Moderate KiwiSaver funds
"Moderate" is an unofficial KiwiSaver category — most providers offer either Conservative or Balanced, but a handful use Moderate to label a fund that sits between the two. Here's what it means, how it compares, and which provider funds carry the label.
Last updated: 2025-09-07
General Information Only: This page provides factual data for comparison purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary.Read our disclosure
The short answer
Moderate is not one of the five standard KiwiSaver categories. The official categories (per FMA convention) are Defensive, Conservative, Balanced, Growth, and Aggressive — defined by their share of growth assets.
Where a provider does offer a "Moderate" fund, it typically holds 30–45% in growth assets, sitting at the boundary between Conservative and Balanced.
How Moderate compares to neighbouring categories
| Category | Growth assets | Typical risk indicator | Typical 5Y return range | Suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 10–35% | 2–3 | 3–5% | 1–5 year horizon |
| Moderate | 30–45% | 3 | 4–6% | 5–10 year horizon |
| Balanced | 35–62% | 3–4 | 5–8% | 7–15 year horizon |
Asset-mix ranges follow FMA convention. Return ranges are typical category averages from FMA Disclose data — past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Provider funds labelled Moderate (15)
| Provider | Fund | 5Y return | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milford | Milford Kiwisaver Moderate Fund | 5.15% | 0.95% |
| Generate | Moderate Fund | 4.75% | 1.26% |
| AMP | AMP Moderate Balanced Fund (Lifesteps) | 4.48% | 0.84% |
| AMP | AMP Moderate Balanced Fund | 4.48% | 0.84% |
| MAS | Moderate Fund | 3.89% | 0.95% |
| Westpac | Moderate Fund | 3.80% | 0.40% |
| BNZ | BNZ Kiwisaver Moderate Fund | 3.80% | 0.45% |
| Mercer | Sustainable Moderate Fund | 3.76% | 0.66% |
| ASB | Moderate Fund | 3.67% | 0.60% |
| AMP | AMP Moderate Fund | 3.55% | 0.84% |
| Mercer | Moderate Fund | 3.55% | 0.73% |
| AMP | AMP Moderate Fund (Lifesteps) | 3.55% | 0.84% |
| AMP | Superlife Moderate Fund | 3.21% | 1.07% |
| Booster | Socially Responsible Moderate Fund | 2.81% | 1.21% |
| Booster | Moderate Fund | 2.76% | 1.20% |
Frequently asked questions
Is 'Moderate' an official KiwiSaver fund category?
No. The five FMA-convention KiwiSaver categories are Defensive, Conservative, Balanced, Growth, and Aggressive. 'Moderate' is a label some providers use for a fund that sits between Conservative and Balanced — typically around 30–45% growth assets. Treat it as a sub-category of Balanced for comparison purposes.
How does Moderate differ from Conservative and Balanced?
Conservative funds typically hold 10–35% growth assets. Balanced funds hold 35–62%. A Moderate fund usually sits at the boundary — roughly 30–45% growth assets. Compared with Conservative, expect slightly higher long-term return and slightly larger drawdowns. Compared with Balanced, expect lower long-term return and smaller drawdowns.
Who is a Moderate KiwiSaver fund suited to?
Investors with a 5–10 year horizon who find Conservative too conservative (the long-term return drag is meaningful) but find full Balanced uncomfortable in down years. Common buyer profiles: members 7–10 years from retirement, or first-home buyers 5–7 years out who want some growth exposure without the full 50/50 split.
What 5-year returns do Moderate funds show?
Returns sit between Conservative and Balanced — typically 4–6% annualised over 5 years versus 3–5% for Conservative and 5–8% for Balanced. The exact range depends on the specific fund's growth-asset allocation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Which providers offer a Moderate KiwiSaver fund?
Providers vary in whether they label a fund 'Moderate' specifically. Some that have used the label or an equivalent include AMP, ASB, BNZ, Kiwi Wealth, and Mercer. If your provider doesn't offer a Moderate fund explicitly, the closest equivalents are usually a 'Conservative Plus' or 'Balanced' option with a lower-than-average growth-asset share. Check the PDS for the actual allocation, not the label.
Should I choose Moderate, Conservative, or Balanced?
The decision should follow your time horizon and tolerance for drawdown. Moderate is reasonable when you're 5–10 years from needing the money and want a modest growth-asset allocation without the volatility of Balanced. If your horizon is over 15 years, Balanced or Growth typically wins on expected return. If your horizon is inside 3 years, Conservative or Defensive better protects your capital.
Related
All KiwiSaver fund types
Defensive through Aggressive — the five official categories side by side.
Conservative funds
Lower growth allocation, smaller drawdowns, lower long-term return.
Balanced funds
The middle of the five categories. Most common provider default.
How to choose a fund
Time horizon, drawdown tolerance, and asset-mix walk-through.
Need Personalised Guidance?
This website provides general information only. Choosing a KiwiSaver fund depends on your individual circumstances, financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeframe.
If you need advice tailored to your personal situation, please consult a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Find advisers at fma.govt.nz
Important Information
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP).
We do not assess suitability, make recommendations, or provide personalised advice. The information shown is sourced from publicly available data and may not reflect current offerings. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Investment returns can be negative, and you may receive back less than you invested.
Before making any decisions: Always verify current information directly with the relevant KiwiSaver provider and read their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Need personalised advice? Consult a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Find advisers at fma.govt.nz