KiwiSaver’s rules apply to everyone who joins, but which of them matter depends on where you are: a child can’t join through an employer, a student may get the government contribution without a job, a work visa holder can’t join at all, and a contractor’s employer contribution depends on how they’re paid. These guides explain the rules for each situation. They are general information, not financial advice.
How the Time Horizon Changes With Age
The main thing that changes with age is how long the money stays invested before you can reach it, usually at 65 or for a first home. A longer horizon gives more time to recover from market falls (KiwiSaver in a market downturn); a shorter one leaves less. How each fund type has behaved, and how volatility relates to time horizon, is covered in conservative vs balanced vs growth funds by time horizon. For what members actually hold at each age, see the average KiwiSaver balance by age.
Life Stage Guides
- KiwiSaver for kids: enrolling a child or newborn, and the under-18 rules
- KiwiSaver for students: part-time work, the government contribution and student loans
- Average KiwiSaver balance by age: balances by decade
- Fund types by time horizon: conservative, balanced and growth funds compared
Specific Situations
- KiwiSaver on a work, resident or working holiday visa: who can join as a migrant
- KiwiSaver for Māori members: iwi schemes and Māori land first homes
- KiwiSaver for the self-employed: contributing without an employer
- KiwiSaver for contractors: PAYE vs schedular payments
Employment Changes
- How to join KiwiSaver: automatic enrolment when you start a new job, or joining through a provider
- KiwiSaver during unpaid leave: what happens to contributions while you’re not paid
- Re-enrolling in KiwiSaver: rejoining after opting out or a savings suspension