KiwiSaver Contribution Calculator

If you are a KiwiSaver member and contributing from your pay, your employer must generally contribute at least 3.5% of your gross pay (as of 1 April 2026). From 1 April 2026 this also covers eligible 16 and 17 year olds who contribute from their pay. Employer contributions are not compulsory once you reach 65. The default rate is legislated to rise to 4% on 1 April 2028.

Yes. If your rate is 3.5%, you can apply for a 'temporary rate reduction' to 3% for a period of 3 to 12 months. You can apply for this via your myIR account.

Yes. If you were automatically enrolled in a new job, you have a window between day 14 and day 56 of your employment to submit a KS10 opt-out form.

You can join KiwiSaver at any age, but if you are under 18 you cannot be automatically enrolled — you must join by contracting directly with a KiwiSaver provider. Under the 2025/26 changes, 16 and 17 year olds who contribute now qualify for the government contribution (from 1 July 2025) and compulsory employer contributions (from 1 April 2026).

From 1 July 2025 the government contributes 25 cents for every dollar you put in, up to a maximum of $260.72 per year — you need to contribute $1,042.86 yourself to get the full amount. You must be 16 or older, mainly live in New Zealand, and have taxable income of $180,000 or less (higher earners no longer receive it).

No. According to the KS4 2026 guide, redundancy payments are specifically excluded from 'gross salary or wages' for KiwiSaver calculation purposes.

Yes! If you've been a member for at least 3 years, you can usually withdraw your savings (leaving a $1,000 balance) to help with a deposit on your first home.

After being a member for 12 months, you can apply for a 'savings suspension' for between 3 months and 1 year. If you're in significant financial hardship, you can apply earlier.