Money & debt
What is KiwiSaver and when can I use it?
KiwiSaver is a voluntary retirement savings scheme with employer contributions — Sorted and Inland Revenue explain the rules.
KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings scheme to help you build money for retirement or a first home. If you are enrolled, contributions usually come out of your pay (you choose a rate), your employer pays in too, and the government may add annual member tax credits when you qualify.
You can generally only withdraw savings for retirement, serious financial hardship, significant illness, or a first-home purchase — each pathway has its own forms and checks. Sorted.org.nz has plain-language KiwiSaver guides; Inland Revenue administers the scheme.
Choosing a fund and contribution rate is a personal decision. Free mentors and Sorted tools can help you compare options. Educational signposting only — not financial advice.
Calm next moves
- Log in to myIR to see your KiwiSaver account.
- Check your contribution rate when income changes.
- Sorted — KiwiSaver guides
Official resources
Always confirm details on the official site — laws and processes can change.
Educational signposting only from the Resilience Programme. Not legal, financial, or medical advice. Updated 2026-07-10.