KiwiSaver Gap Calculator NZ

See whether KiwiSaver and NZ Super could cover the retirement you want in New Zealand, and how much you may need to save outside KiwiSaver to close the gap.

Adjust your plan

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Your retirement

Choose the household and lifestyle to compare against.

Household
Lifestyle
Where you live

Your KiwiSaver

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Your contribution rate
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Your estimate

Updates instantly as your numbers change.

Estimated yearly gap

$0

KiwiSaver and NZ Super could cover this lifestyle on these assumptions.

Savings needed outside KiwiSaver at 65

$0

The lump sum that could fund the gap from 65 to 90 at the same return.

Yearly income from 65

$51,544

NZ Super of $28,868 plus $22,676 from KiwiSaver, against spending of $41,112.

KiwiSaver at 65

$394,865

In today's dollars, after 35 years of contributions.

How this calculator works

This calculator grows your KiwiSaver balance and contributions until 65, spreads the balance as income from 65 to 90, and adds NZ Super. It compares that income with what retired New Zealand households actually spend, from the Massey University Retirement Expenditure Guidelines. Any shortfall is the gap, and the savings needed at 65 is the lump sum that could fund it over the same 25 years.

Important assumptions

  • Amounts are in today's dollars. The return is entered after inflation, and salary and contribution rates stay the same until 65.
  • Contributions are added at the end of each year. The government contribution, employer superannuation contribution tax, PIE tax and fund fees are not included.
  • KiwiSaver is drawn down evenly from 65 to 90 at the same return. Earlier withdrawals, such as for a first home, are not included.
  • NZ Super uses the after tax rate from 1 April 2026 for a single person living alone, or a couple who both qualify.
  • Spending uses the 2025 Massey guidelines. Basic is No Frills and Comfortable is Choices. City means Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.
  • Health costs, aged care, home repairs and living beyond 90 can add to what you need.

These results are general illustrations only and are not financial advice. Actual outcomes can differ.

Sources: Massey University New Zealand Retirement Expenditure Guidelines 2025, Work and Income benefit rates from 1 April 2026.

Turn the estimate into a living plan

Fireball connects spending, savings, investments, property, debt, and KiwiSaver in one private financial independence plan.

Explore Fireball

Common questions

Terms explained

  • KiwiSaver

    KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary workplace retirement savings scheme, generally locked until you turn 65.

  • NZ Super

    NZ Super is the New Zealand government pension paid from age 65 to residents who meet the residency rules.

  • ESCT

    Employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) is the tax taken from your employer's KiwiSaver contributions before they reach your account.

  • PIR

    Your prescribed investor rate (PIR) is the tax rate on your PIE and KiwiSaver earnings: 10.5%, 17.5% or 28% for New Zealand residents.

  • KiwiSaver first home withdrawal

    A KiwiSaver first home withdrawal lets you take out most of your KiwiSaver savings to buy your first home, after at least three years as a member.

  • Real return

    A real return is an investment return after inflation, which shows how much your buying power actually grew.

See the full glossary