Sustainability wholesale bond lists on NZX

NZX welcomes the inaugural sustainability wholesale bond to be listed on the debt market today by Housing New Zealand, in a New Zealand first. The listing of a $500 million sustainability bond will almost double the size of New Zealand's environmental market, and supports the exchange's strategic commitment to grow New Zealand's environmental markets and the range of financial products available on the NZX. Housing New Zealand are also listing three wholesale debt bonds worth a total of $800 million. The wholesale debt market was launched on 1 January 2019 following a review of the exchange's market structure and listing rules last year. NZX Head of Issuer Relationships Joanna Lawn commented: "Sustainable finance will play a significant role in the future of financial markets. We are excited to facilitate the listing of sustainable debt products, and it is encouraging to see such early demand for wholesale debt with the market only recently launched." Housing New Zealand's sustainability bonds are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which fund projects of a sustainable nature, including environmental, social and governance measures. In Housing New Zealand's case the bonds are earmarked for expenditure, which has positive environmental and social outcomes, including building homes that meet green criteria or incorporate mobility and accessibility considerations into their design. For further information please contact: Hannah Lynch Head of Communications T: 09 308 3710 M: 021 252 8990 E: hannah.lynch@nzx.com End CA:00332985 For:NZXO Type:GENERAL Time:2019-04-05 08:30:07