Retirement Calculator New Zealand 2025/26
Project your KiwiSaver growth to 65, combine with NZ Super (NOT means-tested), and identify any retirement income gap.
Estimates use 2025/26 NZ Super rates. Individual tax circumstances vary. Not financial advice.
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How to Use This Calculator
Tab "Retirement Projection"
Enter your current age, annual salary, KiwiSaver balance, and any other savings. Select your KiwiSaver contribution rate (3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%) and expected return rate. The calculator projects your total savings at 65 including employer contributions (minimum 3%), and estimates sustainable annual income using the 4% rule.
Tab "NZ Super + KiwiSaver"
Select your marital/living status (single living alone, single sharing, or couple both qualify) and enter your expected KiwiSaver balance at 65. The calculator shows your total annual retirement income combining NZ Super and KiwiSaver drawdown at 4%. NZ Super is universal and NOT means-tested โ your assets do not reduce it.
Tab "Gap Analysis"
Enter your desired annual retirement income along with your current savings and salary. The calculator compares your projected income against your goal, shows a readiness score, and if there is a gap, provides actionable options: increase your KiwiSaver rate, save more outside KiwiSaver, work additional years, or reduce your target spending.
The Formulas
Annual contribution = Salary ร (Employee rate + 3% employer)
Balance(n) = Balance(n-1) ร (1 + return rate) + Annual contribution
NZ Super (universal, NOT means-tested):
Single, living alone: ~$539/week (~$28,028/year)
Single, sharing: ~$497/week (~$25,844/year)
Couple, both qualify: ~$830/week (~$43,160/year)
4% rule (sustainable withdrawal):
Annual income = Portfolio ร 0.04
Capital needed = Desired income / 0.04 = Desired income ร 25
Total retirement income:
Total = NZ Super + KiwiSaver drawdown (4% rule)
Example: $500K KiwiSaver = $20K/yr + $28K NZ Super = $48K/yr
These formulas provide estimates. Actual KiwiSaver returns depend on your fund type and market conditions. NZ Super rates are adjusted annually. This is not financial advice โ consult a licensed financial adviser for personal guidance.
Example
Aroha โ age 35, salary $60,000, KiwiSaver at 3.5%
Aroha is 35 years old earning $60,000/year. She has $30,000 in KiwiSaver and $10,000 in other savings. She contributes 3% to KiwiSaver (her employer adds 3%), and expects a 6% average return.
Aroha would have roughly $44,800/year in retirement โ NZ Super ($28,028/yr) plus KiwiSaver drawdown ($16,800/yr). If she increased her KiwiSaver rate to 6%, her projected KiwiSaver at 65 would grow to approximately $570,000, providing $22,800/yr drawdown for a total of $50,800/yr.
2025/26 NZ Retirement Key Numbers
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| NZ Super โ single, living alone | ~$539/week ($28,028/yr) |
| NZ Super โ single, sharing | ~$497/week ($25,844/yr) |
| NZ Super โ couple, both qualify | ~$830/week ($43,160/yr) |
| NZ Super eligibility age | 65 |
| NZ Super residency requirement | 10 years after age 20 (5 after age 50) |
| NZ Super means-testing | NONE โ universal entitlement |
| KiwiSaver employee rates | 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% |
| KiwiSaver minimum employer rate | 3% |
| KiwiSaver access age | 65 (lump sum or gradual withdrawal) |
| KiwiSaver mandatory drawdown | None (no minimum withdrawal rules) |
| 4% rule | $500K = ~$20,000/year |