Benefits
- Performance – a strong track record in investment performance and our team of investment experts search the globe to find some of the best investments to help maximise KiwiSaver returns. The performance details can be found here.
- Sustainable Investment - at Mercer New Zealand, we take our Sustainable Investment Policy into account when managing our investments, believing that sustainable investment approaches are consistent with an objective to create and preserve long-term investment capital, where relevant and aligned with achieving investment objectives.
- Choice of investment options -Mercer offers you the choice of seven investment options. Some things you may want to consider when selecting investment options are:
- Your age
- The level of risk versus potential return that you're comfortable with
- How long before you'll want to access your funds
With Mercer you can invest your KiwiSaver money in more than one investment option. If you’re unsure, seek financial advice by requesting a call back online from our advice team and/or try our Fund Selector.
- Access to your KiwiSaver account 24/7 - It’s easy to manage your KiwiSaver account by signing into your online account and/or downloading Mercer’s mobile app (available on both Apple and Google Play store). You can check your account balance, update your details and review your investment options anytime. Find out more about Member Portal here.
- Experience – Mercer is a locally-led, global expert in retirement and investments with US$692 billion1 in assets under management globally. Mercer New Zealand leverages this scale and expertise to benefit our members.
KEY KIWISAVER FACTS
Knowing the facts may save you time and money
- You can access your KiwiSaver money once you reach the qualifying age for New Zealand Superannuation, currently age 65. You may also be eligible to withdraw part or all of your savings towards your first home (refer to our guide) or if you’re experiencing significant financial hardship (refer to our guide).
- KiwiSaver is a long-term investment. If you’re new to KiwiSaver or not sure about your investment strategy, speak to one of our financial advice team by calling 0508 637 237 or requesting a call back online.
- You can choose to contribute 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of your before-tax salary or wages into your KiwiSaver account and your employer has to match your contributions by at least 3% (providing you are contributing at least 3% from your pay).
- From 1 April 2026, if you are an employee and you’re contributing at the default rate of 3%, your contribution and your employer’s matching contribution will automatically increase to 3.5% from 1 April 2026. You don’t need to do anything. If you already contribute more than 3%, your employee contribution stays the same. If your employer was contributing 3%, their matching contribution will rise to 3.5%.
- If you want to continue contributing at 3% from 1 April 2026, you can apply for a temporary rate reduction. The reduction can last for 3 to 12 months. After 12 months your contributions revert to the default rate. You can reapply for further temporary reductions as often as you need. Your employer may choose to match your temporary reduced rate. Inland Revenue will send you a notification within 30 days of your temporary rate reduction’s end date to let you know it’s about to stop and will also let your employer know closer to the time. To read more on how to apply for a rate reduction visit the Inland Revenue website.
- As of 1 July 2025, the Government will contribute 25 cents for every dollar you contribute to your KiwiSaver account, up to a maximum of $260.72 each year (eligibility criterial apply). To receive $260.72, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 to your KiwiSaver account during the year between 1 July and 30 June. Employee or voluntary contributions count towards receiving this Government contribution.
- The tax rate applied to your KiwiSaver investment earnings, known as your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR), could be 10.5%, 17.5% or 28%, depending on your income from the past two years. This tax is paid to Inland Revenue on your behalf. Use our online calculator to work out your correct PIR.
MAXIMISING YOUR KIWISAVER BENEFITS AFTER AGE 65
When you turn 65, KiwiSaver offers you several options to help you manage your retirement savings. You can choose to start withdrawing your funds, either partially or in full, or you can continue contributing if you wish. If you’re new to KiwiSaver at age 65, you can also choose to join the scheme for the first time. This flexibility allows you to tailor your KiwiSaver account to best suit your retirement plans.
Keeping your funds in KiwiSaver after age 65 provides benefits such as diversification, flexible investment options and access to your funds when you need them.
If you decide to continue investing and remain in the Mercer KiwiSaver scheme you don’t need to do anything!
To ensure your funds last as long as possible, it's helpful to create a plan. Consider speaking with one of our Financial Advisers by filling in a call back request form here to develop a spending and investment strategy designed to sustain you for many years to come.
1 Mercer has US$692 billion assets under management as 31 December
This product and information is issued by Mercer (N.Z.) Limited. For information about this product, please refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
The information contained on this page is intended for general guidance only and is not personalised to you. It does not take into account your particular financial situation or goals. Before making any investment decision, you should refer to the Product Disclosure Statement or consult an authorised financial adviser.
