What contribution rates can I choose?

KiwiSaver members can choose 3, 4, 6, 8 or 10 percent of their gross (before-tax) salary or wages. The default for new members is 3 percent. You can change your rate by telling your employer.

How much does my employer contribute?

Your employer must contribute a minimum of 3 percent of your gross pay, on top of your own contribution. Some employers contribute more as a benefit. ESCT (Employer Superannuation Contribution Tax) is deducted from this employer amount.

ESCT is the tax on employer KiwiSaver contributions. The rate depends on your total annual income plus employer contributions and ranges from 10.5 to 39 percent. The employer pays the gross contribution and ESCT is withheld so the net amount lands in your account.

Is KiwiSaver taken before or after income tax?

Your employee contribution is deducted from your after-tax pay in practice (PAYE is calculated on gross, then KiwiSaver comes out), while the employer contribution is on top of your gross pay. This tool shows the gross figures.

Does this include the government contribution?

No. The annual government contribution (member tax credit) of up to 521.43 NZD is paid separately if you contribute at least 1,042.86 NZD a year and meet eligibility rules. It is not part of the per-pay calculation here.

New Zealand KiwiSaver Calculator

KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s voluntary workplace retirement-savings scheme. Employees choose a contribution rate, employers add a compulsory minimum, and the government taxes the employer portion via ESCT. This calculator shows your contribution, the employer’s 3 percent minimum, the ESCT withheld, and the net amount landing in your account.

How it works

Your contribution is a flat percentage of gross pay:

employee contribution = gross pay × chosen rate (3/4/6/8/10%)
employer contribution = gross pay × 3% (minimum)
ESCT = employer contribution × ESCT rate
net employer contribution = employer contribution − ESCT

The ESCT rate is tiered by your total income (salary plus employer contributions): 10.5% up to 16,800; 17.5% up to 57,600; 30% up to 84,000; 33% up to 216,000; and 39% above that. The employer pays the gross 3% but ESCT is deducted, so the net amount credited to your account is slightly lower.

Example

On gross pay of 5,000 NZD per month at a 3% employee rate: you contribute 150 NZD and your employer contributes 150 NZD. If your ESCT rate is 30%, then 45 NZD ESCT is withheld and 105 NZD of the employer contribution reaches your account.

Notes

ESCT brackets are based on annualised income; the tool annualises your per-period pay to pick the right rate. The government member tax credit is paid yearly and is not included here.