Your Details
Project your KiwiSaver balance at age 65
Enter your details and press Calculate Now to see your KiwiSaver projection.
How KiwiSaver Works in New Zealand
KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s voluntary retirement savings scheme, introduced in 2007. As of March 2025, over 3.38 million Kiwis are members — with $123.1 billion in total assets. Here’s everything you need to know.
Contributions: Employee, Employer & Government
Your KiwiSaver is funded by three sources: Your contributions (3%–10% of gross pay), employer contributions (minimum 3%, rising to 3.5% from April 2026), and government contributions (25c per $1 you contribute, up to $260.72/year from July 2025 — halved from $521.43 under Budget 2025). All contributions are made to your chosen KiwiSaver fund.
Budget 2025 Changes — What’s New
From 1 July 2025: Government contribution halved to max $260.72/year. From 1 April 2026: Default employee and employer rates rise from 3% to 3.5%. From 1 April 2028: Default rates rise further to 4%. Employees can opt to stay at 3% from February 2026. Higher earners (over $180,000) lose the government contribution entirely under Budget 2025 proposals.
When Can You Access KiwiSaver?
KiwiSaver funds are generally locked until you reach 65 years of age (NZ Superannuation eligibility age). Earlier access is possible for: first home purchase (after 3 years membership), significant financial hardship, serious illness, permanent emigration (except to Australia), or death. You must leave a minimum of $1,000 in the account after any permitted withdrawal.
First Home Withdrawal
After 3 years of membership, you can withdraw your KiwiSaver balance (minus the $1,000 minimum) to buy your first home in New Zealand. In the past year, ANZ members withdrew an average of $43,000 for first home purchases, with the average buyer aged 34–35. Government contributions cannot be withdrawn for home purchase.
To Get the Maximum Government Contribution
You need to contribute at least $1,042.86 per year (from 1 July 2025 — the new threshold for the maximum $260.72 government contribution). At the 3% default rate, this requires an annual salary of about $34,762. Most Kiwis earning above $35,000 will automatically receive the full government contribution. The government contribution year runs 1 July to 30 June.
Choosing the Right Fund Type
KiwiSaver funds range from defensive/conservative (mostly bonds — low risk, lower return) to high growth (mostly shares — higher risk, higher long-term return). Sorted.org.nz recommends: under 50 and not buying a home soon → growth or high growth; within 5 years of retirement or home purchase → balanced or conservative. Fund choice significantly affects your final balance.
KiwiSaver Rates & Key Numbers — 2025–26
All key KiwiSaver figures for the current period, including Budget 2025 changes that affect contribution rates and the government contribution.
| Parameter | Current Rate / Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Contribution Options | 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% | You choose; deducted from gross pay before PAYE |
| Default Employee Rate | 3% now / 3.5% Apr 2026 | Rising to 4% from 1 April 2028 |
| Min Employer Contribution | 3% now / 3.5% Apr 2026 | Must match employee rate at minimum; subject to ESCT |
| Government Contribution Rate | 25c per $1 contributed | Changed from 50c/$1 on 1 July 2025 (Budget 2025) |
| Max Government Contribution | $260.72/year | Halved from $521.43. Need to contribute $1,042.86 to get max. |
| Govt Contribution Year | 1 Jul – 30 Jun | Based on contributions in that period |
| $180,000+ income | Govt contrib: nil | Budget 2025 proposal — check IRD for current status |
| Minimum balance for withdrawal | $1,000 | Must remain in account after any permitted withdrawal |
| First home withdrawal eligibility | 3 years membership | NZ property only; not investment property |
| Retirement access age | 65 years | NZ Super eligibility age — full access to balance |
| NZ Superannuation (after tax, single living alone) | ~$437.78/wk | In addition to KiwiSaver balance |
Budget 2025 — Key Change: From 1 April 2026, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate rises from 3% to 3.5% for both employees and employers. If you’re currently contributing at 3%, your deductions will automatically increase unless you opt to stay at 3% (available from February 2026). The change is designed to improve retirement savings adequacy for New Zealanders over time, with a further rise to 4% legislated for 1 April 2028.
| Taxable Income | PAYE Tax Rate | Tax on This Slice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $15,600 | 10.5% | Up to $1,638 | No tax-free threshold in NZ — first dollar is taxed |
| $15,601 – $53,500 | 17.5% | Up to $6,633 | Most part-time and lower-wage workers |
| $53,501 – $78,100 | 30% | Up to $7,380 | Average NZ full-time worker range |
| $78,101 – $180,000 | 33% | Up to $33,627 | Senior and professional workers |
| $180,001+ | 39% | 39c per $1 above | Top rate, introduced 2021 |
ACC earner levy: 1.67% on earnings up to $152,790 (max ~$2,551/year). No tax-free threshold — all income is taxable from dollar one. Rates effective 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026.
Average KiwiSaver Balance by Age — How Do You Compare?
Based on Melville Jessup Weaver (MJW) analysis of nearly 3 million KiwiSaver members, released October 2025. As of March 2025, the average balance across all members was $36,349.
| Age Group | Avg Balance | Suggested Target | Common Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | ~$6,000 | $10,000+ | Recently joined; auto-enrolled at first job |
| 25–29 | ~$13,000 | $20,000+ | Building balance; first home goal common |
| 30–34 | ~$22,000 | $40,000+ | Many withdraw for first home around age 34 |
| 35–39 | ~$34,000 | $70,000+ | Post-home-purchase rebuilding; career growth |
| 40–44 | ~$55,000 | $110,000+ | Peak earnings phase begins |
| 45–49 | ~$80,000 | $160,000+ | Compound growth becoming significant |
| 50–54 | ~$110,000 | $220,000+ | Pre-retirement focus; consider higher contributions |
| 55–59 | ~$145,000 | $290,000+ | Final accumulation decade |
| 60–64 | ~$165,000 | $350,000+ | Approaching withdrawal; review fund type |
NZ Super supplements KiwiSaver: At age 65, eligible New Zealanders receive NZ Superannuation regardless of their KiwiSaver balance — approximately $437.78/week after tax for a single person living alone (September 2025 rates). KiwiSaver is designed to supplement NZ Super to fund a more comfortable lifestyle. Most financial planners recommend a KiwiSaver balance of $300,000–$500,000+ for a comfortable retirement on top of NZ Super.
8 Proven Ways to Grow Your KiwiSaver Faster
These strategies can significantly boost your KiwiSaver balance and retirement income.
Increase Your Contribution Rate
Moving from 3% to 4% or 6% significantly boosts your long-term balance through compounding. On a $70,000 salary, increasing from 3% to 6% adds $2,100/year of your own contributions, plus $2,100 from your employer — double the growth. Use the calculator above to see the difference over 20–30 years.
Choose a Growth Fund (If You’re Under 50)
Most Kiwis in the default conservative or balanced fund are leaving significant returns on the table. Growth and high-growth funds historically return 1–3% more per year than balanced funds. Over 20 years, that difference can amount to tens of thousands of dollars in your final balance.
Claim the Full Government Contribution
The government contributes 25c for every dollar you contribute, up to $260.72/year. To receive the maximum, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 between 1 July and 30 June. If you’ve taken a contributions holiday, you can still make a lump-sum contribution directly to your provider to get the government match.
Consolidate Multiple Accounts
If you’ve had multiple jobs, you may have been enrolled in multiple KiwiSaver funds, paying duplicate management fees. Use myIR (IRD’s online service) to find all your accounts and transfer them into your preferred fund. Lower fees compound to significant savings over decades.
Make Voluntary Lump-Sum Contributions
You can contribute directly to your KiwiSaver fund at any time — not just through payroll. This is useful for receiving the government contribution if you’re self-employed, on a contributions holiday, or had a low-income year. Log in to your provider’s online portal to make a direct credit contribution.
Don’t Take Unnecessary Contribution Holidays
Contribution holidays (now called “savings suspensions”) pause your contributions for 3 months to 1 year. During this time you also miss employer contributions and government contributions. Only use this option if you genuinely need the cash — the long-term cost can be significant due to compound growth missed.
Stay Enrolled When Changing Jobs
When you start a new job, your new employer automatically enrolls you in KiwiSaver (if you weren’t already a member). If you were previously on a contributions holiday, this is a good opportunity to re-engage. Make sure to provide your IRD number and correct tax code to your new employer from day one.
Check Your Employer’s Contribution Rate
Some employers contribute more than the minimum 3% — this can be a valuable negotiating point when accepting a job offer. From April 2026, the minimum rises to 3.5%, but some employers already exceed this. Your employer contributions are subject to Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax (ESCT), which they pay — not you.
Frequently Asked Questions — KiwiSaver NZ
Clear answers to the most common questions from New Zealanders about KiwiSaver contributions, withdrawals, and retirement planning.