Project your KiwiSaver balance at 65 with your contribution rate, your employer's contribution after ESCT, the government contribution and your fund type.
The default contribution rate and the minimum employer rate rise to 4% from 1 April 2028; the projection applies that change.
Returns are long-run assumptions after fees and tax, not a forecast. Withdrawals for a first home are possible after three years of membership.
This is an estimate based on published rates, not tax or financial advice. Your payslip or assessment may differ. We are an independent site, not affiliated with any government agency.
What goes into your KiwiSaver
Source
Amount (2026/27)
You
3.5% of gross pay (default)
Your employer
At least 3.5% of gross pay, minus ESCT
Government
25c per $1 you contribute, up to $260.72 a year
ESCT bands are based on your salary plus employer contributions: 10.5% up to $18,720, 17.5% to $64,200, 30% to $93,720, 33% to $216,000 and 39% above.
Worked example: $75,000 at age 30
Salary $75,000, 3.5%, age 30, balance $20,000, growth fund
You contribute $2,625 a year and your employer $2,625 before ESCT. Your salary plus contribution falls in the 30% ESCT band, so $1,837.50 reaches your account. With the government’s $260.72 and a 5% net return, the projected balance at 65 is $775,265.
Balance at 65$775,265future dollars
In today’s dollars
$387,654
Your contributions this year
$2,625
Employer this year (after ESCT)
$1,838
Projected balance
Age
Balance
Today’s dollars
Age 35
$54,689
$49,533
Age 40
$103,753
$85,114
Age 45
$171,249
$127,240
Age 50
$263,341
$177,221
Age 55
$387,774
$236,360
Age 60
$554,580
$306,168
Age 65
$775,265
$387,654
What changed
1 July 2025: the government contribution halved to 25c per dollar (maximum $260.72) and stopped for incomes over $180,000.
1 April 2026: default and minimum employer rates rose to 3.5%; 16 and 17-year-olds became eligible for employer contributions.
1 April 2028: both rates rise to 4%.
Tips
Contribute at least $1,042.86 by 30 June each year to get the full government contribution; self-employed members can pay voluntarily.
Check your fund type. Over 30+ years, the difference between a conservative and a growth fund can be larger than all your extra contributions.
Watch fees — a 1% difference compounds into a large sum. Compare funds on Sorted’s fund finder.
A temporary rate reduction to 3% also lowers what your employer must contribute unless they choose to match a higher rate.
Questions people ask
What are the KiwiSaver rates from 1 April 2026?
The default employee rate and the minimum employer rate are 3.5% of gross pay. You can choose 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%, or apply for a temporary rate reduction to 3%.
How much is the government contribution?
25 cents for every dollar you contribute between 1 July and 30 June, up to $260.72 a year. It is not paid if your income is over $180,000.
What is ESCT?
Employer superannuation contribution tax, deducted from your employer's contributions at 10.5% to 39% depending on your salary plus employer contributions.
When do the rates change again?
The default and minimum employer rates rise to 4% from 1 April 2028.
Can I use KiwiSaver to buy a first home?
After three years of membership you can withdraw almost all of your balance for a first home, leaving at least $1,000.
This is an estimate based on published rates, not tax or financial advice. Your payslip or assessment may differ. We are an independent site, not affiliated with any government agency. Read the full disclaimer.
