If you are 16 or older and are eligible, each year the government pays a subsidy into your KiwiSaver Account. It’s called a government contribution. The current subsidy is 25 cents for each $1 you save up to a maximum government contribution each year of $260.72. This is tax free.
Each year, if you have not yet saved enough to get the maximum government contribution, you can top up your savings before 30 June to get it. If you are a member of SuperLife, we will normally let you know before 30 June if you need to do that.
The full maximum applies once you have been in KiwiSaver for more than 12 months. In the first year you’re eligible, the maximum is proportionate, based on how long you have been a member at your first 30 June over age 16. Each year after the first, it will be $260.72 if you save $1,042.86.
To be eligible for the KiwiSaver government contribution, you must be 16 years or older, live mainly in New Zealand (or meet certain other criteria), and had an income of $180,000 or less for the year.
SuperLife applies for government contribution for you– you do not have to do anything other than save. We apply in July each year. You’ll be able to see any payment made into your account by logging into your SuperLife member portal and viewing your updated account balance.
To get the government contribution
| If you are an employee | If you are not an employee |
See how much you are saving from your pay. If it is less than $20 a week (or $87 a month) you will not get the maximum, but you will get government contribution on the amount you are saving.
While you are on a savings suspension, you can save directly to SuperLife to get your government contribution. Contributions do not have to be by payroll deduction.
You can also save extra directly to SuperLife while you are saving from your pay.
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You can decide how much to save and save directly to SuperLife. You get the maximum government contribution if you save $20 a week or $87 a month or $1,043 a year.
This lets you make regular savings each week, or each month, and spread your savings over the year.
Save a lump sum from time to time, or simply top up your savings before 30 June each year. |
Different ways you can save with KiwiSaver
- The easiest way to save with KiwiSaver is to set up a regular payment by direct debit, or make a lump sum by direct debit or by internet banking.
- Set up regular savings by direct debit online or by filling out a direct debit form.
- If you have joined through your employer, you may be able to make additional contributions by deduction from your pay. Please advise your employer (this is likely to be your payroll, accounting or HR department).
- If you are employed, your savings rate can be 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of pay. From 1 April 2026, the default contribution rate will go up to 3.5% and then, from 1 April 2028, to 4%. For this transitional period, you will temporarily be able to opt down to the 3% rate, but you will only receive employer contributions at that rate. Talk to your pay department if you wish to change your savings rate.
- If you have savings in a SuperLife workplace savings or SuperLife invest account, you may be able to transfer these to your SuperLife KiwiSaver Scheme. Contact us via our contact form here or call us on 0800 27 87 37 for more information
