KiwiSaver case study
From default fund to a fund that fits her goals
A look at how someone might use Kāhu to move from a fund they were defaulted into to one that matches their timeframe, fees, and risk comfort. This is an illustrative scenario, not a real client.
This is an illustrative scenario created to show how the Kāhu platform works. It does not describe a real client and is not a recommendation. See the full disclaimer below.
Client profile
Mereana, 34, Wellington
A mid-career professional who joined KiwiSaver years ago and was placed in a default fund without ever reviewing it.
Risk comfort
Balanced — comfortable with some ups and downs
Primary goal
Long-term retirement growth
Timeframe
25+ years to retirement
Starting position
Default conservative fund, higher-than-average fees
What she wanted
- Make sure her KiwiSaver is actually working toward retirement, not sitting idle.
- Stop paying more in fees than she needs to for the returns she is getting.
- Feel confident she is in the right fund without booking a formal advice meeting first.
The challenge
What was holding her KiwiSaver back
Like many people, Mereana had never reviewed the fund she was placed in. Two issues stood out once she looked closely.
Paying more in fees than the fund warranted
Her default fund charged near the higher end of the market while delivering conservative returns. Over decades, that fee gap can quietly compound into a meaningful difference at retirement.
A poor fit for her timeframe
A conservative fund can make sense close to retirement, but with 25+ years ahead, it was likely too defensive for her growth goal — leaving potential long-term returns on the table.
No clear way to compare the alternatives
Provider websites only show their own funds, and the official tools are broad. She had no simple way to weigh fees, performance, and risk across the whole market in one place.
The discovery
How Kāhu brought the shortlist into focus
Using Kāhu, Mereana moved from uncertainty to a clear shortlist in a single sitting.
Started from her goal, not a product
She set her goal, timeframe, and risk comfort, and Kāhu scanned 300+ KiwiSaver funds across the market against those inputs.
Compared funds on the same evidence
Fees, historical performance, fund size, and risk level were shown side by side, so she could see how her current fund stacked up against the alternatives.
Reviewed a focused shortlist
Instead of hundreds of options, Kāhu surfaced a short list of balanced funds that fit her timeframe, with clearly lower fees than her default.
Understood the trade-offs in plain language
Each fund's risk profile, fee impact, and fit were explained without jargon, backed by a licensed Financial Advice Provider, so she understood the why behind the shortlist and could decide for herself.
The outcome
Confidence in the fund choice
The result was not just a different fund. It was confidence in the choice.
A fund matched to her timeframe
She moved to a balanced fund aligned with her 25+ year horizon and growth goal, rather than staying defensive by default.
Lower fees on the same balance
Switching to a lower-cost fund meant less of her balance going to charges every year, with more left invested toward retirement.
Confidence in the decision
Because the choice was grounded in whole-of-market comparison and clear reasoning, she felt sure she was in the right fund — and knows how to review it again later.
| Before vs after | Before | After Kāhu |
|---|---|---|
| Fund type | Default conservative | Balanced (goal-aligned) |
| Annual fees | Higher than market average | Lower-cost fund |
| Fund chosen | Assigned automatically | Compared across 300+ funds |
“I went from hoping my KiwiSaver was fine to actually knowing it fits my goals.”
Important information & disclaimer
This case study is provided for general information only and is not personalised financial advice. It does not take into account your particular financial situation, goals, or risk tolerance. Past performance and fees are not a reliable indicator of future returns. Any figures shown are illustrative. Before making any KiwiSaver decision you should consider your own circumstances and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. Kāhu is a product of Financial Advice NZ Limited (FSP1009051), a licensed Financial Advice Provider regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Financial Advice NZ Limited is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the New Zealand government or Inland Revenue.
This website is operated by Financial Advice NZ Limited and is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, the New Zealand government or Inland Revenue. Financial Advice NZ Limited is using the KiwiSaver trade mark and logo under licence from Inland Revenue.
Information only
Kāhu is an information-only service. We help you compare 300+ KiwiSaver funds on performance, fees, and risk so you can make your own decision. We don't provide personalised financial advice or recommend a specific fund for your situation. For advice tailored to your circumstances, speak with a licensed financial adviser.
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