KERNEL WEALTH LIMITED KiwiSaver Review
Independent analysis of KERNEL WEALTH LIMITED's KiwiSaver scheme based on FMA data, performance metrics, and fee structures. Last updated: May 2026.
Quick Summary
✅ Key Highlights
- • Competitive fees: 0.25% average fees
- • Good choice: 15 fund options available
- • Highest 5-yr return: Kernel S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats Fund (9.63% over 5 years)
- • Innovative investment solutions
- • Long-term growth focus
📊 At a Glance
- • Average fees: 0.25% per year
- • 5-year returns: 1.65%
- • Fund options: 15 funds
- • Total members: 15k+
- • Assets under management: $0.8B
Kernel delivers KiwiSaver and investment funds with innovative solutions for long-term growth.
Performance Analysis
All Kernel KiwiSaver Scheme Funds
| Fund Name | Type | 5-Year Return | Fees | Risk | Members |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kernel S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats Fund | Aggressive | 9.63% | 0.25% | 5/7 | 336 |
| Kernel Nz Small & Mid Cap Opportunities Fund | Aggressive | -1.93% | 0.25% | 5/7 | 102 |
| Kernel Nz Commercial Property Fund | Aggressive | -2.75% | 0.25% | 5/7 | 63 |
| Kernel Nz 50 Esg Tilted Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.25% | 5/7 | 138 |
| Kernel S&P Global Clean Energy Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.45% | 7/7 | 208 |
| Kernel S&P 500 (Unhedged) Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.25% | 6/7 | 1,038 |
| Kernel S&P 500 (Nzd Hedged) Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.25% | 6/7 | 0 |
| Kernel Nz 20 Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.25% | 5/7 | 257 |
| Kernel Us Bond Fund | Defensive | N/A | 0.30% | 4/7 | 44 |
| Kernel Global Esg (Nzd Hedged) Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.25% | 6/7 | 530 |
| Kernel Balanced Fund | Balanced | N/A | 0.25% | 4/7 | 1,002 |
| Kernel Global Property (Nzd Hedged) Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.25% | 6/7 | 88 |
| Kernel Cash Plus Fund | Defensive | N/A | 0.25% | 1/7 | 435 |
| Kernel High Growth Fund | Aggressive | N/A | 0.25% | 5/7 | 11,071 |
| Kernel Nz Bond Fund | Defensive | N/A | 0.40% | 3/7 | 58 |
Is Kernel Right For You?
✅ Good Fit If You:
- •Want low-cost fund management
- •Want choice between multiple fund types
- •Have 20+ years until retirement
🔍 Compare Alternatives If:
- •You want providers with stronger performance (check Milford, Fisher Funds)
- •You prefer ethical/sustainable investing
- •You're buying your first home soon
Compare Alternatives
Consider these alternatives to find a match for your goals:
AE KIWISAVER LIMITED
Always Ethical provides ethical KiwiSaver and investment funds that focus on responsible investing.
AMP WEALTH MANAGEMENT NEW ZEALAND LIMITED
AMP offers KiwiSaver and investment solutions with a strong track record and flexible options.
ANZ NEW ZEALAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED
ANZ provides a wide range of KiwiSaver and investment funds tailored for diverse financial goals.
AROTAHI TRUST LIMITED
Arotahi delivers KiwiSaver and investment solutions with a focus on secure and sustainable growth.
Ready to Compare All Providers?
See how Kernel stacks up against all 30+ KiwiSaver providers side-by-side.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available data from the FMA and provider disclosures as of October 2025. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is not financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions.
Data sources: FMA KiwiSaver Quarterly Reports, KERNEL WEALTH LIMITED Product Disclosure Statements, provider websites.
