KiwiSaver Contributions in NZ (2026 Rates)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary workplace retirement-savings scheme under the KiwiSaver Act 2006. If you're an employee enrolled in KiwiSaver, you contribute a percentage of your pay and your employer must contribute too. From 1 April 2026 the default rate is 3.5% from you and 3.5% from your employer, stepping up to 4% + 4% from 1 April 2028 (you can choose higher employee rates).
The government also chips in an annual government contribution of 25 cents per $1 you contribute, up to a maximum of $260.72 a year — though there's no government contribution if you earn $180,000 or more. If money is tight you can apply for a savings suspension or a temporary lower rate via myIR. (Rates current at 1 April 2026 — re-verify on ird.govt.nz.)
When does it apply?
- You're an employee enrolled (or auto-enrolled) in KiwiSaver.
- You want to change your contribution rate or pause contributions.
- You want to make sure you're getting the employer and government contributions.
What to do about your KiwiSaver
- Check your contribution rate and your employer's contribution on your payslip.
- Contribute at least $1,042.86 a year to get the full $260.72 government contribution (if eligible).
- Apply for a savings suspension or lower rate in myIR if needed.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume the employer contribution is optional — it's compulsory for eligible employees.
- Don't miss the government contribution by under-contributing.
- Don't rely on old rates — they're rising in 2026 and 2028.
About Tax Rights in New Zealand
New Zealand tax is administered by Inland Revenue (IRD) under the Income Tax Act 2007 and the Tax Administration Act 1994, with GST under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985. There is no tax-free threshold — income is taxed from the first dollar across progressive brackets, with PAYE deducted by your employer. GST is a flat 15%. You can dispute an assessment you disagree with, and there are targeted credits like Working for Families and the Independent Earner Tax Credit.
Tax year: 1 April – 31 March. IRD: 0800 775 247; manage everything in myIR.
Common Questions
What is the kiwisaver contributions right in New Zealand?
KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary workplace retirement-savings scheme under the KiwiSaver Act 2006. If you're an employee enrolled in KiwiSaver, you contribute a percentage of your pay and your employer must contribute too. From 1 April 2026 the default rate is 3.5% from you and 3.5% from your employer, stepping up to 4% + 4% from 1 April 2028 (you can choose higher employee rates).The government also chips in an annual government contribution of 25 cents per $1 you contribute, up to a maximum of $260.72 a year — though there's no government contribution if you earn $180,000 or more. If mon...
When does it apply — kiwisaver contributions?
You're an employee enrolled (or auto-enrolled) in KiwiSaver.You want to change your contribution rate or pause contributions.You want to make sure you're getting the employer and government contributions.
What is the KiwiSaver contribution rate in New Zealand?
Check your contribution rate and your employer's contribution on your payslip.Contribute at least $1,042.86 a year to get the full $260.72 government contribution (if eligible).Apply for a savings suspension or lower rate in myIR if needed.
What should you NOT do — kiwisaver contributions?
Don't assume the employer contribution is optional — it's compulsory for eligible employees.Don't miss the government contribution by under-contributing.Don't rely on old rates — they're rising in 2026 and 2028.