New Zealand’s Stock Exchange

New Zealand’s Stock Exchange has a rich history which has evolved alongside the growth and advancements of New Zealand as a country. New Zealand’s first local stock exchange was established in Dunedin in 1866, with initial shares trading in the gold mines during the gold rush of the 1870s.

Further exchanges were established and independently operated in Auckland, Thames, Reefton and Christchurch until 1915, when the Stock Exchange Association of New Zealand was formed. With further changes implemented in 1983, the New Zealand Stock Exchange was formed.

Key events in New Zealand's Stock Exchange history, such as the 1987 stock market crash, shaped changes in the governance structure that we know today. In 1991, the regional trading floors were closed as the exchange moved with technology. In 2003, NZX listed on the Exchange, where an independently governed board was established. The New Zealand Stock Exchange also formally changed its name to NZX.

Today, NZX operates New Zealand’s equity, funds, derivatives energy and carbon markets. To support the growth of our markets, we provide trading, clearing, settlement, depository and data services for our customers. We also have a funds management business Smartshares and advisory platform NZX Wealth Technologies.

NZX’s success is driven by our commitment to connecting people, businesses and capital. Our vision is to be a trusted New Zealand business delivering sustainable wealth, value and opportunities for all.

Smartshares

Smartshares Limited (Smartshares) is a leading investment fund manager in New Zealand. We serve more than 177,000 investors* ranging from individual investors, Financial Adviser customers, businesses and iwi to Pacific nation groups. Smartshares also work with some of New Zealand’s largest employers to provide investment options as part of their employee benefits. Smartshares has been established since 1996 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NZX Limited with more than $10B in Funds Under Management*.

Smartshares offers its customers a range of investment options via our three major divisions:

  • Smartshares exchange traded funds - easily accessible and affordable investment options listed on the NZX
  • SuperLife investment funds - a broad range of unlisted funds which can be accessed through four managed investment schemes. Smartshares is one of six government appointed default KiwiSaver providers and look after the workplace savings for some of the largest employers in New Zealand
  • QuayStreet managed funds - diversified sector specific investment funds with the objective of providing a return above the fund's benchmark.

NZX Wealth Technologies

In 2015, NZX acquired NZX Wealth Technologies (formally Apteryx) to help increase NZX’s presence in providing funds services infrastructure to the markets.

NZX Wealth Technologies enables New Zealand investment advisors and providers to efficiently manage, trade and administer their client's assets. It is one of the fastest growing platforms in the market, with more than $10 billion in Funds Under Administration*.

Since its origination, the company has continued to attract growing portfolios of high-profiles clients.