KiwiSaver and Australian Super Transfers

Moving between New Zealand and Australia raises questions about retirement savings. The trans-Tasman retirement savings portability arrangement allows transfers between KiwiSaver and Australian superannuation funds. Understanding how this works helps you make informed decisions about your retirement savings.

These transfers preserve your retirement savings rather than requiring withdrawal and taxation.

Transferring KiwiSaver To Australia

If you move to Australia, you can transfer your KiwiSaver to an Australian complying superannuation fund regulated by APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority). This keeps your retirement savings locked in a similar structure.

Important: You must transfer your entire KiwiSaver balance. Partial transfers are not allowed.

Only a handful of Australian super funds accept KiwiSaver transfers. As of 2025, participating funds include First Super, Telstra Super, Brighter Super, and Verve Super. Note: The list of participating funds changes periodically-always check directly with your intended Australian super fund for the current list of providers accepting KiwiSaver transfers before making plans.

The transfer itself is tax-free in both countries. However, KiwiSaver transfers are treated as non-concessional (personal) contributions in Australia and count toward contribution caps. The current limit is AUD $120,000 per year, though you may transfer up to AUD $360,000 using the bring-forward rule. Amounts over the cap may result in excess contribution determinations and additional tax.

One tax advantage: in New Zealand, KiwiSaver investment earnings are taxed at up to 28%. In Australian super, they are taxed at a flat 15%.

You cannot access permanent emigration withdrawal if moving to Australia. Transfer is the primary option.

Transferring Australian Super To KiwiSaver

If you move from Australia to New Zealand, you can transfer your Australian superannuation to KiwiSaver. This consolidates your retirement savings in New Zealand.

Requirements:

• •You must have permanently emigrated to New Zealand
• •You must be under 65 (New Zealand superannuation eligibility age)
• •You must already be a KiwiSaver member with a provider that accepts transfers
• •You must transfer your entire Australian super balance (no partial transfers)
• •Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) do not qualify for transfer

The transfer is tax-free, and withdrawals from KiwiSaver are not taxed once you meet a condition of release.

Note: Funds originating from UK pension schemes cannot be transferred due to QROPS requirements.

Different Access Rules After Transfer

This is crucial to understand: your KiwiSaver after receiving an Australian transfer has two components with different access rules.

Australian-sourced portion: Accessible once you reach age 60 AND meet Australia's definition of retirement. You cannot access this portion for a first home purchase.

New Zealand KiwiSaver portion: Your contributions, employer contributions, and government contributions remain subject to New Zealand rules. Accessible at age 65 or for first home purchase.

Investment returns earned after the transfer follow New Zealand withdrawal rules.

Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability Scheme

Transfers happen through the formal trans-Tasman retirement savings portability arrangement between the two governments.

Your receiving fund handles the transfer process. Not all funds in either country participate. Confirm your intended receiving fund accepts transfers before making plans.

Once funds are transferred to New Zealand, they cannot be moved to a third country (unless you relocate back to Australia).

Tax Considerations

The transfer itself is tax-free in both directions. However, ongoing taxation of investment returns differs:

• •In New Zealand, KiwiSaver investment returns are taxed annually at your PIR (up to 28%)
• •In Australia, superannuation returns in accumulation phase are taxed at 15%

This difference may affect your long-term outcomes depending on which direction you transfer.

When To Transfer

Transfer makes sense when you have permanently moved and want to consolidate retirement savings. Having one fund to manage is simpler than monitoring accounts in two countries.

Consider:

• •If you might return, leaving funds in place may make more sense
• •Transfers are not easily reversed
• •The contribution cap implications for transfers to Australia
• •The different access ages for each portion

Keeping Funds In Both Countries

You can choose to leave funds in both countries rather than transferring. Your Australian super continues under Australian rules, and your KiwiSaver continues under New Zealand rules.

This means managing accounts in two countries and dealing with two regulatory systems. Some people find this complexity acceptable for flexibility.

Access ages differ: Australian preservation age starts from 55-60 depending on birth date, while New Zealand's is 65.

Transfer Process

Contact your intended receiving fund to begin the transfer process. They will guide you through required documentation.

You need:

• •Member details from both sending and receiving funds
• •Identification and residency documentation
• •Evidence of permanent emigration (for transfers to KiwiSaver)

Transfers take several weeks to complete. Funds remain invested with the sending fund until the transfer finalises.

Getting Advice

Trans-Tasman transfers involve complex rules. Seek advice from financial advisers familiar with both systems before deciding.

Tax advice from professionals in both countries helps you understand the full implications. Retirement savings decisions are significant and difficult to reverse.