“Retirement funds fuelling the genocide of Palestinians”: University staff demand UniSaver divest from Israel

University workers are pushing for superannuation provider, UniSaver, to divest from Israel. And if it doesn’t — staff warn they will campaign for universities to stop working with the scheme altogether.  

UniSaver is the preferred superannuation provider for universities in New Zealand. Seven universities and their affiliated groups are currently part of UniSaver, including Massey University and Massey Ventures. 

Last year, activist group Uni4Pal discovered that UniSaver held investments in Israel, including companies like Elbit Systems, an Israeli military technology firm. The company has invested around $2 million in Israeli bonds this year. 

The group sent an open letter with 400 signatures demanding immediate divestment. More than a year later, investments still in place, the staff published another open letter at the start of the month.  

“We will not accept our retirement funds fuelling the genocide of Palestinians,” it read.  

Of the 400 signatures on the first open letter, 34 were Massey University workers, including associate professor in Communications Sean Phelan. 

Sean Phelan is an associate professor at the School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing. Photo / Massive University

Phelan hoped Massey University will publicly back the campaign, saying it is wrong that his pension is tied to companies complicit in genocide.  

“I would call on the university leadership at Massey to belatedly support our campaign, because all of us — including students of course — should be united in sending a message that what Israel has been doing has been absolutely appalling.” 

With no response from UniSaver yet, “It exemplifies the kind of complacency and moral cowardice that we have also seen in the Government’s stance on Palestine.” 

When approached for comment, a Massey University spokesperson said the university encourages students and staff to engage in informed debate. 

“Regarding the Massey staff who have signed this letter - that is their right. We ... respect the right of staff and students to share their views in a respectful manner, as they see fit.” 

Last month, UniSaver issued a statement acknowledging member requests to divest from Israeli companies. The scheme said its investments are managed by Russell Investments under its policies and objectives, which include complying with New Zealand Government sanctions. 

“As New Zealand is a United Nations (UN) member state, this includes sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council. There are currently no New Zealand sanctions against Israel,” the statement reads. 

UniSaver said its Israeli investments make up a small portion of total funds — less than 1%.  

Amanda Thomas, Victoria University lecturer and founding member of Uni4Pal, said,  

“It’s very disturbing that the profits made for our retirement are being funded through Palestinian blood.”  

Thomas signed the original open letter sent to UniSaver in August last year. “The lack of response doesn’t represent a good or safe approach to members or to people trying to make ethical investments.”  

She stressed that anyone can sign the new open letter — not just university workers. Out of the 400 signatures on the first letter, more than 40% are UniSaver members.  

“Prospective members don’t want to join a scheme funding genocide,” Thomas said. 

Additionally, 20% of the signatories who weren’t members said they would join UniSaver if the company adopted a Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) policy. 

With this letter, Thomas said they are being “more explicit” in their demands. If there is no change, they plan to take further action. 

Massive approached UniSaver for comment but was not provided with one.