† The Balanced Fund and the Default Fund invest in similar ways however, there are some differences between them. The exposure to Australasian equities in the Balanced Fund is more actively managed than in the Default Fund, and as such, the Balanced Fund has a higher annual fund charge. BNZ believes that active managers of Australasian equities can add value and have the potential to generate better returns. As such, BNZ expects that the Balanced Fund could deliver higher returns after fees, over the long term, than the Default Fund. However, as all investments are subject to investment risk, it is also possible for the Default Fund to outperform the Balanced Fund, after fees, over the same period.

How this calculator works

  1. The ‘amount saved’ value is in today’s dollars so you can compare with the cost of living today.
  2. The results obtained through the calculator are not guaranteed to occur, and the calculator is simply a tool to help you understand how choices you make may affect the value of your KiwiSaver savings and retirement income.
  3. The financial results are for illustration only and are based on several assumptions. The results are therefore unlikely to reflect your actual balance or your actual retirement income. For example, actual investment returns may be different, and are likely to move up and down due to investment and other risks. Returns may be negative over some time periods.
  4. This calculator is not intended to provide financial advice. Accordingly, the results should be treated as a guide only and not as financial advice. ​
  5. The retirement projections in this calculator are based on assumptions set by the Government. As such, they vary from the assumptions used in the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme Navigator tool, which are set by the Manager of the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme. A summary of the Government’s assumptions is provided below, however, further details can be found on the Financial Markets Authority website.
  6. To the extent permitted by law, neither BNZ nor any of its related parties accept any responsibility or liability arising from the use of this calculator.
  7. References to third party websites are included for convenience only. BNZ (including any of its related parties) do not accept any responsibility for the availability and content of such websites.

The balance and income calculations of this calculator are based on the following assumptions

  1. Salary and wages assumed to increase by 3.5% each year. Any regular voluntary contributions will increase in line with this.
  2. Regular voluntary contributions will continue to be made each year until the age of 65.
  3. No savings suspensions are taken.
  4. No amounts are withdrawn for first home purchase or financial hardship, or (for the purpose of estimating the weekly income amount) as a lump sum after age 65.
  5. You receive an annual Government contribution of 50c for each dollar you contribute, up to a maximum of $521.43 a year (from 1 July to 30 June).
  6. You remain in your chosen fund until age 65.
  7. The rate of return for the fund selected is based on which fund type it aligns with, as shown in the table below. The rates of return are:
    • After tax of 28%.
    • After fees. The fees used are an average for the fund type and don’t reflect the actual fees you pay.
  8. After 65, the balance will earn a 2.5% rate of return each year (after fees and tax).
  9. The projections are adjusted for inflation, and the inflation assumption is currently 2% per annum.
  10. For the income amount, you will make regular withdrawals over 25 years (i.e.until age 90) when your balance reaches zero.