Letters to the Editor

MTA Investment in Rocket Lab

Kia Ora Editor,

In response to Dave Johnson (writing on behalf of the Board of the Methodist Trust Association- MTA) and quoting Rocket Lab Ltd as publicly stating that they ‘do not and will not launch weapons’, surely in providing satelites and launch facilities, including ‘fighting platforms,’ isn’t Rocket Lab essentially involved in launching weapons?

And given that my sources assert that Rocket Lab is predominantly engaged in military contracting with only a minor involvement in environmental research, doesn’t it follow that MTA is in breach of the Responsible Investment Policy of the NZ Methodist Church of not buying or holding companies “that derive five percent or more of revenues from weapons related contracts”? Rocket Lab clearly receives more than five percent of it’s revenues from weapons related contracts.

To date MTA has invested $4.8 million in Rocket Lab Ltd which is predominantly on about the militarization of space. This surely is contrary to the ethos let alone the Responsible Investment Policy of the Methodist Church and I for one repeat my call for MTA to withdraw from such an unwise investment.

Brian Turner, Christchurch

Dave Johnson, Chair of MTA responds:

As noted last month, if circumstances change then the situation regarding MTA’s investment in Rocket Lab will be re-evaluated accordingly, and MTA can report back via Touchstone if it is appropriate to provide an update.