Most New Zealanders are in a default fund that was never chosen for them. A 30-minute review could make a significant difference to your retirement, and potentially your first home.
Book a free KiwiSaver reviewWhen KiwiSaver launched in 2007, millions of New Zealanders were automatically enrolled into a default fund. These were conservative funds designed to protect money, not grow it.
If you're in your 20s, 30s or 40s and still in a conservative or default fund, you could be missing out on tens of thousands of dollars by retirement. The difference between fund types over a 30-year period can be enormous.
A simple review takes about 30 minutes and costs you nothing. I'll check what you're in, whether it suits your situation, and what it might look like if we made a change.
Book a free reviewIllustrative projections only, based on $500/month contributions at different assumed return rates. Actual returns will vary. Not financial advice.
Choosing the right fund type is the single most important KiwiSaver decision most people make. Here's what the different options actually mean.
The key thing to understand: "Higher risk" in KiwiSaver doesn't mean gambling with your money. It means a higher proportion invested in shares (which grow more over time but fluctuate in the short term). For most working-age New Zealanders with 10+ years to retirement, a conservative fund is actually the riskier choice, because it's unlikely to grow your money fast enough.
If you've been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least 3 years, you can withdraw most of your balance to put towards your first home purchase. This can make a real difference to your deposit.
There are some rules and eligibility criteria, including what counts as a "first home" and minimum contribution periods. I'll walk you through exactly what you're entitled to and how to apply.
Important: If you're planning to use KiwiSaver for a first home, your fund type matters a lot. Being in a growth fund is great for long-term retirement savings, but if you're buying in the next 1-3 years, you may want to be in a more conservative fund to protect against market downturns right before you need the money. I'll help you think through the timing.
I look at your current provider, fund type, contribution rate, and balance. We talk about your timeline and goals.
I'll show you what different fund types mean in practice, including illustrative projections for your specific situation.
No pressure. I give you my recommendation and the reasoning, and you decide what's right for you.
If you want to switch providers or fund types, I'll take care of it. It's usually straightforward and takes a few minutes.
A free 30-minute review. No obligation, no hard sell, just a clear picture of where you're at and what your options are.