Ngā Panonitanga ki KiwiSaver.

KiwiSaver Changes.

To help you stay informed and understand Government announcements around KiwiSaver, we have created this page to break down the key changes and explain their potential impact.

Ngā tāpaetanga Kāwanatanga ki KiwiSaver.

Government KiwiSaver contributions.

The maximum government contribution is $260.72 per year.

For every dollar contributed, up to $1,042.86 per year, by members aged 16 and over, the Government will contribute 25 cents into their scheme account.
This remains a valuable boost to savings, essentially adding extra money for taking part.
For Christian KiwiSaver Scheme members, your member portal shows whether you’re on track to receive the full government contribution each year.

Ngā taumata tāpaetanga kaituku mahi, kaimahi hoki.

Employer and employee contribution rates.

The minimum contribution rate for both employees and employers’ is 3.5% (effective from 1 April 2026)*.

If you contribute 3.5%, your employer must contribute 3.5% as well.
You can request a temporary reduction down to 3%, but only for a period of 3–12 months.
If you reduce your rate, your employer may also lower their contribution to 3% during that time.
You can take temporary reductions as often as you need, provided each one meets the required timeframe.
This applies to people 16 and over.

*This increases to 4% pa from 1 April 2028.

Ahakoa iti ngā panonitanga, ka nui pea te pānga.

Small changes can have big impacts.

With the minimum KiwiSaver contribution rate changing, the examples below show how different contribution levels can affect projected balances over time. These figures come from the AFC KiwiSaver calculator and are based on standardised assumptions.

Use our KiwiSaver Calculator

Graph 1 – Assumptions:

Ages: Current age 30, retirement age 65, projection to age 95.
Current KiwiSaver balance: $5,000
Funds invested in a growth‑type fund with an assumed return of 4.5% per year after tax and fees
Salary: $50,000 per year before tax
Employer and employee contributions: 3% per year

Graph 2 – Assumptions:

Ages: Current age 30, retirement age 65, projection to age 95.
Current KiwiSaver balance: $5,000
Funds invested in a growth‑type fund with an assumed return of 4.5% per year after tax and fees
Salary: $50,000 per year before tax
Employer and employee contributions: 3.5% per year

Disclaimer

These examples are provided for illustration only and use assumptions required under KiwiSaver projection rules. They do not reflect individual circumstances and should not be treated as financial advice. Anyone considering changes to their own KiwiSaver contributions may wish to seek independent financial advice.