How Much Should I Save for Retirement?
Project your KiwiSaver and other retirement saving, on top of NZ Superannuation, based on your age, monthly contribution and expected return, in New Zealand dollars. Free, no sign-up.
Your Details
NZ Super starts at 65, and that is also when you can withdraw KiwiSaver — see the NZ Super calculator.
Include your KiwiSaver contribution, your employer's, and roughly $22/month for the annual government contribution, plus any separate investing.
After fund fees and tax (PIR). A growth KiwiSaver fund has historically returned more over decades, with bigger short-term swings.
At Retirement — Age 65
Projected Savings
$422,258
30 years · 5% per year
💬 In Plain Words
If contributions keep going at $400/mo from now (age 35) until you are 65, you could have about $422,258 by the time you retire — this is on top of NZ Superannuation. Of that, $164,000 is contributions and the rest, $258,258, is return the money generated on its own. Under the "4% rule" that could support about $1,408/mo, before NZ Super.
| Age | Balance |
|---|---|
| 40 | $52,870 |
| 45 | $95,053 |
| 50 | $149,190 |
| 55 | $218,666 |
| 60 | $307,830 |
| 65 | $422,258 |
This projection estimates only your KiwiSaver and other personal saving — it does not include NZ Superannuation, which is a separate flat payment from age 65. Check your KiwiSaver projection with your provider or on the Sorted retirement calculator, and talk to a financial adviser before deciding.
How the Calculator Works
👋 Simple Explanation
In New Zealand you get NZ Superannuation from age 65 (see the NZ Super calculator) — a flat payment for life that is not based on contributions. On top of that, KiwiSaver builds an extra nest egg from your contributions, your employer's and the government's. This calculator estimates that KiwiSaver-plus-other-saving layer only, not NZ Super.
The calculator combines two formulas: the future value of your current balance (growing at the expected return) and the future value of your ongoing monthly contribution.
FV = P × (1+r)ⁿ + PMT × [(1+r)ⁿ − 1] / r
Where P = current balance, r = monthly return (annual ÷ 12), n = months to retirement, and PMT = the total monthly contribution. The estimated monthly income uses the 4% withdrawal guideline: annual income = 4% × final balance.
How to Strengthen Your Retirement Saving in New Zealand
Claim the full government contribution. Contribute at least $1,042.86 to KiwiSaver in the year (1 July to 30 June) to get the maximum $260.72 from the government. For most employees on 3%, normal contributions already exceed this; if you are self-employed, top up before 30 June.
Check your KiwiSaver fund and fees. Make sure the fund's risk level matches your time horizon — usually a growth or aggressive fund for retirement decades away — and compare fees between providers using the Sorted fund finder. Switching is free and has no tax cost.
Start as early as possible. Time is the most powerful variable — starting KiwiSaver contributions early, and lifting your rate from 3% to 4% or more when you can afford it, makes a large difference over a working life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much should I save for retirement in New Zealand?
- There is no single figure — it depends on how much you spend and how many years you expect to live off your savings. A common rule of thumb (the '4% rule') suggests capital of about 25 times your annual spending can support withdrawals for around 30 years. NZ Super provides a base income for life from age 65, so you only need to fund the gap above that. This calculator estimates the KiwiSaver and other saving that sits on top.
- Does this calculator replace NZ Super?
- No. NZ Superannuation from age 65 is the foundation — it is a flat payment, not based on contributions, and is not income-tested. This calculator projects only the layer on top: your KiwiSaver balance plus any other saving you choose to do. NZ Super plus this projected saving is your total retirement income.
- How does KiwiSaver fit in?
- If you are employed you contribute a percentage of your pay (3% or more), your employer contributes at least a matching percentage, and the government adds up to $260.72 a year if you contribute at least $1,042.86. The money is invested in a fund and locked away until 65 (or a first home). It is the main way New Zealanders build retirement savings on top of NZ Super.