KiwiSaver

KiwiSaver is a voluntary, work-based savings initiative to help you save for your first home and retirement. It is designed to be hassle-free, so it’s easy to maintain a regular savings pattern. All eligible New Zealanders can join, even those over the age of 65.

Whatever your employment status, we can help you with all aspects of KiwiSaver. Below is a collection of our most frequently asked questions to help you understand the basics of KiwiSaver. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

How does it work?


Most members will build up their savings through regular contributions from their pay. Your KiwiSaver savings are made up of contributions to your account, plus or minus investment returns, minus any withdrawals, fees and taxes.

1. Contributions (yours, your employers and the Government) are paid to your KiwiSaver provider, and are invested in the funds of your choice.
2. Add or subtract your investment returns, which can go up or down over time.
3. Subtract any withdrawals (like the first home withdrawal), fees and taxes.
4. You are left with your retirement savings fund. 

Most people become eligible to withdraw the money from their fund when they reach the age of eligibility for NZ Super (currently 65).

What are the benefits?
- A Government contribution of up to $521.43 per year for eligible members ages 18-64 years old
- Employer contributions of at least 3% of your gross salary or wage
- First Home Grant (Housing New Zealand/Kainga Ora)
- First Home withdrawal (access to your account except for $1,000 and any Australian Superannuation transferred funds)


How much do I pay?
Members who are employed, will contribute at a rate of 3% (minimum), 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of their salary. Members who are self-employed i.e. who do not have PAYE instalments or non-employed can choose how much and how often they contribute. 

After you have been a KiwiSaver member for 12 months, you can apply to go on a savings suspension. If you choose to do this you are no longer entitled to the compulsory employer contribution, and could also miss out on Government contributions.

How do I join?
New employees are automatically enrolled in KiwiSaver by their employer and have up to eight weeks to opt-out. Existing employees can opt-in to KiwiSaver at any time through their employer or by signing up with a KiwiSaver provider directly. People who are self-employed or non-employed can join KiwiSaver by signing up with a provider directly.

How do I access my funds?
You may access your KiwiSaver retirement savings when you reach the eligibility age for New Zealand Superannuation (currently age 65). If you joined KiwiSaver before 1 July 2019 and you were more than 60 years old you are locked into KiwiSaver for 5 years (although you can choose to opt out from 1 April 2020)

With so many different options for KiwiSaver out there, it can be daunting trying to figure out which provider and fund type is right for you.  We can provide you with advice on what type of KiwiSaver fund and provider is right for you.

We work with and provide advice on a number of different KiwiSaver providers. We provide KiwiSaver advice that is in your best interests, and not in the interests of the bank down the road!

Contact us

We advise both business and personal clients. Please email us on the form below or give us a call on 09 419 5440 if you require further information or would like to make an appointment with a financial adviser. 

A disclosure document is available, on request and free of charge.

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