KiwiSaver

Are you prepared for retirement?

3 MIN READ 15/10/2026
Only 52% of New Zealanders feel financially prepared for retirement. Here’s four questions to ask yourself to strengthen your retirement plan today.

Here’s the good news first. The FSC’s 2026 Financial Resilience Index shows 52% of New Zealanders now feel financially prepared for retirement. That’s up from 44% last year, and the highest result since the Index started tracking in 2020.

Flip that number over, though, and nearly half of us (48%) still don’t feel ready. So there’s progress worth celebrating, but still a bit of work to do.

The retirement readiness gap

Feeling prepared and being prepared aren’t always the same thing. Of the 52% who feel ready for retirement, most say they’re reasonably prepared. Only 13% feel very prepared.

And the target itself depends on you. According to Massey University’s Financial Education and Research Centre, what you’ll need depends heavily on where you live and the lifestyle you want. The gap between a no-frills retirement and a more comfortable one, with travel and dining out included, is significant.

Closing that gap starts with a few good questions.

Four questions to ask to strengthen your retirement plan

  1. Am I contributing enough to reach my retirement goals?
    Small changes add up over time. If you’re employed, you can choose a contribution rate above the 3.5% minimum. If you’re self-employed, between jobs or not working, you can make voluntary contributions to your KiwiSaver account whenever it suits. The Sorted KiwiSaver calculator can show how changing your contribution rate, or making voluntary top ups could affect your KiwiSaver savings by the time you retire.
  2. Is my KiwiSaver fund still the right fit for me?
    Your fund should suit your goals and how long you have until you need your money. Younger investors might benefit from growth or aggressive funds, while those closer to retirement may prefer a more balanced or conservative approach. A Haven Adviser can help you check if your plan still fits your goals.
  3. Am I maximising the government contribution?
    If you’re eligible and contribute at least $1,042.86 between 1 July and 30 June, the government adds 25 cents for every dollar to your KiwiSaver account, up to $260.72 a year. Learn more about the KiwiSaver government contribution and how it works.
  4. Do I have a clear retirement plan, or could a chat with an Adviser help?
    Research from Financial Advice New Zealand found that 62% of people who’ve received financial advice understand how much they’ll need in retirement, compared with 40% of New Zealanders overall. Many people hesitate to seek advice, but professional guidance can provide clarity and confidence. A Haven Adviser can check your KiwiSaver account is set up in the best way for you.

Retirement should be a time to enjoy life, not worry about money. With the right support, tools and planning, you can take charge of your financial future today. If you’d like to check you’re on track, get in touch with one of our friendly advisers today.

Sources: Financial Services Council, Financial Resilience Index 2026 (survey of 2,000 New Zealanders aged 18+, March–April 2026). Financial Advice New Zealand, Better Behaviours: research on the value of financial advice (2022).


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