Is your KiwiSaver fund
quietly costing you thousands?
Over 3 million New Zealanders are enrolled in KiwiSaver. Most are in the wrong fund type for their age — and losing out on significant retirement savings as a result. Switching KiwiSaver providers is free, takes under 10 minutes, and could mean tens of thousands of dollars more at retirement through better KiwiSaver fund performance and lower management fees.
Not all KiwiSaver funds are the same
KiwiSaver funds range from ultra-conservative (cash-like) to aggressive (mostly shares). The right one depends entirely on when you plan to retire — and most providers default you to conservative when you first join.
| Fund type | Typical return | Best for | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 3–5% p.a. | Retiring within 3 years | Low |
| Balanced | 5–7% p.a. | Retiring in 5–10 years | Medium |
| Growth | 7–9% p.a. | Retiring in 10–20 years | Medium-high |
| Aggressive | 8–11% p.a. | Decades until retirement | High short-term |
If you joined KiwiSaver through Inland Revenue (IRD) without choosing a provider, you were placed in a default fund — which until 2021 meant a conservative fund. Even after the 2021 reforms, many members have never actively reviewed their allocation.
What fund type should you be in?
This is a starting point only — your personal risk tolerance, other savings, and financial goals also matter. But age is the most important factor, and it’s the one most people get wrong.
In the next step, we’ll calculate exactly how much you may have missed out on — and which providers are performing best right now.
How much has the wrong fund cost you?
Enter your balance and age and we’ll estimate the real dollar impact — and show you who’s performing better.
Calculate my potential loss →This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Past fund performance is not a guarantee of future returns. KiwiSaver is a long-term investment and the value of your fund can go up or down. Always read the fund’s Product Disclosure Statement before making any changes. Consider seeking advice from a Financial Advice Provider (FAP) licensed by the FMA.