KiwiSaver Considerations for Contractors
Contractors who are genuinely self-employed (not employees) have similar KiwiSaver considerations to other self-employed people. All contributions are voluntary, and there are no employer contributions. Some contractors who are employees may receive employer contributions.
Last reviewed: July 2026
General Information Only: This page provides factual data for comparison purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary.Read our disclosure
Key Considerations for Contractors
- •Employment status matters - employee vs self-employed contractor
- •Self-employed contractors make voluntary contributions only
- •No automatic payroll deductions
- •Can still get government contribution ($260.72 max)
- •Variable income may affect contribution planning
- •Consider setting up regular automatic payments
Fund Types Commonly Considered
Contractors often consider funds with risk indicators of 4, 5, 6 (on the 1-7 scale). Common fund types include: Balanced, Growth.
Note: Fund type selection depends entirely on individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. This is general information only.
Funds in Relevant Risk Categories
Example funds with risk indicators of 4, 5, 6 - for information only
| Fund Name | 5Y Return | Fees | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Balanced Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Growth Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Equity Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Glidepath Age 25 fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
About “N/A” in return figures: it means no figure is held, not a return of zero. Of the 6 funds listed, 0 have a 5-year average return. Figures are drawn from fund disclosures on the FMA Disclose register, chiefly quarterly fund updates. Each fund shows the most recent figure held; the latest quarter broadly covered across all funds is March 2026. A fund too new to report a period has no figure for it; other gaps are figures not yet captured from the updates ingested so far.
This is not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I an employee or self-employed contractor?
This depends on your working arrangement. The IRD has tests to determine employment status. If unsure, seek advice as it affects tax and KiwiSaver obligations.
Can I contribute irregularly as a contractor?
Yes. You can make contributions whenever suits you - regular payments, lump sums, or a mix. As long as you contribute $1,042.86 per year, you get the full government contribution.
What if my income varies significantly?
KiwiSaver is flexible. You can contribute more in good months and less in quiet periods. Contribution holidays are also available if you face financial hardship.
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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
Compare every fund on the FMA Disclose register. Refreshed quarterly. Independent — FundCompare is not a Financial Advice Provider; general information only.
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