the first Virtues Project courses in NZ and shortly thereafter co-created a ‘Virtues Group’ that has met monthly for over 20 years. Rodger has provided presentations and workshops at many Virtues Project Conferences. With his professional roles focused on applying ethical wisdom Rodger has been well placed to demonstrate how investors and business leaders can draw from The Virtues Project. Rodger’s contributions were recognised in him being awarded ‘Master Facilitator’ status with The Virtues Project.