Guide to BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme funds

When choosing a fund, think about your current situation, including how you feel about risks and returns, and the time you need to reach your goal. 

Choose your fund

Choosing the right fund for you

Risks and returns

Investing comes with a degree of risk. Generally, the higher the risk the higher the potential returns – and the lower the risk, the lower the potential returns. The more risk you take, the higher the chances of making a loss, especially in the short term.

Investment mix

The investment mix of growth and income assets in a fund affects its level of risk and potential returns. Growth assets (usually shares) are higher risk, and income assets (usually bonds) are lower risk. 

Investment goal and timeframe

With time comes the ability to recoup any short-term setbacks. But if you’re close to making a withdrawal for retirement or buying your first home, you’ll probably want to take less risk. The size of your investment goal may also impact the amount of risk you’re willing to take.

BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme fund options

There are eight BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme funds to choose from. Our descriptions of risk and returns generally compare one fund with other BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme funds.

 

Highest risk

High Growth Fund

Aims to achieve the highest returns of the Funds over the long term.

Suggested investment timeframe
12 years minimum

Potential returns

  • Highest potential returns
  • This fund may experience a negative annual return every 4 years^

  • Management fee
    0.45% p.a.

    Target investment mix
    100% growth assets^

Higher risk

Growth Fund

Aims to achieve higher returns over the long term.

Suggested investment timeframe
10 years minimum

Potential returns

  • Higher potential returns
  • This fund may experience a negative annual return every 4 years^

Management fee
0.45% p.a.

Target investment mix
20% income, 80% growth assets

Medium risk

Balanced Fund

Aims to achieve a medium level of return over the medium to long term.

Suggested investment timeframe
7 years minimum

Potential returns

  • Medium potential returns
  • This fund may experience a negative annual return every 5 years^

Management fee
0.45% p.a.

Target investment mix^
40% income, 60% growth assets

Medium risk

Default Fund

Aims to achieve a medium level of return over the medium to long term.

Suggested investment timeframe
7 years minimum

Potential returns

  • Medium potential returns
  • This fund may experience a negative annual return every 4 years^

Management fee
0.35% p.a.

Target investment mix^
40% income, 60% growth assets

Moderate risk

Moderate Fund

Aims to achieve moderate returns over the medium term.

Suggested investment timeframe
5 years minimum

Potential returns

  • Moderate potential returns
  • This fund may experience a negative annual return every 5 years^

Management fee
0.45% p.a.

Target investment mix
60% income, 40% growth assets

Low risk

Conservative Fund

Aims to achieve relatively stable returns over the short to medium term.

Suggested investment timeframe
3 years minimum

Potential returns

  • Low potential returns
  • This fund may experience a negative annual return every 10 years^

Management fee
0.45% p.a.

Target investment mix
80% income, 20% growth assets

Low risk

First Home Buyer Fund

Aims to achieve relatively stable returns over the short to medium term.

Suggested investment timeframe
3 years minimum

Potential returns

  • Low potential returns
  • This fund may experience a negative annual return every 26 years^

Management fee
0.45% p.a.

Target investment mix
85% income, 15% growth assets

Lowest risk

Cash Fund

Aims to achieve stable returns over the short term. 

Suggested investment timeframe
No minimum

Potential returns

  • Lowest potential returns
  • This fund is not likely to experience a negative annual return^

Management fee
0.30% p.a.

Target investment mix
100% income assets

Choose the fund that’s right for you

Each BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme fund offers a different level of risk and potential return based on the assets the fund invests in.

More details about each fund can be found in the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 675KB).

Authorisation

I understand that:

  1. Choosing an investment fund is solely my responsibility. None of BNZ (unless I have received advice from one of BNZ’s advisers), the Supervisor, nor the Manager is to be regarded as representing or implying that any particular investment strategy is appropriate for my particular circumstances. My investment fund selection is a binding instruction from me to the Manager.
  2. The capital value of my investment in the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme can rise or fall depending on the market conditions and that I may receive back less than I invested.
  3. If I have chosen to stay invested in the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme Default Fund, a record will be made that I have made an active choice to remain in this fund, and no change will be made to my investment fund at this time.
  4. Any change(s) instructions will be processed up to two working days after receipt of this form.
  5. Any investment change will be made to both current and future investment strategies.
  6. The Manager will confirm my instruction by post or email.
  7. Any personal or other customer details may be updated by the information I provide in this form.

We recommend you review your fund choice as your circumstances change. If you have any questions, you can contact us on 0800 269 5494.

BNZ Investment Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Harbour Asset Management Limited, is the Issuer and Manager of the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme. Download a copy of the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme Product Disclosure Statement PDF 1.1MB, or pick up a copy from a BNZ branch.

Investments in the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme are not bank deposits or other liabilities of Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) or any other member of the National Australia Bank Limited group. They are subject to investment risk, including possible delays in repayment. You could get back less than the total contributed. No person (including the New Zealand Government) guarantees (either fully or in part) the performance or returns of the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme or the repayment of amounts contributed. National Australia Bank Limited, the ultimate owner of BNZ, is not a registered bank in New Zealand but a licensed bank in Australia and is not authorised to offer the products and services mentioned on this webpage to customers in New Zealand.

BNZ Investment Services Limited (BNZISL) uses the BNZ brand under licence from Bank of New Zealand, whose ultimate parent company is National Australia Bank Limited. No member of the FirstCape group (including BNZISL) is a member of the NAB group of companies (NAB Group). No member of the NAB Group (including Bank of New Zealand) guarantees, or supports, the performance of any member of FirstCape group’s obligations to any party.

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