KiwiSaver Calculator NZ: Balance at Retirement
Project your KiwiSaver balance at 65 from your contributions, your employer's 3% and the government top-up. Free and private.
Last updated: June 2026
What is KiwiSaver? New Zealand's voluntary retirement savings scheme. Your employer adds at least 3% of your gross pay on top of your salary, and the government adds up to NZ$521.43/year if you contribute at least NZ$1,042.86 in the year.
Projected at retirement
- Balance at retirement
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- Your contributions
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- Employer contributions
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- Government contributions
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- Investment growth
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- Years to retirement
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| Age | Balance | Annual contribution |
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How your KiwiSaver balance builds
Three streams feed your KiwiSaver: your own contribution, your employer's compulsory 3%, and the government's annual member tax credit. This KiwiSaver calculator adds all three, compounds them at your chosen return, and projects the balance you could have at retirement.
The employer match is the part people undervalue. At a NZ$70,000 salary, contributing 3% means NZ$2,100 from you and another NZ$2,100 from your employer every year, before any growth. The government's top-up adds up to NZ$521.43 more. Over decades, those matched dollars and the compounding on them often make up a large share of the final balance.
Your fund choice drives the return. Conservative funds are steadier, growth funds aim higher with more volatility, and the right pick depends on how far you are from needing the money. Remember you can withdraw most of your balance for a first home after three years of membership. Plan the rest of your money with the NZ income tax calculator, the retirement calculator and the savings goal calculator.
Disclaimer: Projections are estimates only. KiwiSaver returns are not guaranteed, and fees, contribution holidays and fund changes affect the outcome. This is not financial advice. Verify at kiwisaver.govt.nz. Full disclaimer.
How it works
Three quick steps โ no account, nothing uploaded to a server.
Enter your details
Add your age, salary and current KiwiSaver balance.
Set contributions
Choose your rate, the employer rate and whether to include the government top-up.
See your projection
Get your balance at retirement and a five-yearly growth table.
Rates and rules on this page are verified against kiwisaver.govt.nz (New Zealand government). Last checked July 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is KiwiSaver?
KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary retirement savings scheme. Money is deducted from your pay, your employer adds at least 3% on top, and the government chips in a member tax credit each year. Your balance is invested in a fund of your choice and grows until you retire at 65, with an option to withdraw earlier to buy your first home.
How much does my employer contribute to KiwiSaver?
Employers must contribute at least 3% of your gross pay if you are contributing, on top of your own contribution. Some employers offer more. This compulsory employer match is effectively extra salary, which is why staying in KiwiSaver is usually worth it even when money is tight.
What is the government KiwiSaver contribution?
The government pays a member tax credit of 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to a maximum of NZ$521.43 per year. To get the full amount you need to contribute at least NZ$1,042.86 in the year. This calculator can include it in your projection so you see its long-run effect.
Can I use KiwiSaver to buy my first home?
Yes. If you have been a member for at least three years you can withdraw most of your balance to put toward a first home, leaving a small minimum behind. A First Home Grant may also be available depending on your income and the property price. This makes KiwiSaver useful well before retirement.
What return should I assume for KiwiSaver?
It depends on your fund type. Conservative funds target lower, steadier returns while growth funds aim higher with more ups and downs. A long-term average of around 4% to 6% after fees is a common planning assumption, but returns are not guaranteed. Try a few rates in the calculator to see the range.
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