How does the KiwiSaver government contribution work and can I get up to NZ$521.43 per year?

The New Zealand government provides an annual contribution to eligible KiwiSaver members to encourage retirement savings. For the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, the government contributes 50 cents for every NZ$1.00 you contribute, up to a maximum of NZ$521.43 per year.

To receive the full NZ$521.43, you need to contribute at least NZ$1,042.86 during the government contribution year (1 July to 30 June). That works out to approximately NZ$20.05 per week.

Eligibility requirements:

• You must be a KiwiSaver member
• You must be aged 18 or over
• You must be a New Zealand tax resident
• You must not yet have reached the age of eligibility for NZ Super (currently 65)
• You must live mainly in New Zealand

Important changes from 1 July 2025:

The government contribution will be halved to 25 cents for every NZ$1.00 you contribute. The new maximum will be NZ$260.72 per year. To receive this full amount, you will need to contribute at least NZ$1,042.86 during the year.

Additionally, members with an income of more than NZ$180,000 will no longer receive the government contribution from 1 July 2025.

How it is paid:

The government contribution is calculated and paid directly into your KiwiSaver account each year after 1 July. You do not need to apply for it separately. Both employee contributions and voluntary contributions count towards earning the government contribution.