CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR FUTURE

Every little thing you do today could add up to a better tomorrow. Find out how you can grow your KiwiSaver money through:

• Contributions
• Government contributions 
• Your investment choices
  

CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions to your KiwiSaver account can come from you, your employer and the Government. Reviewing your KiwiSaver contributions annually or as your financial circumstances change is a good idea to ensure you're on track to meet your financial goals.

• You can choose to make contributions of 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% from your before-tax salary or wages. Our Retirement Income Stimulator tool can help you see your estimate KiwiSaver balance at retirement and the impact of different contribution rates on your future savings.
• Your employer contributes 3% minimum of your before-tax salary or wages (could be within or on top of your pay) but may also contribute at other rates. It’s important to know that your employer does not have to contribute to your KiwiSaver account if you’re under 18 years of age, eligible for a retirement withdrawal (generally when you become eligible for NZ Superannuation) or if you’re not contributing at least 3% from your pay.
• You can also make voluntary contributions directly to your Mercer KiwiSaver scheme account. Easy ways include online banking (search for ‘Mercer KiwiSaver scheme’ as a new payee) or via direct debit.
• The Government may contribute as much as $521.43 into your KiwiSaver account every year, if you’re eligible.
  

GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION

The Government will contribute 50 cents for every dollar you contribute to your KiwiSaver account, up to a maximum of $521.43 each year (eligibility criteria apply ). To receive $521.43, 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.

Generally, you should receive $521.43 from the Government if you’ve been a KiwiSaver member for the full year, earn over $35,000 per annum and contributed at least 3% to your KiwiSaver account or you have contributed more than $20 per week on average during the year.

Sign in to your online account where under “Account Activity” you can check how much you have contributed to ensure you reach the $1042.86 target and/or if you need to top up your KiwiSaver account before 30 June. An easy way to top up is to pay directly into your KiwiSaver account via your online banking by searching for ‘Mercer KiwiSaver scheme’ as a new payee.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT INVESTMENT OPTION

Mercer’s schemes are designed to help you achieve financial freedom and meet your financial goals, whether it be your first home or your ideal lifestyle at retirement. Mercer offers you the choice of seven investment options , each with a different level of risk and return. You can choose to invest all of your savings in one investment option, or split your savings between the different options.

You will be better off with a different investment option at varying stages of your life and with the right option that matches your timeframe (when you intend to withdraw your KiwiSaver money), financial objectives and attitude to risk. If you need help or are unsure about what investment option is right for you, we encourage you to take our risk quiz questionnaire and to seek financial advice. Our financial advisers can help you make the right decisions and free financial advice is available by requesting a call back online from our advice team or calling 0508 637 237.

YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR INVESTMENT OPTIONS AT ANY TIME

You can change your investment option/s at any time (Mercer charges no switching fees) by signing in to your online account or calling our Helpline team on 0508 637 237.

Note: Different fees are charged for each investment option.

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 appropriately authorised adviser.