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

Start here

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

KiwiSaver tax explained

PIR rates, PIE mechanics, FIF rules, withdrawal tax, and the IRD square-up.

12 KiwiSaver myths debunked

Common misconceptions paired with the sourced fact from IRD, FMA, or Sorted.

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

How to switch KiwiSaver provider

4-step process, 10–15 business days, no exit fees, PIR considerations.

Switching funds (within same provider)

Faster than switching providers; usually instant.

Hardship withdrawal

Eligibility and process for significant financial hardship.

First home with KiwiSaver

First home — hub

Eligibility, withdrawal amounts, joint purchase, processing time, FAQ.

The withdrawal process

Step-by-step, documents, and timing for a first-home withdrawal.

Eligibility rules

3-year rule, never-owned-property rule, second-chance status.

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

Compare providers

Side-by-side fees, returns, and fund options.

Retirement calculator

Project your KiwiSaver balance to age 65.

Glossary

A–Z of KiwiSaver terminology with definitions.

Want personalised KiwiSaver guidance?

Use our 60-second quiz to share your situation — we'll connect you with a licensed Financial Advice Provider from our partner network. Free, no obligation.

Start the free quiz →Contact us

Or find a licensed adviser directly 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

Read our full Disclosure Statement →

Need personalised advice?

Find a licensed financial adviser on FinanceAdvisers.co.nz

Browse NZ-registered financial advice providers and search by speciality, location and fees.

FundCompare

Compare every fund within a KiwiSaver scheme on the FMA Disclose register. Refreshed quarterly. Independent — FundCompare is not a Financial Advice Provider; general information only.

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 KiwiSaver 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 KiwiSaver 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 KiwiSaver 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.

KiwiSaver® is a registered trademark of Inland Revenue. FundCompare.co.nz is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Inland Revenue, the New Zealand Government, or any KiwiSaver scheme provider.