From shopping cruelty-free to ethical KiwiSaver investments, there are many ways you can defend animals used in science!

It’s the last day of Money Week in Aotearoa, New Zealand and while at first glance this doesn't seem like much for animals in labs, money is a big driver of animal experimentation!

Here are a few ways that you can make sure you aren't unintentionally funding animal testing...

SHOP CRUELTY-FREE

Make sure you only purchase cosmetics and household products that haven't been tested on animals (and do not contain animal-derived ingredients).

We’ve made this super easy for you with our Cruelty Free Guide! This lists beauty, skincare, bodycare and household products that are genuinely cruelty-free and available to purchase in NZ.

You can use this to ensure you aren't accidentally funding animal testing each time you purchase toothpaste, dishwashing liquid and other products!

MAKE SURE YOUR KIWISAVER ISN'T FUNDING ANIMAL TESTING

The main KiwiSaver schemes invest in animal testing but luckily there is an ethical option available - Pathfinder!

Pathfinder is a KiwiSaver plan that goes further than simply avoiding companies that harm our society – they seek out companies actively making a positive difference.

Pathfinder avoids companies and/or industries causing environmental or social harm, including animal testing, factory farming or other forms of animal exploitation.

In their ethical investment policy it states:

"We avoid companies that test drugs or consumer products (for example cosmetics) on animals - even when testing is required by law."

Exciting news: Pathfinder donates 20% of their fees to charities and NZAVS has just officially been made a registered charity partner! Now you can choose us to support when you make the switch.

Making the ethical switch:

If you decide to make the switch, we have more good news:

If your KiwiSaver balance is over $5k, Pathfinder will donate $100 to NZAVS for every supporter making the switch till the end of August 2021.

Making the switch is easy.

1. Go to the Pathfinder website to read more

2. Fill out the form. You will need your IRD number as well as a passport or driving licence

3. Ensure to use campaign code 'NZAVS'

+ You can also choose NZAVS as the charity partner you'd like to support - so you have two chances of supporting NZAVS when you make the switch!

++ You can check what your KiwiSaver is currently invested in via Mindful Money and compare it to Pathfinder here.

ONLY DONATE TO CRUELTY-FREE CHARITIES & ORGANISATIONS

Avoid supporting charities that support animal-based research such as the Cancer Society or New Zealand Brain Research Institute. Only donate to organisations that you know for sure wouldn’t - like NZAVS! Alternatively, you could still donate to these charities and just specify that you do not want your donation to be spent on animal testing.

We're working on a cruelty-free charities list to make this decision easier for you too.

One of the best ways you can financially support NZAVS is by becoming a member of our Animal Defender's Squad. The members of this group make a regular donation which enables us to work with long-term thinking in mind and plan the most effective campaigns as possible for animals suffering in labs. Join the Animal Defender's Squad team today!

Legal Disclaimer: Pathfinder Asset Management Limited is the issuer of the Pathfinder KiwiSaver Plan. A product Disclosure Statement for the offer is available at www.path.co.nz. 0% animal testing data from Mindful Money Check and Compare.