Skip to main content

Getting Started with KiwiSaver: Joining, Your Account and Balance

Updated

This section covers the practical first steps with KiwiSaver: joining, finding out whether you’re already a member, locating your account and balance, and knowing who to contact when something goes wrong.

Am I Already in KiwiSaver?

If you’ve started a job in New Zealand since 2007 and didn’t opt out, there’s a good chance you already have a KiwiSaver account. Log in to myIR and look at the KiwiSaver section, which shows your current provider.

If you’ve changed jobs, spent time overseas or simply lost track, see how to find a lost KiwiSaver account.

Joining KiwiSaver

When you start a new job, your employer automatically enrols you if you’re eligible, deductions start from your first pay at 3.5%, and you can opt out of KiwiSaver from day 14 to day 56. Anyone else who’s eligible can join directly with a provider; the guide on how to join KiwiSaver covers both routes, the opt-out window and a new-employee checklist.

First Steps After Enrolling

  1. Find out which provider you’re with: myIR shows it, and how to find your KiwiSaver number explains the numbers on your account.
  2. Check your fund: if you didn’t choose one, you’re in a default fund, which for the government-appointed default providers is required to be a balanced fund (the KiwiSaver default fund). You can change provider or fund at any time.
  3. Confirm your contribution rate: the default is 3.5% (raised from 3% on 1 April 2026); contribution rates explained lists the other options.
  4. Set up myIR access: it shows your KiwiSaver contributions and provider; see Inland Revenue and KiwiSaver.

Guides in This Section

See Also