KiwiSaver changes

You may have seen in the media a number of changes around KiwiSaver. Below we summarise these for you.

Changes that took effect from 1 July 2019

Contribution Rates

New contribution rates of 6% and 10% will now be included. For some the gap between, 4% and 8% was too large and for others who wanted to further increase their savings, this will be a welcomed change.

If you want to alter your contribution rate, please speak directly to your employer and they can assist you.

Savings Suspension

At times you need to take a break from your savings due to other commitments.  Under the new legislation, contribution holidays has been renamed to Savings Suspension and the length of time reduced from five years down to one year although you can reapply through the Inland Revenue should you want to take another Saving Suspension period.

If you are currently on a Savings Suspension, your term of up to five years will continue but thereafter you can only renew for one year.

If you want to restart your contributions you should speak with your employer.

If you want to apply for a Savings Suspension, you should speak with the Inland Revenue Department.

Government Contributions

Member tax credit has always been a confusing name for what is a Government Contribution so this name change in the legislation is welcomed. You can find out more information about Government Contributions here.

 

Further changes that took effect from 1 July 2019

Over 65’s

Whilst KiwiSaver has always been positioned as a retirement savings account, with changing work patterns and increased longevity, KiwiSaver may represent an opportunity to continue saving and investing after 65. The change in the law will allow people over this age to now enrol in a KiwiSaver scheme providing alternative investment options coupled with the ability to withdraw their money without being locked in.

Five year lock in for over 60’s who are new to KiwiSaver

Aligned with the above change for over 65’s, the legislation removes the five year lock in period enabling members who join after 1 July 2019 at age 60 or over that they will have access to their funds at retirement where as previously they would have had to be in KiwiSaver for five years.

 

Finally changes from 1 April 2020

Removal of lock in for existing members of KiwiSaver

The changes above are further extended to capture those who joined at aged 60 or over, prior to 1 July 2019. From 1 April 2020, you are able to give us notice that you choose to have the five-year membership requirement removed. One important point to note is that once you give that notice, you are no longer eligible for Government or compulsory employer contributions.

 

Other changes

The Government has proposed withdrawal provisions in cases of life-shortening congenital conditions but these have not been passed into law.