Katie Beith's farewell: A Conversation on Impact Investing and What’s Next

It is with bitter-sweet news that we share Katie Beith's decision to step down from her position on the NZ National Advisory Board for Impact Investing (NZNAB), to enable her to focus on the many other initiatives she contributes to.

The 2023 Impact Investing Network End of Year celebration. From left to right: Katie Beith, Jamie Wood, Nicola Nation, Tan Huynh, Safe Wongsunopparat, Jamie Newth

Katie Beith was a fundamental piece in the NZNAB and Impact Investing Network Aotearoa (IIN). Her leadership and contributions have been instrumental in shaping both into what they are today. While she’s stepping back from her role on the Board, Katie remains deeply committed to the impact investing and sustainable finance community — and her work in this space is far from over.

We caught up with Katie to look back on her time with the Impact Investing Network (IIN) and the NZ National Advisory Board (NZNAB), and to hear what she hopes lies ahead for the future of impact investing in Aotearoa.

Dive into the full Q&A below.

How you first got involved with the IIN and NZNAB?

My journey with the Impact Investing Network and the NZ National Advisory Board began during my time at the NZ Super Fund. I succeeded Anne-Maree O’Connor as an observer on the Board around 2020, during the foundational years of the NZ NAB. It was an exciting period of strategic groundwork, and I remained actively engaged as I transitioned to Forsyth Barr—at which point I joined the Board as a full member. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the growth of this community from both a public and private sector perspective.

What have been your highlights?

Being part of the evolution of the impact investing ecosystem in Aotearoa has been incredibly rewarding. It's often said that progress can feel incremental in the short term, but when you zoom out, the change over a long period is remarkable. A standout moment for me was when Tan Huynh presented a comprehensive overview of the industry's growth at the IIN event in December 2024—it was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. I believe we’re now transitioning from ‘Phase One’—focused on definitions, education, and ecosystem building—to ‘Phase Two,’ which is about unlocking scale and accelerating capital flow. That inflection point is something I’m particularly proud to have witnessed and supported.

What is one piece of advice you would give to investors who want to begin their impact investing journey?

Be intentional and precise. Clearly articulate your expectations in terms of impact, return, scale, structure, and asset class. Clarity from the outset enables stronger alignment, better partnerships, and ultimately, more effective outcomes—both financially and environmentally and socially.

What is on the horizon for you?

My commitment to this field remains steadfast. Having spent the majority of my career in the broader ESG investing space, I see enormous potential still ahead. There’s important work to be done in deepening understanding, improving frameworks, and ensuring capital is directed in ways that genuinely align with investor values. I look forward to continuing to contribute—both in leadership and collaboration—with this vibrant and growing network.

How do you plan to still be involved, if at all, with the IIN?

I’ll continue to be an active participant in the IIN community. I plan to attend as many events as possible, and I’m always happy to host gatherings at Forsyth Barr to facilitate connection, knowledge-sharing, and momentum. Staying engaged and accessible to the network is a priority for me.

Any final thoughts?

This is a pivotal moment for the broader ESG and impact space. As the industry navigates increased scrutiny, regulatory shifts, and rising expectations around transparency and credibility, we are all being called to lead with integrity and focus on meaningful, measurable outcomes. Authenticity is non-negotiable—because trust, once lost, is hard to rebuild. I’m optimistic about what lies ahead and energized by the challenges we must meet. As we move into this next phase, I’m looking forward to staying closely connected and continuing the journey together.

Katie’s insights highlight the importance of steady, values-driven leadership in the impact investing space. While she’s stepping back from her role on the NZNAB and IIN, her contributions will continue to shape the work ahead.

We thank Katie for her time, thoughtfulness, and continued commitment to the impact investing community in Aotearoa.