Unless you're starting a new job, you'll have to ask to join KiwiSaver.

A That means you can't join if you're only here temporarily - for example, if you're on a visitor or student visa.

B That means any contributions you make have to stay in your KiwiSaver account until you turn 65. There are a few exceptions, such as if you're experiencing hardship. You can, however, change funds or take a contributions holiday.

C Your employer can decide not to enrol you automatically (in which case you can still ask to opt in). You won't be enrolled automatically if you're under 18, on a short term contract, on paid parental leave, or receiving withholding tax payments. And some types of casual workers aren't enrolled automatically.

How does KiwiSaver work?

Joining KiwiSaver

You're eligible to join KiwiSaver if you're aged under 65, normally present in New Zealand, and you're a New Zealand citizen or entitled to live here indefinitely A .

If you're currently employed

You can join KiwiSaver at any time. Just ask your employer. Note, though, that once you've opted in you can't opt outB again. You can either choose your own scheme or join the scheme your employer has nominated.

When you get a new job

When you start a new job, you'll probably be automatically enrolled in KiwiSaver (there are exceptionsC ).

If you're automatically enrolled but don't want to be in KiwiSaver, you can opt out unless your have opted in at a previous job. However, you can only do this during the period from two to eight weeks after you start the job.

When you go from one employer to another, you can take your KiwiSaver scheme with you.

Self-employed people, beneficiaries and children

Self-employed people, beneficiaries and children can join KiwiSaver. They'll have to choose a KiwiSaver scheme and make payments directly to Inland Revenue or the provider they've chosen.

Important

Like you, we can't predict the future - which means we can't guarantee the performance of any savings scheme. Nor do we endorse any specific KiwiSaver provider or scheme. ConsumerSaver is a good starting point - but, before you commit, we strongly suggest you seek independent financial advice. See our full disclaimer.