Free, no-obligation advice for Kiwis
Maximise Your Retirement
First Home Withdrawal Available
Is Your
KiwiSaver
Working Hard
Enough
Most Kiwis are in the wrong fund and missing thousands in free government money. A free 15-minute review could change your retirement picture dramatically.
$260.72
Max annual govt contribution
3.5%+
Employer must contribute
Free
Independent advice
Get My Free KiwiSaver Review
No cost. No obligation. Independent, licensed advice.
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A KiwiSaver adviser will contact you within one business day.
$260.72
Govt tops up per year
if you contribute enough
3.5%+
Employer contribution
on top of your salary
65+
NZ Retirement age
when you can withdraw freely
5★
Google Rating
52 verified reviews
What Is KiwiSaver?
NZ's Best
Wealth-Building Tool.
Used Wrong
by Most Kiwis.
KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings scheme that combines your money, your employer’s money, and the government’s money – all growing together inside an investment fund.
The problem? Most people are signed up to the wrong fund type – often a conservative fund when their age and goals call for something more aggressive. Over a 30-year career, that could cost you $100,000+ in missed growth.
The Default Fund Problem
When you joined KiwiSaver without choosing a fund, IRD put you in a “default” conservative fund. This is the lowest-growth option – fine for retirees, not for anyone under 55. A free review takes 15 minutes.
Your Contributions
You choose 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% of your before-tax pay. Every dollar you put in grows compounded over time.
Employer Contributions
Your employer must contribute at least 3.5%+ of your gross salary on top of your pay. Free extra money in your fund.
Government Top-Up
Contribute at least $1,042.86 a year and the government matches 50 cents per dollar - up to $260.72 completely free.
Investment Returns
Your contributions are invested in a fund of your choice - from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high growth).
Free money calculator
See How Much Free
Money You're Getting
(Or Missing).
Adjust the sliders to see your annual contributions, what your employer adds, and the government’s Member Tax Credit.
Important: This calculator provides estimates only and is for general information purposes. Default rates of return used in this calculator are illustrative only and do not reflect any specific KiwiSaver provider or fund. It does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation.
Fund Types Explained
Which Fund Should You Be In?
Your fund type is the single biggest lever in your KiwiSaver. Here’s what each one means – and which is right for your age and goals.
Defensive
1/5 risk
3–5% p.a.
Typical annual return
Best for:
Within 3 years of retirement
Mostly cash and bonds. Very low risk of loss, but very low growth. Not suitable for younger Kiwis.
Conservative
2/5 risk
4–6% p.a.
Typical annual return
Best for:
Within 5–7 years of retirement
Mostly bonds with some shares. Stable but modest growth. Often the default fund – rarely the right one.
⚠️ Often the default – are you in this one?
Balanced
3/5 risk
6–8% p.a.
Typical annual return
Best for:
10–20 years from retirement
Equal mix of shares and bonds. Good all-rounder for many Kiwis in mid-career.
Most Popular
Growth
4/5 risk
7–10% p.a.
Typical annual return
Best for:
20+ years from retirement
Mostly shares. Short-term ups and downs but strong long-term performance. Best for most working Kiwis.
Aggressive
5/5 risk
8–12% p.a.
Typical annual return
Best for:
30+ years from retirement
Almost all shares. Highest volatility, highest potential returns. Best for those starting out young.
Not sure which fund you’re in – or if it’s right?
Our advisers check your current fund type in minutes and tell you if switching could make a meaningful difference to your retirement.
First Home Buyers
Use Your KiwiSaver as a Deposit.
After 3 years in KiwiSaver, first home buyers can withdraw most of their savings to use as a house deposit. It could add tens of thousands to your purchasing power.
Eligibility Criteria
- You've been a KiwiSaver member for at least 3 years
- The property will be your main home (not an investment)
- You haven't owned property before (some exceptions apply)
- The purchase price is within regional house price caps
- You meet income caps set by Kāinga Ora
What You Can Withdraw
- Employee and employer contributions
- Government Member Tax Credits
- Investment returns earned over time
- But: you must leave $1,000 minimum in your account
First Home Withdrawal
Available after 3 years in KiwiSaver
Many first home buyers don’t realise they can access their KiwiSaver as a deposit. A free review will tell you exactly how much you could withdraw today.
Simple Process
From Enquiry to Optimised KiwiSaver in 4 Steps.
We’ve helped thousands of Kiwis maximise their KiwiSaver. Our process is quick, simple, and completely free.
3 minutes
Tell Us About Yourself
Fill out our 3-minute form. We’ll ask about your age, salary, current provider, and goals – retirement, first home, or both.
1 business day
We Review Your KiwiSaver
Our licensed advisers review your current fund type, contribution rate, provider fees, and whether you’re maximising your government top-up.
15-min call
Get Personal Recommendations
We call you with personalised advice – which fund type fits your situation, whether switching providers would save you money, and how to claim your full $260.72 MTC.
Google Reviews
Kiwis Getting
Real Results.
5
30+ Reviews
ST
Emma & John Williams
Wellington · 6 months ago
First Home
Advisenow made buying our first home in Auckland feel actually achievable. Sarah walked us through KiwiSaver withdrawal and we got the First Home Grant sorted too. We settled in 28 days. Already recommended to three friends.
ST
Chinedu Okafor
Hamilton · 9 months ago
Advice
ST
Grace Thompson
Palmeston North · 10 months ago
Education
RW
Rangi Walker
Rotorua · 11 Months ago
Education
LT
Daniel Mwangi
Christchurch · 12 months ago
Advice
ST
Wellington · 12 months ago
Fund Switch
Free Review
Your Future Self
Will Thank You
for Acting Today.
Every year in the wrong fund or missing the government top-up is money you can’t get back. A free 15-minute review is all it takes.
Free
No fees ever
15 min
Review call
Licensed
FAP adviser
Get My Free KiwiSaver Review
No cost. No obligation. Independent, licensed advice.
No credit check. No spam. Independent advice. Privacy Policy
Thanks! We'll be in touch soon.
A KiwiSaver adviser will contact you within one business day.
Licensed Financial Adviser supporting Kiwis across New Zealand to secure the right home loan and protect their future with tailored insurance solutions.
- 028 8520 0500
- +642885200500
- support@advisenow.co.nz
- Level 8/139 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, 1010
Home Loan Products
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Resources
- Repayment Calculator
- LVR Explained
- First Home Buyer Guide
- KiwiSaver & Your Home
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Zigi Financial Services Limited (Owners of Advisenow) | FSP Registration No. FSP1007853 | Financial Advice Provider licensed under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. We are members of the Kiwi Advisers Network (KAN). Our advisers are registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR). This website contains general information only and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Lending criteria, terms, conditions, and fees apply. Interest rates are subject to change. All figures are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). Credit subject to assessment.
