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New Zealand · 2026–27 rules (3.5% default) · Checked 1 November 2026

KiwiSaver Calculator NZ

KiwiSaver isn't a tax — it's your money moving. This shows what you put in, what your employer adds on top, and exactly what each rate does to your weekly take-home.

Your pay & rate

Where the money goes, per year

Employer contribution shown before ESCT tax, which is deducted from it. Government contribution is not included.

What changed in April 2026

The default employee rate and the minimum employer contribution both rose from 3% to 3.5% on 1 April 2026, and go to 4% in April 2028. Plenty of calculators still use 3% — if a payslip estimate looks slightly off, that's often why. On a $70,000 salary the new default means $2,450 a year from you and $2,450 from your employer: $4,900 a year into your account, while your take-home drops by about $47.12 a week compared with not contributing at all.

Frequently asked questions

What are the KiwiSaver contribution rates in 2026–27?

You can contribute 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of your gross pay. Since 1 April 2026 the default is 3.5% (it was 3% before), and it rises to 4% from April 2028. There's also a temporary rate reduction back to 3% if you apply and qualify.

How much does my employer have to contribute?

At least 3.5% of your gross pay since April 2026, if you're aged 18–64 and contributing yourself. The employer's contribution is taxed (ESCT) before it reaches your account, so the amount that lands is a little less than 3.5%.

Does KiwiSaver reduce my tax?

No. Your contribution comes out of your pay after PAYE tax is calculated, so it doesn't lower your tax bill — it redirects part of your take-home into savings. Your employer's contribution is on top of your pay, not instead of it (unless your contract is a total-remuneration package).

Can I stop contributing?

After your first 12 months in KiwiSaver you can take a savings suspension of 3 months to 1 year (renewable). Your employer can stop their contributions while you're suspended.

Is KiwiSaver worth it at 3.5%?

The employer match effectively doubles that slice of your pay before investment returns, which is hard to beat elsewhere. The trade-off is the money is locked until 65 (with exceptions like a first home). This calculator shows the take-home cost so you can judge for yourself.

Rates checked against official sources on 1 November 2026: IRD KiwiSaver deductions and IRD employer contributions. See how we calculate for the full method and update log.