The Sharesies KiwiSaver Scheme self-select fund enables you to invest some of your KiwiSaver contributions into companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)—also known as ‘your picks’.

You can currently choose from 93 companies and funds (subject to change) listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX)—with US and Australian investments coming soon!

When you select companies and ETFs for your investment plan, you invest into a Portfolio Investment Entity (PIE) fund managed by Sharesies—this PIE fund then invests in the specific company or ETF you’ve chosen. This means that you buy units in the PIE fund, and the PIE fund holds the shares in the specific company or ETF.

For example, if one of your picks is Air New Zealand, your contributions will be invested into the Sharesies KiwiSaver Scheme self-select fund, and the fund will buy and hold the shares in Air New Zealand. You’ll be allocated units in the Sharesies KiwiSaver Scheme Self Select Fund.

Being a PIE fund means that any investment income (e.g. dividends) will be taxed based on your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR).