The $23 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund has appointed the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock Investment Management (BlackRock), to manage four new passive global equity mandates.

BlackRock, which has managed a fixed income mandate for the Fund since 2010, has won new passive global large cap equity, small cap equity, emerging markets equity and REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) mandates, effective 30 June 2013.

General Manager Portfolio Completion Mark Fennell said the four new mandates, which passively track market indices, would provide the Fund with cost-effective, diversified exposure to equity markets around the world.

“Increasing our stable of passive mandates will give us additional capacity while providing the Fund with further flexibility and diversification benefits.”

Jason Collins, Managing Director, Institutional Client Business at BlackRock said: “The New Zealand Superannuation Fund is a valued client of BlackRock’s. We are very pleased to extend our partnership via these new mandates and we commit to bringing the best of BlackRock's global capabilities to NZ Super.”

ENDS

For more information: Catherine Etheredge, Head of Communications, NZ Superannuation Fund, 0274 777 501,
cetheredge@nzsuperfund.co.nz

About BlackRock
BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At March 31, 2013, BlackRock’s AUM was $3.936 trillion. BlackRock helps clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of March 31, 2013, the firm has approximately 10,600 employees in 30 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com.

About NZSF
The $23 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund invests to help pay for the rising cost of New Zealand’s universal superannuation scheme. The Fund is managed by a Crown Entity, the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation.