New Zealand issuers funding the upward recovery journey

New Zealand’s government-sector issuers experienced market upheaval as severe as their neighbours in Australia during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in March and April. Intervention from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) and an enviable pace of economic reopening have improved the outlook, but issuers at a KangaNews-Westpac roundtable in June say plenty of challenges remain to be faced.

Breakthrough for New Zealand duration as Auckland Council issues 30-year green bond

An expanded pool of eligible green-bond projects, including many long-dated assets, and New Zealand’s interest-rate environment provided the catalyst for Auckland Council to print a 30-year green-bond deal. The issuer says the tenor is an important development and the success of its transaction should encourage others to test the water at extended duration.

Auckland Council prints NZ$500 million 30-year green bond

Auckland Council launches 30-year green bond

On 15 September, Auckland Council (AA/Aa2) launched an indicative NZ$300 million (US$201.1 million), 30-year, secured green-bond transaction. The forthcoming deal is being marketed with a coupon of 2.95 per cent. ANZ is green-bond co-ordinator, and joint lead manager alongside BNZ and Westpac Banking Corporation New Zealand Branch. Pricing is expected on 18 September.

Auckland Council looking to extend green-bond curve

On 14 September, Auckland Council (AA/Aa2) announced plans for a domestic, secured, green-bond deal. The transaction is expected to have a term of 30 years and will be led by ANZ, BNZ and Westpac Banking Corporation New Zealand Branch. Full details of the deal will be released on 15 September.