Did you know you can get up to $260.72 from the Government – every year? One of the best features of KiwiSaver is that you’re not the only one contributing to your retirement savings. Your employer must contribute at least 3.5% (unless you opted to stay at 3%), and the Government also chips in!

Summary  

Each year, if you’re aged 16–64 and live in New Zealand, the Government will add up to $260.72 to your KiwiSaver account. For every dollar you contribute (including employer and voluntary contributions), the Government adds 25 cents, up to the maximum of $260.72.

To get the full amount, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 each year. Even if you can’t reach that amount, you’ll still get a 25% match on whatever you put in – a great way to boost your retirement savings with minimal effort.

Are you eligible to receive this bonus? 

To receive the Government contribution, you must: 

• Be a KiwiSaver member

• Aged 16-64

• Live in New Zealand

• Have an annual taxable income of $180,000 or under

• Contributing to your KiwiSaver account

How to Make Sure You Get It

You can contribute to your KiwiSaver account through:

• Salary and wage deductions

• Payments to your KiwiSaver provider

Pro Tip: Voluntary contributions need to be made in time for processing – aim to have them in well before 30 June each year.

Key Dates: Annual Deadline is 30 June

The KiwiSaver year for Government contributions runs from 1 July to 30 June. Contributions need to be processed by 30 June to qualify for that year’s Government top-up.

If you’re using direct debit or automatic payments, check their timing to make sure they’re counted for the current year.

Examples of How it Works

For every $1 you put in, the Government adds 25 cents.
To get the maximum $260.72, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 of your own money annually.

Here’s how that could look:

• Contribute $200 → you’ll get an extra $50 from the Government.

• Contribute $650 → you’ll receive $112.50.

Your own money includes Employee Contributions and Voluntary contributions, and does not include Employer contributions, past government contributions and funds moved from Australian retirement schemes.  

Pro-rated Contributions

If you:

• Joined KiwiSaver part-way through the year

• Turned 16 or 65 during the year

• Moved to or from overseas

• You no longer meet the eligibility criteria above. 

the Government contribution will be pro-rated based on how many days you were eligible.

Self-Employed? You’re Eligible Too!

If you’re self-employed and don’t have employer contributions, the Government’s top-up is an extra boost for your retirement savings. To get the full $260.72, you’ll need to contribute at least $1,042.86 yourself – that’s about $20 a week.

Even if you can’t contribute the full amount, the Government still matches your contributions 25 cents to every dollar you put in, up to the maximum until June 30 2026.

Quick Tips

• Set a savings target: Even $50 a week can help you stay on track for a comfortable retirement.

• Make sure your contributions are in by 30 June so you don’t miss out on the Government top-up.