The calculations presented here and here are based on assumptions about your KiwiSaver account that may differ from your actual behaviour up to and in retirement. These assumptions are listed below. If you are already invested in KiwiSaver you will see a retirement projection on your annual statement. The results of that projection may differ to the result of this one because while the assumptions regarding returns and inflation are the same, the projection in your annual statement uses your actual contributions and balance data from the previous year which may not match the inputs you enter into this calculator. Further this calculator allows for the rate of tax on your employer contributions to change as your salary increases.
Neither Fisher Funds nor the Supervisor guarantees the estimates nor accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of, or reliance on, the information provided in these estimates including, without limitation, any loss of profit or other damage, direct or consequential.
The estimates are based on the following assumptions:
Method of calculation | |
|---|---|
Your estimated KiwiSaver account balance | - This calculator assumes you are under 79 years of age. - Your estimated KiwiSaver account balance at the retirement age you select is presented in today's dollars (inflation adjusted) and is based on the level of contributions you enter. It assumes you save continuously on this basis until your selected retirement age, your fund choice does not change and you do not make any withdrawals, except for a first home withdrawal (if applicable). - Wage/salary increases (if applicable) of 3.5% per annum over time are assumed. This is the assumption set out in the regulations relating to KiwiSaver retirement projection calculations. No increase is applied to voluntary contributions. |
Your estimated after-tax income in retirement | - Your 'income' amount is your estimated after-tax weekly income in retirement based on your retirement savings lasting through to your selected age this income stops. The calculator assumes your savings continue to be invested throughout your retirement and earn 2.5% per annum. -From retirement, you make regular withdrawals and your total savings are used up during retirement so that nothing is left over at your selected age this income stops. |
The cost of a comfortable retirement | - The cost of a comfortable retirement is as calculated in the New Zealand Retirement Expenditure Guidelines 2025. |
New Zealand superannuation payment | - The New Zealand superannuation payment of $555.15 is based on the after tax ('M' tax code) rate for a single person living alone as at 1 April 2026. We've used this tax rate to avoid overestimating your retirement income. This payment begins at your retirement age and continues for the period of time you could be expected to live. -Please note for the calculations presented here, that the previous superannuation rate of $538.42, which is based on the after tax ('M' tax code) rate for a single person living alone as at 1 April 2025, applies. More information on New Zealand superannuation payment rates can be found here. |
Inflation | - The results shown by default are in today's dollars (inflation adjusted by 2% per annum as prescribed in the regulations). This means that the actual dollar amounts that you contribute or receive in the future are likely to be more than the figures shown, but the figures shown should have similar buying power as today. - For example, if you spend $1,000 now, in 10 years' time, you would need $1,220 to buy the same thing (assuming 2% inflation — midpoint of the Government's long term range for inflation of between 1% and 3%). |
Contributions | - If you select that you are employed, your salary increases by 3.5% per annum until your chosen retirement age. - If you select that you are employed, the calculator will apply employer's superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) on employer contributions until you are 65. - An automatic employee and/or employer contribution increase to 4% from 1 April 2028 is applied if you select 3.5% as your current employee and/or contribution rate. - All contributions are assumed to be received at the end of the calendar year. - Employer and government contributions start at age 16 and stop at age 65, all other contributions start at your current age and continue until your selected retirement age. - From age 16, you receive government contributions of 25c for each dollar you contribute, up to a maximum of $260.72 a year (from 1 July to 30 June) until you're 65. |
Other Investments | - Your other retirement savings will grow at the rate you have provided (which we have assumed to be after fees and taxes). |
Rounding | - For simplicity, Swedish rounding has been used (numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest dollar). |
The following 1st of July 2025 government contribution changes are not yet included in the KiwiSaver calculator logic:
For now, this calculator does not reflect the following changes that are effective from 1 July 2025.
Method of calculation | |
|---|---|
Contributions | - Projecting that your income will exceed $180,000 in the future (based on an assumed 3.5% annual salary/wage increase), that would stop the calculator including Government Contributions from the year your income is expected to cross that threshold. - If your annual taxable income is over $180,000, you are not eligible for Government Contributions. |
The below nominal rate of returns per annum (after fees and taxes) are used for the projections:
Investment strategy | Rate of Return |
|---|---|
Cash | 1.5% |
Core Conservative | 2.5% |
Conservative | 2.5% |
Default | 3.5% |
Balanced | 3.5% |
Growth | 4.5% |
Aggressive | 5.5% |
GlidePath if you are under age 50 | 3.5% |
GlidePath if you are age 50 years and over | 2.5% |
Returns from age 65 | 2.5% |
