KiwiSaver
KiwiSaver and home ownership: withdrawals, eligibility, contributions, and how KiwiSaver fits into your wider financial plan.
Articles in this topic
KiwiSaver After 65: Keep Contributing or Withdraw?
Your options for KiwiSaver once you reach 65-and whether continuing to contribute makes sense.
How Much Do You Need to Retire in New Zealand?
Calculating your retirement number-the savings you need to maintain your lifestyle after you stop working.
NZ Super Explained: What You Will Actually Get
Understanding New Zealand Superannuation-what it pays, who qualifies, and whether it will be enough for your retirement.
Life Insurance vs. KiwiSaver: Cash Now vs. Wealth Later
Life insurance delivers cash quickly; KiwiSaver is locked in probate. Understanding the timeline prevents a cash-flow crisis.
Aggressive vs. Conservative: The Price of Playing it Safe
The choice between aggressive and conservative KiwiSaver funds is about timeline, not personality, and it can reshape your future balance.
KiwiSaver and Australian Super Transfers
Trans-Tasman portability allows transfers between KiwiSaver and Australian superannuation. Understanding the rules helps you manage retirement savings across both countries.
KiwiSaver When Moving Overseas
Leaving New Zealand does not automatically end your KiwiSaver membership. Understanding your options helps you manage your retirement savings internationally.
Using KiwiSaver for Land Purchase
Can you use KiwiSaver to buy land? The rules are specific about when land purchases qualify for first home withdrawal.
KiwiSaver Returns: What to Realistically Expect
Understanding realistic KiwiSaver returns helps you plan effectively. Past performance varies by fund type and does not guarantee future results.
KiwiSaver for Kids: Starting Early
Opening a KiwiSaver account for children gives them decades of compound growth. Understanding how kids accounts work helps parents make informed decisions.
Understanding KiwiSaver Fees
KiwiSaver fees reduce your returns over time. Understanding fee types and comparing providers helps you keep more of your retirement savings.
KiwiSaver and Relationship Property
How KiwiSaver is treated when relationships end. Understanding the rules helps couples plan appropriately and protects individual interests.
How KiwiSaver Affects Your Mortgage Borrowing
Your KiwiSaver balance and contributions can impact how much you can borrow for a home. Understanding the relationship helps you plan effectively.
KiwiSaver Contribution Holidays: Pros and Cons
Taking a break from KiwiSaver contributions is possible, but is it the right choice? Understanding the true cost helps you make informed decisions.
KiwiSaver at 65: Withdrawal Options Explained
Reaching 65 unlocks your KiwiSaver, but how you withdraw matters. Understanding your options helps you make the most of your retirement savings.
Switching KiwiSaver Providers: Is It Worth It?
Changing your KiwiSaver provider is free and straightforward, but is it the right move? Understanding when switching makes sense helps you optimise your retirement savings.
Self-Employed and KiwiSaver: How It Works
Self-employed New Zealanders can benefit from KiwiSaver but must take proactive steps. Understanding your options ensures you do not miss out on government contributions.
Second Chance KiwiSaver Withdrawal for Previous Owners
If you have owned property before but no longer do, you may still qualify for a KiwiSaver first home withdrawal. Here is how the second chance rules work.
KiwiSaver Government Contribution Explained
Understanding the member tax credit and how to maximise free government money in your KiwiSaver. Essential knowledge for every KiwiSaver member.
KiwiSaver for Couples Buying Together in NZ
How KiwiSaver works when couples buy a home together. Combined withdrawals, mixed eligibility, and maximising your deposit as a pair.
KiwiSaver Contribution Rates: 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%?
Choosing the right KiwiSaver contribution rate. Understand how different rates affect your take-home pay, employer contributions, and long-term savings.
How to Choose the Right KiwiSaver Fund
Selecting between conservative, balanced, growth and aggressive KiwiSaver funds. Understand how your timeframe and risk tolerance affect the right choice.
Everything You Need to Know About Withdrawing KiwiSaver for Your First Home
Your complete guide to KiwiSaver first home withdrawal. Eligibility rules, how much you can access, the Second Chance option, auction pitfalls, and timing your application.
How Much Do You Need to Retire Comfortably in NZ?
The magic retirement number varies for everyone, but understanding the benchmarks helps you plan. Here is how to think about retirement savings in New Zealand.
What to Do if Your KiwiSaver Drops Before Buying Your First Home
A guide addressing the challenge first-time homebuyers face when their KiwiSaver balance declines before purchase.
What Happens to Your KiwiSaver When You Die?
KiwiSaver funds become part of your estate upon death rather than transferring automatically to family members.
Small Steps: Update Your KiwiSaver Contact Details
Why updating KiwiSaver contact information matters, even for those who view it as a 'set and forget' investment.
Pocket Money into KiwiSaver – How to Maximise Compound Interest
How parents can teach children financial literacy by directing pocket money contributions into KiwiSaver accounts.
Should I Pay Down My Mortgage or Contribute to KiwiSaver?
A common New Zealand decision: allocating extra income between mortgage repayment and KiwiSaver contributions.
It's OK If You Don't Understand the KiwiSaver Member Tax Credit
You don't need to understand all the technical details, but you must make sure you're not missing out on hundreds of free dollars from the government each year.
The Rule of 72: A Simple yet Powerful Financial Tool
The Rule of 72 is a quick mathematical shortcut for estimating investment doubling timelines. Learn how this simple formula can help with financial planning.
The Worst Financial Decision You Can Make
Saving presents a paradox: the process moves slowly, making many abandon the practice entirely. But there is one financial decision that could cost you hundreds of thousands.
What's the Minimum Deposit to Buy a House in NZ?
A comprehensive guide to NZ house deposit requirements in 2026, covering LVR rules, First Home Loans, KiwiSaver withdrawals, gifted deposits, and how much you can actually borrow.
Where Am I Going To Find My Mortgage Deposit?
Most first-home buyers focus on one thing: how to scrape together enough for a deposit. But relying on KiwiSaver alone or a friendly nod from your bank manager often isn't enough.
Frequently asked questions
Can my parents help with my house deposit?
Yes, the [Bank of Mum and Dad](/blog/the-bank-of-mum-and-dad-helping-first-home-buyers-the-right-way) can help through gifts or loans. A gift strengthens your application as part of your deposit (since banks see it as deposit rather than additional debt), while a loan must be disclosed as it affects borrowing capacity. Get written agreements to prevent family disagreements down the track.
Should I save outside of KiwiSaver for my deposit?
Yes, saving outside KiwiSaver builds flexibility for other costs like valuation fees, legal bills, or furniture when you get the keys. A personal savings account gives you freedom that locked KiwiSaver funds cannot provide. Banks also look favorably on [genuine savings](/blog/what-counts-as-genuine-savings-when-applying-for-a-mortgage) that demonstrate financial discipline.
How much can I accumulate in KiwiSaver for a house deposit?
Contributing 3% on a $50,000 salary for five years, with employer contributions and government contributions, could result in roughly $14,800. With a partner doing the same and modest growth, you could reach around $35,000 together. Learn more about the [KiwiSaver first home withdrawal](/blog/kiwisaver-first-home-withdrawal-complete-guide) process.
What is the government contribution to KiwiSaver and how do I maximize it?
The government contributes 25 cents per dollar you contribute, up to $260.72 annually (if you contribute at least $1,042.86). Even if you are not working, contributing just $20 a week gets you this benefit. This is effectively a 25% return before any investment gains.
How much deposit do I actually need to buy my first home?
Most banks require at least a 20% deposit to avoid [LVR restrictions](/blog/what-does-lvr-mean), though you may be able to borrow with as little as 5-10% deposit in some circumstances. Check [how much deposit you need](/blog/how-much-deposit-do-you-need-to-buy-your-first-home) for your specific situation.
What is the best strategy for saving consistently for a house deposit?
The secret is consistency rather than amount. Set up automatic transfers to a high-interest savings account every payday, so you save before you have a chance to spend. Start small if needed - a steady $50 or $100 each pay quickly builds momentum and forms lasting habits.
Can self-employed people contribute to KiwiSaver for a first home?
Yes, self-employed people can make voluntary contributions to KiwiSaver and still receive the government contribution of up to $260.72 per year. You do not get employer contributions, but the government top-up still makes it worthwhile for building your deposit.
Should I contribute more than 3% to KiwiSaver for my house deposit?
Contributing more than 3% can accelerate your deposit growth. The options are 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% of your salary. Higher contributions mean faster growth, but balance this against your need for day-to-day cash and other savings outside KiwiSaver for flexibility.