Joining KiwiSaver and the benefits

You can enrol directly with a KiwiSaver scheme provider or join through your employer. There are rules on who can join.

Employers make KiwiSaver deductions from your pay and also contribute to your KiwiSaver. There are some situations where employer contributions are not compulsory.

Inland Revenue (IR) is the central administrator of the KiwiSaver system.

• Joining KiwiSaver — IR
• How KiwiSaver works — IR
• KiwiSaver benefits — IR
• KiwiSaver: how it works and why it’s worth joining — sorted

Opting out of KiwiSaver

You can opt out (leave) KiwiSaver if you’ve been automatically enrolled but do not want to be a KiwiSaver member. There’s a time limit and other rules for opting out.

Opting out of KiwiSaver — IR

How KiwiSaver is taxed

You pay tax on the money your KiwiSaver investment earns, but not on any money you withdraw from your KiwiSaver account.

The tax rate depends on the kind of KiwiSaver scheme you’re in and may also depend on your income.

How your KiwiSaver income is taxed — IR

Grow your KiwiSaver balance

You can make voluntary payments to your KiwiSaver account at any time. This is on top of what’s deducted from your pay and what your employer puts in.

The government may also contribute to your KiwiSaver account. If you qualify, you’ll get this automatically.

• Growing my KiwiSaver account — IR
• Getting the KiwiSaver government contribution — IR

Making changes

If your situation changes, you can make changes to the way you manage your KiwiSaver account.

Your savings goals may change over time too, such as if you’re buying your first home or planning your retirement.

• Making changes to my KiwiSaver account — IR
• If my work situation changes — IR

Withdrawing your savings at retirement

At 65 you’re eligible to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings but you do not have to. You can keep making contributions. Your employer may stop contributing, depending on your contract.

To withdraw your KiwiSaver savings, contact your KiwiSaver Provider.

Getting my KiwiSaver savings when I retire — IR

Getting KiwiSaver savings early

In some situations you may be able to get some or all your KiwiSaver savings early. For example when buying your first home, moving overseas permanently or if you’re experiencing significant financial hardship.

To withdraw your KiwiSaver, contact your KiwiSaver Provider.

Getting my KiwiSaver savings early — IR

Your KiwiSaver when you die

Your KiwiSaver savings become part of your estate when you die.

What happens to my KiwiSaver funds when I die? — Citizens Advice Bureau