Your KiwiSaver contribution rate is the percentage of your gross income that’s contributed to your KiwiSaver balance each pay period. Since 1 April 2026, the minimum you can choose to contribute is 3.5% (it was 3% before then), and your employer must match your contributions up to a minimum of 3.5%. The minimum will increase to 4% from 1 April 2028, and your employer will match this.
You can adjust your contribution rate to 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%. And you can make additional voluntary contributions if you want to contribute more than 10%.
Generally, you can change your contribution rate every three months. You may be able to negotiate a shorter timeframe with your employer.
Why people change their contribution rate
Opting for a higher contribution rate over the long term could make a significant difference to a person's retirement savings because they’d have more money potentially generating compound returns.
However, opting for a lower contribution rate means a person has more of their income available for bills and day-to-day costs.
How to update your contribution rate
You can change your contribution rate through:
Your employer: Provide your employer with a completed KS2 (KiwiSaver deduction form) and they’ll action your request.
MyIR: In the “KiwiSaver account” section of your MyIR, select ‘Change KiwiSaver Contribution Rate’ and complete the provided form. Inland Revenue will then pass the request on to your employer.
Your KiwiSaver provider: Contact your KiwiSaver provider and they’ll pass on your request to Inland Revenue and your employer. If you're a member of the Sharesies KiwiSaver Scheme, email us at help@sharesies.co.nz.