KiwiSaver and retirement

    Using your KiwiSaver savings in retirement.

    You can access your KiwiSaver savings at the age of 65* if you choose to, however, your KiwiSaver investment journey doesn't have to end once you turn 65. KiwiSaver can be a great way to continue to manage your wealth throughout retirement. 

    Watch Senior Wealth Management Adviser Aaron Hinks explain more about your KiwiSaver options after 65.

    If you’d like to learn how to make the most of KiwiSaver in retirement, request a call from one of our KiwiSaver Specialists or contact us today.

    Why keep your money in KiwiSaver?

    KiwiSaver offers a range of benefits for managing your money after you’ve turned 65:

    • It provides diversification – spread your risk by investing across different asset classes like shares and fixed interest

    • It’s a cost-effective way to invest – compared to other forms of investing

    • There’s a range of flexible investment options – our team can work with you to get the right investment strategy in place to suit your goals

    • Access your money when you need it – once you’ve turned 65 your money isn’t locked in – you can make a withdrawal whenever you need it (minimum withdrawal amounts apply)

    • You can continue to contribute to your KiwiSaver account after you’ve turned 65 – and if you’re still working although your employer isn’t obligated to contribute after 65, some will

    Your KiwiSaver options after 65

    You have flexible options available for managing your money in retirement so it's worthwhile giving some thought to what might work best for your situation before taking any action. You can:

    Keep your savings in your KiwiSaver account

    If you don't need your money straight away that's great, you can keep it where it is and we'll continue to manage it for you exactly like we do now. Keeping your money in KiwiSaver can be a great option to help your money last through your retirement.

    You can still make contributions to your KiwiSaver investment, either through employee contributions or voluntary contributions, however you'll no longer be eligible for the government contribution and your employer will no longer be obliged to make contributions.

    Setup a regular withdrawal**

    This is a convenient way to manage your money and supplement your NZ Super and any other retirement income sources. Keeping your money in KiwiSaver could give you a better return than a bank account, so you can continue to do the things you enjoy.

    Make lump sum withdrawals at any time**

    You don't have to withdraw all of your savings at once – lump sum withdrawals for one-off expenses, like a holiday or home improvements, can be made at any time. This means you can keep the money you don't currently need working hard in your KiwiSaver account.

    Withdraw all of your savings

    If you do have specific plans for your KiwiSaver savings, you can choose to withdraw your money in one go.


    Make a withdrawal

    If you’re in the Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Scheme or the Fisher Funds TWO KiwiSaver Scheme you can complete a Retirement Withdrawal Form.

    If you’re in the Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Plan there are two options available:

    1. Submit an online withdrawal request in myFisherFunds
      To submit a request online, click the 'Withdraw' button when logged into the portal. This is the quickest option and does not involve providing any supporting documentation unless your withdrawal includes government contribution Funds.

      You will need to have set up additional security questions via the secure customer portal to do an online withdrawal. Once you have set these up, you will have to wait 7 days before submitting a withdrawal online.

    2. Complete a standard withdrawal form and provide some supporting documents

    Please note the form requires a statutory declaration which needs to be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, Solicitor, Notary Public or other person authorised to take a statutory declaration.

    You’ll also need to provide certified ID, proof of residential address and proof of bank account with your withdrawal form (unless you’ve already provided this). Please read the document checklist on the final page of the withdrawal form for more information.


    Check your investment strategy

    As you approach retirement it’s an ideal time to revisit your investment strategy. We have some useful tools to help you ensure you’re in the right strategy:

    If you’re still not sure, our friendly team can help you plan an investment strategy to take you through your retirement.


    Retirement Projector

    If you’re not sure whether you’re on track for the lifestyle you’d like in retirement, check out these handy tools and see how some small changes could make a big difference to your retirement nest egg:


    We can help

    Whether as a sounding board, providing specific advice or simply someone to talk to, we are here to help. Feel free to call us on 0508 347 437.

    *If you joined KiwiSaver (or a complying fund) before 1 July 2019, a 5 year minimum membership requirement applies if you were aged 60 or over when you joined. Once you’ve reached the age of 65 you can opt out of this requirement and make a partial or full withdrawal, however if you do so you will forego your entitlement to the government contribution and compulsory employer contributions.
    **Minimum withdrawal amounts and balances apply

    Got questions?
    We've got answers.

    Our team is available to tell you more and answer any questions you may have. Chat with us online or request a call by clicking the button below.