KiwiSaver Considerations for Parents
Parents often juggle multiple financial priorities including childcare, education costs, mortgage payments, and retirement savings. KiwiSaver offers flexibility including contribution holidays for those facing financial pressure, while maintaining the long-term retirement savings goal.
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 Parents
- •Balancing current family expenses with retirement savings
- •Contribution holidays available if financially stressed
- •Consider life insurance alongside KiwiSaver
- •Teaching children about saving - KiwiSaver for kids available
- •May have reduced work hours affecting contributions
- •Partner's KiwiSaver also important for household planning
Fund Types Commonly Considered
Parents 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
Can I take a break from KiwiSaver contributions?
Yes. After 12 months of membership, you can apply for a contribution holiday of 3 months to 5 years if you're facing financial hardship.
Can my children have KiwiSaver?
Yes. Parents or guardians can open KiwiSaver accounts for children under 18. The child won't receive employer contributions but can receive the government contribution if contributions are made.
What if my partner and I have different risk tolerances?
Each person's KiwiSaver is individual. Partners can choose different fund types based on their own circumstances and preferences.
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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The information provided on this website is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial products. Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice for the purposes of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
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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