Changes to KiwiSaver from 1st April 2026

The government has announced changes to KiwiSaver with the main ones taking effect from 1st April 2026.

Default employer and employee contribution rates

KiwiSaver employee and employer default contribution rates will rise from 3% to 3.5% starting 1 April 2026, with a further increase to 4% from 1 April 2028.

Temporary rate reduction

From 1 February 2026, KiwiSaver members can apply for a rate reduction to 3% (Your employer can choose to match your temporary rate reduction).

The period of the rate reduction is limited to 3 to 12 months , and KiwiSaver members need to keep re-applying as needed.

Contributions for 16 and 17-year-olds

16 and 17-year-olds will now be entitled to employer contributions from 1 April 2026 (and the government contribution from 1 July 2025).