About the KiwiSaver Calculator
This KiwiSaver calculator projects how much your New Zealand KiwiSaver account could hold when you can withdraw it at 65. It adds your own contributions, your employer’s contributions after employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT), and the yearly government contribution, then grows the balance at your expected return after fees and PIE tax.
It uses the rules in force from 1 April 2026: employees choose 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of gross pay (3.5% is the default, with a temporary 3% rate available on request), and employers must contribute at least 3.5%. The government contribution is 25 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to $260.72 a year (reached at $1,042.86 of contributions), and is not paid if your taxable income is over $180,000 or once you reach 65.
Pick your ESCT rate from your payslip or ask your employer — it depends on your earnings including employer contributions. Your salary grows each year at the rate you choose, contributions are added at the end of each year, and the projection stops at 65. The scheduled rise of the default rate to 4% on 1 April 2028 is not applied automatically; choose 4% to model it.
With the default inputs, the projected kiwisaver balance at 65 is NZ$694,860.24. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the kiwisaver calculator
- 1Enter your age, salary and current KiwiSaver balance.
- 2Choose your contribution rate and your employer’s rate.
- 3Select your ESCT rate (shown on your payslip or ask your employer).
- 4Enter an expected return after fees for your fund type and a salary growth rate.
- 5Review your projected balance at 65 and where it comes from.
Formula and method
Each year your contribution is your salary S times your chosen rate e. Your employer contributes k (at least 3.5%) of your gross salary, but employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) is deducted before the money reaches your account, so the net amount is S × k × (1 − ESCT rate). The government adds 25 cents per dollar you contributed, capped at $260.72, as long as your taxable income is $180,000 or less and you are between 16 and 65.
The balance grows at the return you enter, which should already be after fund fees and PIE tax, with contributions added at the end of each year. Salary rises by the growth rate each year. Investment returns are the final balance minus your starting balance and all contributions.
- S
- Gross salary
- e
- Your contribution rate
- k
- Employer contribution rate
- ESCT
- Employer superannuation contribution tax rate
- r
- Annual return after fees and tax
Worked examples
Age 30 on NZ$75,000 at 3.5%
You contribute 3.5% × NZ$75,000 = NZ$2,625. Your employer’s NZ$2,625 is reduced by 30% ESCT to NZ$1,837.50, and the government adds the full NZ$260.72 because you put in more than NZ$1,042.86. With 2.5% raises and 5% returns over 35 years, the balance reaches about NZ$694,860, including NZ$9,125 of government contributions.
Part-time worker below the government threshold
At 3% of NZ$25,000 you contribute NZ$750, so the government adds 25% = NZ$187.50 rather than the maximum. Your employer’s 3% (NZ$750) is NZ$618.75 after 17.5% ESCT. Over 15 years the government contributes NZ$2,812.50 in total and the balance grows to about NZ$54,371.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the KiwiSaver government contribution?+
From 1 July 2025 the government contributes 25 cents for every dollar you put in, up to $260.72 a year. You get the maximum by contributing at least $1,042.86 between 1 July and 30 June. It is not paid if your taxable income is over $180,000, and 16- and 17-year-olds now qualify.
What are the KiwiSaver contribution rates in 2026?+
From 1 April 2026 the default employee rate is 3.5%, and you can choose 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%. Employers must contribute at least 3.5% of your gross pay. You can apply for a temporary rate reduction to stay at 3%. The default is scheduled to rise to 4% on 1 April 2028.
Why is my employer contribution less than 3.5%?+
Employer contributions are taxed with employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) before they reach your account. The rate is 10.5% to 39% depending on your earnings, so a 3.5% contribution typically arrives as about 2.1% to 3.1% of your pay.
When can I withdraw my KiwiSaver?+
You can withdraw your KiwiSaver savings when you reach the age of eligibility for NZ Super, currently 65. Earlier withdrawals are allowed for a first home purchase, significant financial hardship, serious illness or permanent emigration (except to Australia).
What return should I assume for my KiwiSaver fund?+
Use a return after fees and PIE tax that matches your fund type. Conservative funds hold more cash and bonds and usually return less over the long term than balanced or growth funds, which hold more shares but fluctuate more.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.