Make your KiwiSaver work harder for you
KiwiSaver is often your second biggest asset after your home. We'll help you get the right fund, the right contributions and a plan for your first home or retirement.
KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary savings scheme for retirement and your first home. The two biggest decisions are your fund type, which should match when you'll need the money, and your contribution rate. From 1 April 2026, the default rate for employees and employers is 3.5%.
Reviewed by Kyle Hasson, Insurance and KiwiSaver Adviser (FSP1010252) · Updated September 2026
How we can help
- First home withdrawals: plan your fund and timing so your savings are ready when you buy.
- Fund reviews: check your fund suits your timeframe and how you feel about ups and downs.
- Contribution rates: make sure you're getting your employer's contribution and the full government contribution.
- Long-term wealth: a plan that fits with your mortgage and insurance.
What changed in 2025 and 2026
- Default contributions rose from 3% to 3.5% for employees and employers on 1 April 2026, and are set to rise to 4% from 1 April 2028.
- The government contribution halved from 1 July 2025 to 25 cents per dollar, up to $260.72 a year. You need to contribute about $1,043 a year to get the full amount.
- People earning over $180,000 no longer receive the government contribution.
Read our full guide to the 2025 and 2026 KiwiSaver changes, including the temporary 3% option.
Using KiwiSaver for your first home
After three years as a member you can usually withdraw your savings for a first home, leaving at least $1,000 in your account. If you're buying in the next year or two, a high-growth fund could drop right before you need the money, so it's worth reviewing your fund early.
Read our step-by-step guide to using your KiwiSaver for your first home, and how to choose the right KiwiSaver fund.
Providers we work with
Booster, Generate and Kernel Wealth.
Sources and further reading: Inland Revenue: KiwiSaver · Sorted
Kyle Hasson is an Insurance and KiwiSaver Adviser at Moneyplant in Papakura (FSP1010252), with a New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5). Meet the team
How much could your KiwiSaver grow?
Get a rough idea of your balance at 65, and how much you might have for your first home. Change the numbers to see the difference a higher contribution rate or a different fund can make.
| You contribute this year | |
| Your employer contributes | |
| Less tax on employer contribution (ESCT) | |
| Government contribution | |
| Total going in this year |
This calculator gives a rough estimate only, and isn't financial advice. It assumes your salary grows 3% a year, the return you choose is after fees and tax, contributions are made through the year, and 2% inflation for the "today's dollars" figure. Employer contributions are shown after employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) at 2026 rates. The government contribution is 25 cents per dollar you contribute, up to $260.72 a year, and isn't paid if you earn over $180,000 or once you turn 65. First home withdrawals usually need three years' membership and must leave $1,000 in your account. If you enter a first home timeframe, the balance at 65 assumes you withdraw everything but $1,000 at that point and keep contributing afterwards. Returns aren't guaranteed, and your balance can go down as well as up.
Which KiwiSaver fund type could suit you?
Answer five quick questions about your timeframe and how you feel about ups and downs. You'll see the fund type that usually fits people with similar answers.
Answer all five questions to see your result.
0 of 5 answered
Check my fund with KyleHow the fund types compare →
This tool gives general information only, based on the fund type categories used across New Zealand. It isn't financial advice and doesn't recommend a provider or product. Your full situation, such as other savings, debts and health, can change what's right for you, so talk to an adviser before you switch funds. Kyle Hasson, Insurance and KiwiSaver Adviser (FSP1010252), Moneyplant Financial Services Ltd (FSP1005259).
Everything you need to know about KiwiSaver
KiwiSaver questions
Can't see your question? Give us a call or send us a message. There's no such thing as a silly question.
Is KiwiSaver advice free?
Moneyplant may receive a commission from the provider. Where a provider doesn't offer an adviser fee rebate, an advice fee applies, such as 0.25% a year for Kernel Wealth. Our public disclosure explains this.
How much should I contribute?
We usually say at least enough to get your employer's contribution and the full government contribution, which needs about $1,043 a year from you. In reality, this really depends on your own unique situation and it's advised you speak to a KiwiSaver adviser about your own unique needs.
Can I change my KiwiSaver fund?
Yes, you can usually switch funds or providers at any time. Switching after markets have fallen can lock in losses, so it's worth getting advice first.
Can both partners use KiwiSaver for a first home?
Yes. If you're buying together and you're both eligible, you can each make a withdrawal.
Let's get your KiwiSaver on track
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