KiwiSaver Calculator New Zealand 2025/26
Project your KiwiSaver balance at retirement, compare contribution rates side by side, and check how much you can withdraw for your first home.
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How to Use This Calculator
Tab "Growth Projection"
Enter your annual salary, current age, and employee contribution rate (3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%). The calculator projects your KiwiSaver balance at age 65, including employer contributions (after ESCT), government contributions, and investment growth. Under "More options," adjust the employer rate, expected return, and your current balance. A year-by-year breakdown table is available.
Tab "Contribution Rates"
Enter your salary and age to see all six contribution rates compared side by side. For each rate, the calculator shows your annual contribution, the fortnightly impact on your pay, and your projected balance at 65. This helps you decide whether increasing your rate is worth the reduction in take-home pay.
Tab "First Home"
Enter your current KiwiSaver balance, years as a member, and the property price. The calculator shows how much you can withdraw (balance minus $1,000, after 3+ years membership) and how much additional deposit you need for a 20% down payment.
The Formulas
Employee = Salary × Employee rate (3% / 3.5% / 4% / 6% / 8% / 10%)
Employer contribution (after ESCT):
Gross employer = Salary × Employer rate (min 3.5%)
ESCT = Gross employer × ESCT rate (based on salary + contribution)
Net employer = Gross employer − ESCT
Government contribution:
Govt = min(Employee × $0.25, $260.72) — $0 if income > $180,000
Minimum employee contribution for max govt: $1,042.86/year
Projected balance at retirement (compound growth):
For each year: Balance = (Balance + Employee + Net Employer + Govt) × (1 + r)
Where r = annual return rate
ESCT brackets (on salary + employer contribution):
Up to $16,800: 10.5% | $16,801–$57,600: 17.5% | $57,601–$84,000: 30%
$84,001–$216,000: 33% | Over $216,000: 39%
First home withdrawal:
Available = Balance − $1,000 (after 3+ years membership)
All figures based on 2025/26 KiwiSaver rules. Default employee rate increases to 3.5% from 1 April 2026. Government contribution year runs 1 July to 30 June.
Example
Sarah — Marketing Manager, Salary $70,000, Age 30
Employee rate: 3.5%. Employer rate: 3.5%. Expected return: 6%. Starting balance: $0.
Sarah's $2,450 annual contribution ($94.23/fortnight) attracts an additional $1,715 from her employer and $260.72 from the government. Over 35 years at 6% return, compound growth turns total contributions of ~$155K into approximately $524K. If she increased to 6%, her balance at 65 would grow to approximately $685K — an extra $161K for $67/fortnight more.
2025/26 KiwiSaver Key Figures
| Item | 2025/26 Rule |
|---|---|
| Default employee rate | 3.5% (from 1 April 2026) |
| Employee rate options | 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% |
| Minimum employer contribution | 3.5% (from 1 April 2026) |
| Government contribution | 25c per $1 employee, max $260.72/year |
| Government contribution income cap | Not available above $180,000 |
| Min. employee for max govt | $1,042.86/year |
| First home withdrawal | Balance minus $1,000 (3+ years member) |
| Locked until | Age 65 |
| ESCT rates | 10.5% / 17.5% / 30% / 33% / 39% |