Government contribution
Each year, the government can add up to $260.72 to KiwiSaver balances — a boost that can make a real difference over time.
What is the government contribution?
Here's what you need to know to make the most of your government contribution each year.
Check if you’re eligible
How it works
If you’re eligible, the government adds 25 cents for every dollar you add to your KiwiSaver account, up to a maximum of $260.72 each year.
How to get the full amount
To receive the full amount, you need to be eligible and contribute at least $1,042.86 between 1 July and 30 June. That’s around $20 a week — a small, regular contribution that can unlock the full government top-up.
Flexible ways to contribute
Contributions can be made gradually throughout the year or as a one-off before the end of June. Even if you add less than $1,042.86, the government still matches 25 cents for every dollar.
Who is eligible?
To receive the government contribution, there are a few things to check.
Here’s what needs to line up:
KiwiSaver membership
You need to be a member of a KiwiSaver scheme and making personal contributions to your account
Age range
You need to be aged 16 to 64
Living in New Zealand
You need to be living mainly in New Zealand
Income limit
Your taxable income needs to be $180,000 or less each year
How to ensure you don’t miss out
A few simple checks can help make sure you’re getting the full government contribution each year. It’s worth seeing where things are at and topping up if needed.
Check if you’re already on track
If you’re contributing through your employer, you may already be on track to receive the full government contribution. In that case, there’s nothing to do — just watch it land in your account after the end of the KiwiSaver year.
Check your contributions
If you’re self-employed, not in paid employment, or contributing less regularly, it’s worth checking how much has gone in so far. To receive the full amount, you’ll need to contribute at least $1,042.86 between 1 July and 30 June.
Top up before the deadline
If your contributions are below the threshold, you can make a one-off payment or increase your contributions to reach the full amount. Aim to have enough in your account by late June so it counts for that year.
Set yourself up for next year
If your contributions aren’t automatic, setting up regular payments — around $20 a week — can help you stay on track and receive the full government contribution each year.
Not sure if you’re making the most of your KiwiSaver account?
Talk to an AdviserFrequently asked questions
Still have questions?
Let’s talk. Our experts are here to help.
The government contribution is a yearly payment made to eligible KiwiSaver members. It matches personal contributions at 25 cents for every dollar added, up to a maximum of $260.72 each year.
To receive the full amount, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria and contribute at least $1,042.86 to your KiwiSaver between 1 July and 30 June. If you contribute less, you’ll still receive a portion — the government matches what you put in at the same rate.
The government contribution is usually paid into your KiwiSaver account in July or August, after the end of the KiwiSaver year on 30 June.
No — it’s paid automatically as long as you’re eligible.
You can get the government contribution if you meet a few key requirements. You need to: • be a member of KiwiSaver • be contributing during the year • be aged between 16 and 64 • live mainly in New Zealand • Have taxable income of $180,000 or less each year
No, you don’t need to be employed. If you’re self-employed, studying, on parental leave, or not currently in paid employment, you can still qualify as long as you meet the criteria and make contributions.
Only your own contributions count towards the government contribution. Employer contributions don’t count towards the $1,042.86 threshold. If you have transferred money from an Australian Super, that doesn't count either.
It’s still worth contributing whatever you can. The government will match your contributions at 25 cents for every dollar, so even smaller amounts will receive a top-up.
Yes — your contributions don’t have to be regular. You can make a one-off top-up before the end of June to help reach the threshold and receive the full government contribution.
You can check your contributions through your KiwiSaver provider — most of them offer an online account or app. You can also view your contributions in myIR.
If you become eligible partway through the year — for example by turning 16 or joining KiwiSaver — the government contribution is adjusted based on how much of the year you were eligible. This means the maximum amount you can receive may be lower than $260.72, and the amount you need to contribute to receive the full contribution will also be lower.
Once you turn 65, you’re no longer eligible for the government contribution. If you were eligible for part of the year before turning 65, you may still receive a partial contribution for that period, depending on how much you contributed.
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