KiwiSaver Retirement Calculator

Project your KiwiSaver balance at retirement based on your contributions and investment returns

This calculator projects your KiwiSaver balance at retirement age, factoring in your contributions, employer match (after ESCT tax), government contribution, and expected investment returns.

Current Age

Retirement Age

Current KiwiSaver Balance

Annual Salary (Before Tax)

Expected Annual Salary Increase (%)

Average annual pay rises (e.g., 2-3% typical, 0% if conservative)

Your Contribution Rate

Note: Minimum increases to 3.5% in April 2026, then 4% in April 2028

Employer Contribution Rate (%)

Minimum 3%. Some employers contribute more. ESCT tax (~30%) is deducted.

Fund Type

Include government contribution ($260.72/year max)

Projected Balance at Age 65

$888,070

In 35 years

Estimated Weekly Retirement Income

$683/week

Based on 4% sustainable withdrawal rate

Current Year Contributions

Your Contribution (3%)$2,250

Employer Contribution (3%)$1,575(after ESCT)

Government Contribution$261

Total per Year$4,086

Balance Breakdown at Retirement

Starting Balance$25,000

Your Contributions$149,226

Employer Contributions (after ESCT)$78,741

Government Contributions$9,125

Investment Growth$625,978

Total at Retirement$888,070

Contribution Rate Increases

Your projection accounts for minimum contribution rate increases:

• Current: 3%
• From April 2026: 3.5%
• From April 2028: 4%

Important Notes

• Assumes 2% annual salary increase over 35 years
• Employer contributions are taxed at ESCT (~30% deducted before reaching your account)
• Minimum contribution rate increases to 3.5% (April 2026) and 4% (April 2028)
• Returns are not guaranteed and vary year-to-year
• This doesn't include fund fees, PIE tax, or inflation
• NZ Super will supplement your KiwiSaver income

What shapes your retirement balance most

Retirement outcomes are usually driven by four big levers: how early you start, how much you contribute, how long the money stays invested, and the fund settings you choose along the way.

Time in the market often matters more than trying to time the market.
Small contribution increases can compound into a much larger balance later.
Fund choice affects expected return, but also the volatility you must tolerate.

How to use this projection sensibly

This retirement estimate is best used as a planning tool rather than a promise. Real returns, inflation, tax, fees, and future work patterns can all shift the eventual outcome.

Test conservative and optimistic scenarios instead of relying on one number.
Review the plan again whenever income, fund choice, or retirement age changes.
Think about KiwiSaver alongside NZ Super and any other investments, not in isolation.

KiwiSaver retirement FAQs

How much KiwiSaver do I need to retire comfortably?

There is no single answer, because it depends on your lifestyle, housing costs, other assets, and whether NZ Super covers enough of your core spending.

Does increasing my contribution rate really make a big difference?

Usually yes. Even modest increases can compound over decades and materially improve the retirement balance.

Should I choose a higher-growth fund for retirement saving?

It depends on your timeframe and tolerance for market swings. Higher-growth funds may offer stronger long-term returns, but they also come with greater short-term volatility.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and should not be relied upon for financial decisions. Actual loan terms, rates, and eligibility may vary. Please contact a Mortgage Lab adviser for personalised advice.