How does KiwiSaver work?

KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings scheme to help you prepare for retirement. There are a variety of funds and schemes, so it’s essential that you’re in the right one to reach your retirement goals.
KiwiSaver is made up of:

Minus withdrawals, fees and taxes apply

Why you should use KiwiSaver

KiwiSaver isn’t compulsory, but there are a number of benefits of joining, including:

Flexibility and comfort at retirement

KiwiSaver can help you live more comfortably and give you more options when you retire.

Employer contributions

Your employer adds in a contribution to your KiwiSaver fund on top of your own contributions.

Government contributions

Every year, the government contributes 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, giving you up to $521 extra in your KiwiSaver fund.

First Home withdrawal

If you meet the criteria, you can withdraw funds from your KiwiSaver account to put towards a deposit or part of the settlement amount.

Easy to save and invest

Contributions can come out of your before-tax pay and you can choose from a range of investment options within each scheme.

Choose your contributions

You can choose to contribute 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% to your KiwiSaver fund depending on your income and your goals.

Get my KiwiSaver sorted

How much will you have at retirement?

Use our helpful KiwiSaver calculator below to find how much you could save to reach your retirement goals. Are you on track for the lifestyle you want?

How much could you save?

I was born in
My annual income is and my current KiwiSaver balance is
I will contribute of my income and my employer will contribute on top.
Please show my results inflation.

Assumptions

These graphs are for illustrative purposes only to help you understand how different investment choices may affect KiwiSaver savings. The figures and data may not reflect actual returns and balances. The calculator assumes a minimum starting salary of $35,000. Please note that returns may be negative for any given period and will fluctuate due to investment and other risks. This includes the risk of not getting back all of the money that you put in.

These graphs are not intended to convey personalised advice and we recommend speaking with a specialised Investment Adviser if you would like KiwiSaver advice.

The figures used in these graphs are based on assumptions consistent with those used on sorted.org.nz and are as follows:

  1. There is the option to have the balances adjusted to take into account inflation. This is based on a rate of 2% so that results are shown in today’s dollars.
  2. Employer contributions of 3% of the stated before-tax salary are taken into account after deduction of employer’s superannuation contribution tax at the current applicable rates.
  3. Government annual contributions are applied based on the current contribution of 50 cents for every dollar of member contributions up to a maximum of $1,042.86 per annum.
  4. Salaries will increase by 3.5% each year (1.5% increase plus 2% for inflation).
  5. You do not take any savings suspensions.
  6. No amounts are withdrawn for any purpose
  7. The after-fee returns used are based on the sorted.org.nz KiwiSaver Calculator.
  8. The fees used in the calculation are based on the 5 year average fee for each fund type as a percentage from sorted.org.nz.
  9. All calculations are based on annual member and employer contributions.
  10. PIR rate used assumes 2 consecutive years of the current annualised salary.
  11. All figures are based on a PIR rate of 28%. The assumed rate of return used for each fund type choice is outlined below. These returns are after all fees and taxes
Fund TypeInvestment Return (per annum)
Defensive1.5%
Conservative2.5%
Balanced3.5%
Growth4.5%
Aggressive5.5%

To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older and and mainly live in New Zealand. If you don’t meet these requirements for the full MTC year, the maximum amount you’ll get will be based on the time you are eligible for.

Tap to read assumptions

Moving Your Super/Pension Home

If you’re moving home from overseas, you can transfer your money into a KiwiSaver account, but there are some things to consider.

You’ll need to make sure you’re eligible, and there are some restrictions. Our friendly advisers are experts at bringing pensions and superannuations back into New Zealand, so get in touch with us and we’ll get you sorted.

What our clients say

Our clients often provide us with fantastic feedback on our services. Take a look at what they have to say.

Friendly and honest advice regarding my Kiwisaver. Couldnt have been more helpful. Thanks team!
Friendly and honest advice regarding my Kiwisaver. Couldnt have been more helpful. Thanks team!
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Lynda
Great service and really helpful. Jason was great with communication and advised us really well with our KiwiSaver…
Great service and really helpful. Jason was great with communication and advised us really well with our KiwiSaver and insurance requirements.
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Mandy
Jason at Haven explained things very well and got us changed over to a better kiwisaver provider BOOSTER.
Jason at Haven explained things very well and got us changed over to a better kiwisaver provider BOOSTER.
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Damien
Jason has been brilliant to have as my advisor, he made sure everything was easy to understand and…
Jason has been brilliant to have as my advisor, he made sure everything was easy to understand and really strived to make sure we got the best insurance and KiwiSaver for me. Definitely recommend!
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Susan
Darren was absolutely great to work with! He gave me genuine advice on KiwiSaver and other financial options…
Darren was absolutely great to work with! He gave me genuine advice on KiwiSaver and other financial options and was honest on what may or may not benefit me. He answered all of my questions and directed me to professionals who could answer questions that were not of his expertise. I will definitely be using Darren for my future insurance and financial needs.
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Alexandra
We've been working with Richard from Haven for about a year now and he's been absolutely invaluable providing…
We've been working with Richard from Haven for about a year now and he's been absolutely invaluable providing advice on everything from Kiwisaver to life insurance. We've found him to be really down-to-earth and easy to talk to, and he's been endlessly patient with all my questions about the various options! 100% recommend Haven if you're looking to get the best value for money for your investments and insurance.
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Anita
I recently worked with Kym from Haven to sort out my kiwisaver and my personal life insurances. She…
I recently worked with Kym from Haven to sort out my kiwisaver and my personal life insurances. She made the whole process so easy and has saved me money on my insurances. Not only that but she helped me to really understand what kiwisaver scheme I should be part of, so she is going to make me extra money as well. Highly recommend her.
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Accent Photography
Ranz communicated what was required very well and helped with understanding different cover options. He was able to…
Ranz communicated what was required very well and helped with understanding different cover options. He was able to help give a path to dreams my wife and I been talking about. Ranz was able to give insights with how KiwiSaver providers have different investment pools etc, and how there are conservative types and growth types. Ranz was able to meet my wife and I at a time when we were available which is awesome!!
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Naseri

Win a trip

Haven is giving away a trip for four to the Cook Islands worth over $6,000!

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Win a trip to the Cook Islands!

Haven is giving away a trip for four to the Cook Islands worth over $6,000!

Simply sit down with a Haven adviser and you’ll go in the draw!* Plus, if you refer a friend, you’ll BOTH go in the draw to win a much-needed holiday.

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