KiwiSaver Considerations for High Income Earners
High income earners receive the same KiwiSaver benefits as other members, but may have additional considerations around PIR (tax) rates, contribution strategies, and whether KiwiSaver alone is sufficient for their retirement goals.
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 High Income Earners
- •PIR rate is likely 28% (highest bracket)
- •Same $260.72 government contribution cap as everyone
- •3% employer contribution is the minimum - some employers offer more
- •May want to consider additional investments beyond KiwiSaver
- •Voluntary contributions can boost retirement savings
- •No cap on how much you can contribute
Fund Types Commonly Considered
High Income Earners often consider funds with risk indicators of 5, 6, 7 (on the 1-7 scale). Common fund types include: Growth, Aggressive.
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 5, 6, 7 - for information only
| Fund Name | 5Y Return | Fees | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth Strategy Koura | No 5-year average return figure held. Recorded fund start date 15 April 2024 is less than five years before March 2026. | 0.73% | 5/7 |
| Australasian Fund Generate | No 5-year average return figure held. Recorded fund start date 30 April 2025 is less than five years before March 2026. | 1.19% | 5/7 |
| Equity Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| High Growth Fund anz-default | 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 |
| High Growth Fund ANZ | No 5-year average return figure held. Recorded fund start date 3 August 2023 is less than five years before March 2026. | 0.95% | 5/7 |
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
Is there a maximum KiwiSaver contribution?
No. While the government contribution caps at $260.72 (requiring $1,042.86 contribution), you can contribute as much as you like beyond that.
Is KiwiSaver tax-efficient for high earners?
KiwiSaver is taxed at your PIR rate (likely 28%). Returns are taxed within the fund. For some, diversifying across different investment structures may be worth considering.
Can my employer contribute more than 3%?
Yes. Some employers voluntarily contribute more than the minimum 3%. Check your employment agreement or ask your HR department.
Related Resources
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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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Investing involves risk. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Before making any investment decision, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the fund carefully. If you have questions or are unclear about the implications of your investment decision, you should seek advice from a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
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