Fund-vs-fund · International Equities
Harbour Epoch Global Quality Select Equity FundvsKernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund
Both are International Equities funds available to NZ retail investors. Numbers below are sourced from the FMA Disclose register via Sorted Smart Investor and reflect the latest published quarterly fund updates.
What's different at a glance
- Both are New Zealand PIE funds — investor tax is capped at the Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR), maximum 28%.
- Kernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund hedges its foreign-currency exposure to NZD; Harbour Epoch Global Quality Select Equity Fund is unhedged. NZD weakness boosts unhedged returns and reduces hedged returns (the inverse on NZD strength).
- Kernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund applies responsible-investment / ESG screening. The other fund does not.
Where each fund sits in its cohort
Percentile rank vs all 84 international equities funds we've matched on Sorted Smart Investor. Mechanical only — no opinion, no forward-looking view.
Annual fund charge
Lower is better
Harbour
0.98%
Upper half of cohort
Kernel
—
—
5-year return p.a.
Past performance — not a predictor
Harbour
—
—
Kernel
—
—
Fund size
Larger = more stable, lower close-risk
Harbour
NZ$214m
Upper half by size
Kernel
—
—
| Metric | Harbour | Kernel | Lower / higher is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fund charge | 0.98% | — | Lower is better |
| Risk indicator (1–7) | 5 | — | Higher = more volatility |
| 5-year return p.a. | — | — | Higher is better (past not future) |
| Fund size | NZ$214m | — | Larger = more stable, lower close-risk |
| Growth / income split | 98% / 2% | — | More growth = higher long-run return + volatility |
| NZ tax structure | PIE (PIR-capped) | PIE (PIR-capped) | PIE = simpler. FIF = annual return. |
| Currency hedging | Unhedged | Hedged to NZD | Hedged smooths NZD/foreign FX moves at a small cost. |
| Responsible investment screening | No | Yes | Specific exclusions live in each fund's SIPO. |
| Available via | Direct | Direct | Platforms accepting retail subscriptions. |
Sources:Harbour on Sorted
What each fund says it does
Harbour
Harbour Epoch Global Quality Select Equity Fund
The Fund�s objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in a portfolio of securities of companies which are traded, listed or due to be listed, on recognised exchanges and/or markets throughout the world. The portfolio may include investments in the securities of companies traded, listed or due to be listed, on recognised exchanges and/or markets of developing countries.Full Harbour Harbour Epoch Global Quality Select Equity Fund profile →
Kernel
Kernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund
Strategy summary not yet ingested.
Full Kernel Kernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund profile →Common questions
What's the difference between the Harbour Epoch Global Quality Select Equity Fund and the Kernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund?
Both are international equities funds available to NZ retail investors. Both are New Zealand PIE funds — investor tax is capped at the Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR), maximum 28%.
Are both funds PIE-taxed in NZ?
Yes. Both are NZ Portfolio Investment Entities (PIEs). Investor tax on the fund's income is capped at the Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR), maximum 28%.
Does either fund apply responsible-investment screening?
Yes — Kernel Global ESG (NZD Hedged) Fund applies responsible-investment / ESG screening. Harbour Epoch Global Quality Select Equity Fund does not. Specific exclusions and engagement policies are documented in each fund's Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (SIPO).
Where can I read the official documents for these funds?
Both funds publish their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Statement of Investment Policy (SIPO) and Quarterly Fund Update (QFU) on the FMA Disclose register at disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz. Always read the current PDS before investing.
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Important: This comparison is general information only — not personalised financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. The right fund for you depends on your personal circumstances. Read each fund's Product Disclosure Statement and consider speaking to a licensed financial adviser.