Simply put, a contribution is money you put into your KiwiSaver account. That money gets invested, giving it the chance to grow over time through investment returns.
Your contributions
One of the best things about KiwiSaver is that it comes straight out of your before-tax pay, automatically — you just decide how much.
If you're an employee and didn't choose a rate when you joined, you'll default to the minimum of 3.5%. If you're focused on building your wealth over the long term, you can choose a higher rate instead — 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% — and even a small increase can make a real difference to the size of your nest egg over time.
If you're you're self-employed or not in paid employment, you can still contribute. And anyone can top up with a lump sum, whenever suits — regularly or as a one-off.
Contributions from your employer
If you're an employee, your employer usually adds 3.5% of your before-tax pay on top of your own contribution (some choose to pay more). To qualify, you need to be contributing regularly through your pay, be 16 or over (employer contributions were extended to 16- and 17-year-olds from 1 April 2026) and under 65, and meet the standard eligibility criteria.
A boost from the government
The government adds 25 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to $260.72 a year, as long as you:
- Are 16 years of age or over but under 65 years.
- Earn under $180,000 per annum.
- Have been a KiwiSaver member for at least 12 months.
- Live mainly in New Zealand.
- Contribute at least $1,042.86 a year (from 1 July to 30 June), which is about $20 a week.
Contribute less than that and you'll get a partial contribution instead (only your own contributions count towards it, not your employer's). If you live overseas, you won't be eligible. And if you are eligible, you don't need to do anything — Hive claims it on your behalf.
Want to check how much you've contributed this year? You'll find it under My IR on the IRD website.
If you're self-employed or not in paid employment
You can still contribute as you earn. To get the full $260.72 government contribution, you'll need to put in at least $1,042.86 in the year to 30 June — as a lump sum or in regular payments, whatever works for you.
How your savings build
Your contributions are what unlocks the government and employer contributions on top. From there, everything gets invested to generate a return — and compounding takes over, with your returns earning returns of their own.
Life changes, so can your KiwiSaver account
Want to change your contribution rate or investment option? Easy — Hive makes it simple to adjust things as your circumstances change. You can:
- Change your contribution rate — for example, ramping up if you're saving for a first home
- Change your Plan — log into your Hive account to choose a different option
- Make voluntary contributions anytime - here's how:
- Add Hive KiwiSaver Scheme as a bill payee in your online banking:
- Log in to your online banking
- Go to the payments section and add a new payee
- Search for Hive KiwiSaver Scheme
- When you make a payment, add your Hive account number or IRD number as the reference
- Or use the account details below:
- Bank: BNZ
- Account Name: Hive KiwiSaver Scheme
- Account Number: 02-0506-0258842-000
- Reference: Your Hive KiwiSaver account number or IRD number
It's worth talking to a Hive Adviser before making any changes.
Not sure how much to contribute?
The contributions you make now are really an investment in your future — and they can make a big difference to whether you hit your retirement goals. A few ways to work it out:
- Try our KiwiSaver Calculator to see how bumping up your contribution — to 10%, say — could affect your balance at retirement or when you’re planning to buy your first home.
- Look at your income, expenses and future goals, and work out whether you could contribute more than the 3.5% minimum.
- Think about a lump sum top-up if you get a bonus or inheritance.
- Talk to your Adviser - they’re here to help you with key decisions like this.
Want to talk things through?
Talk to your Adviser today or get in touch with the Hive Client Care Team on 0800 242 023 or hello@hive.co.nz.
