KiwiSaver Basics
Before finding your perfect fund
Continue down the page for a bit of a refresher,
or if you know the basics then Find Your Fund to get started!
KiwiSaver is a savings plan to help you prepare for retirement.
It works by:
Taking small amounts from your pay and saving them automatically
is a savings plan to (usually 3%, 4%,
6%, 8%, or 10% of your income)
Your employer must
contribute at least 3% on top of what you save.
Receiving a free
government contribution of up to $521 per year.
Buying your first home faster
Thanks to employer and government contributions
Retirement security
Superannuation (government pension) may not be enough
Your fund choice matters
Being in the wrong fund could cost you thousands over time
Your KiwiSaver savings grow
Over time thanks to compounding investment returns.
Make sure you’re in the right fund
Different funds grow at different rates.
Don’t stay in a default fund
Many people are in low-growth funds without realizing it.
Increase contributions if you can
Even small extra payments add up over time.
The average default fund balance is $9,937, while active KiwiSaver members have an average of $36,199.
Conservative Funds
Lower risk, lower returns.
Good if you plan to use your money soon (e.g., buying a home).
Balanced Funds
Medium risk, steady growth.
A mix of conservative and growth investments.
Growth Funds
Higher risk, higher returns.
Best for long-term savings like retirement.
Aggressive Funds
Highest risk, but the biggest potential growth over time.
When Purchasing Your
First Home
When You Reach
Retirement
In Extreme Financial
Hardship
Provider A company that manages your KiwiSaver account (e.g., ANZ, Milford, Generate).
Fund The investment option within your provider (e.g., conservative, balanced, or growth).
Adviser (Savvy Saver) An expert who helps you choose the best provider and fund for your situation.
We are NOT a KiwiSaver provider
We help you find the best provider and fund for your needs.
Grow your savings
We make sure you're making the most of your KiwiSaver.
Get extra benefits
By signing up through our tool:
• Access free financial advice
• Get regular check-ins
• Help when you need to withdraw