Learn about KiwiSaver
Plain-English guides to every part of the KiwiSaver scheme — what it is, how contributions and fees work, how to choose a fund, when to switch, how the first-home withdrawal works, and what to do if you're self-employed. All sourced from FMA Disclose, Inland Revenue, and Sorted.org.nz.
Last updated: May 2026
General Information Only: This page provides factual data for comparison purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary.Read our disclosure
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KiwiSaver explained
What KiwiSaver is, how contributions work, and what the government adds.
KiwiSaver basics
Contribution rates, employer matching, opting in, and the member tax credit.
Contribution rates: 3% to 10%
Side-by-side dollar comparison of every employee rate, plus the Government contribution math.
How to choose a KiwiSaver scheme fund
Time horizon, drawdown tolerance, fees, and the asset-mix decision.
Tax, rules, and myth-busting
Fees, returns, and fund types
KiwiSaver fees explained
Why a 0.5% fee gap compounds to tens of thousands over 30 years.
Active vs passive KiwiSaver
How passive (index) funds have compared with active management in NZ.
KiwiSaver risk levels
The FMA 1–7 risk indicator and what each level means in practice.
All KiwiSaver scheme fund types
Defensive, Conservative, Balanced, Growth, Aggressive — side by side.
Switching and access
First home with KiwiSaver
Specific situations
Self-employed KiwiSaver
Voluntary contributions, member tax credit, no employer match.
KiwiSaver vs mortgage repayment
Trade-offs for NZ homeowners: extra repayments vs higher KiwiSaver contributions.
First-time investor guide
Walk-through for people new to investing of any kind.
KiwiSaver in your 30s
Mid-career considerations: balancing first-home and retirement goals.
Other useful tools
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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
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Important Information and Disclosure
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.
All information displayed is sourced from scheme providers, the Disclose Register, and the Sorted Smart Investor universal feed (operated by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission), or other publicly available sources. We take reasonable steps to ensure accuracy but cannot guarantee information is always current or complete.
FundCompare.co.nz may receive referral fees or commissions from scheme providers if you sign up via links on this website. These payments do not influence the order, ranking, or inclusion of products displayed.
For more information, please see our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure Statement.
This website is operated by FundCompare.co.nz and is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the New Zealand government or Inland Revenue. FundCompare.co.nz is using the KiwiSaver trade mark and logo under licence from Inland Revenue. To view the official New Zealand government KiwiSaver website, please click here.
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