How much should I have in KiwiSaver by age?
There is no official New Zealand benchmark for how much you should have at a given age. What actually decides your balance is four things you can influence: your contribution rate, your fund type, your fees, and the years you leave it to compound.
The four levers that matter more than your age
Your contribution rate sets how much goes in. Your fund type sets how hard it works. Your fees decide how much you keep. And time does the heavy lifting through compounding.
A rough focus for each decade
| Stage | Where the focus usually sits |
|---|---|
| 20s and 30s | Long horizon, so growth assets and getting the full employer and government contributions |
| 40s | Check your fund still fits, and lift your rate if you can |
| 50s | Review risk as retirement comes into view |
| 60s | Match risk to when you will actually draw the money |
These are general patterns, not advice. To put real numbers on your situation, use the Sorted KiwiSaver calculator.
Make the levers work
Make sure you are getting the full government contribution of up to $260.72 a year (Inland Revenue), check your contribution rate, and confirm your fund matches your timeframe. As retirement nears, read approaching retirement: what to do.
Compare KiwiSaver funds and fees on Kāhu.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official KiwiSaver balance for my age in NZ?
No. Your balance depends on your contributions, fund type, fees and time invested.
What matters more than my current balance?
Your contribution rate, your fund type, your fees, and how long the money stays invested.
How can I estimate what I will have?
Use the Sorted KiwiSaver calculator to model your own contributions, fund type and timeframe.
Kāhu provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Kāhu is a KiwiSaver comparison and switching platform operated by Financial Advice NZ Limited, a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FSP1009051). The figures here are general and current as at June 2026. For advice on your situation, speak to a licensed financial adviser.