Maximise Your KiwiSaver in 2026: January Is the Month to Start
A new year is the perfect opportunity to give your long-term finances a boost - and KiwiSaver is one of the easiest ways to make meaningful progress. With small tweaks made in January, you can set yourself up for a stronger retirement balance, better returns, and peace of mind throughout the year.
Here’s how to make the most of your KiwiSaver in 2026.
1. Check Your Contribution Rate
Your contribution rate plays a huge role in how quickly your KiwiSaver balance grows. Even a small increase now can result in thousands more by retirement.
In January, take a moment to confirm:
Are you contributing at 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%?
Can you comfortably increase your rate this year?
If you’re self-employed, do you have an annual contribution plan in place?
If your income has recently changed - whether up or down - it’s worth adjusting your contributions to match your current situation. Setting this up early means the benefits accumulate all year long.
2. Review Your Fund Type
Your KiwiSaver fund shouldn’t be something you choose once and forget about. As your life stage, goals, and comfort with risk evolve, your fund should evolve with you.
Ask yourself:
Am I in the right fund for my age and long-term goals?
Has my risk tolerance changed?
Do I plan to use my KiwiSaver for a first home, or is it purely for retirement?
Generally speaking:
Growth or aggressive funds suit long timeframes and higher risk tolerance (5-10 years+).
Balanced funds offer a middle ground (2-5 years).
Conservative funds suit shorter timeframes or lower risk appetite (1-2 years).
January is the ideal time to reassess whether your current fund aligns with where you’re heading in 2026 and beyond.
3. Make Sure Employer & Government Contributions Are Optimised
Two of the biggest benefits of KiwiSaver come from contributions you don’t make yourself — your employer contributions and the annual Government contribution.
Here’s what to check:
Employer Contributions
Confirm your employer is contributing correctly (minimum 3%, unless exemptions apply).
Make sure you’re contributing enough personally to trigger the employer contribution.
A small adjustment on your end can sometimes mean more money coming in from your employer.
Government Contribution (Member Tax Credit)
Every year, the Government contributes up to $260.72 if you contribute at least $521.44 between 1 July and 30 June.
Planning now means you avoid the June rush — small automatic payments across the year can help you maximise this bonus without feeling the pressure at the end.
Start the Year With a Strong KiwiSaver Strategy
KiwiSaver is one of the simplest and most effective ways to build long-term wealth — but only if it’s set up correctly. By reviewing your contribution rate, fund type, and eligibility for employer and Government contributions, you can make 2025 a high-growth, high-confidence year.
If you’d like support choosing the right fund or reviewing your settings, New Vision Financial Services is here to help you make the most of your KiwiSaver — starting today.
Amy Callon
Financial Adviser
New Vision Financial Services
Plan your future and let us help you have peace of mind along the way.