Frequently asked questions

Got a question? Below we provide answers to some frequently asked questions. Remember to try the search box at the top right too, it may help take you directly to the answer you are seeking.


Online Account Access

How do I view my account online?
If you are a Summer KiwiSaver scheme member, you can view your account information on your Dashboard.

Can I switch between funds within the Summer KiwiSaver scheme?
Yes! You create your own portfolio of investments by choosing any combination of our funds. We call this My Plan. Or, if you would prefer to leave the investment mix to us, just choose either the Summer Conservative SelectionSummer Balanced Selection or Summer Growth Selection where we choose the investments across different asset classes.

It's easy to switch between funds and it's free to make changes. This can be done via the Switch my investments page.

If you are not sure which investment choice is right for you, there are several places where you can find information:

  • the product disclosure statement
  • the investment profile tool -this is a great way to gain an understanding of your appetite to risk and investment volatility
  • the Summer insights – read our latest articles for information and guidance to help you make sense of what is happening in the markets and what you might need to be thinking about

I can’t remember my password, what do I do?
No problem, you can simply reset your passphrase, by entering your username into the form.

I can’t remember my username, how do I find it?
No problem, you can simply enter your email address on the forgotten username page.

How do I update my details?
You can update your details, including your prescribed investor rate (PIR) by going to your profile.

Where can I find my annual member statement and tax statement?
If you are a Summer KiwiSaver scheme member, you can view these on your annual member and tax statements page.

What information will I be able to see online?
As a Summer KiwiSaver scheme member you are able to:

  • View your Summer account to check your balance, your asset allocation and monitor progress on your savings
  • Switch your investment choice and asset allocation
  • Track progress towards your estimated maximum Government contribution eligibility
  • Read our Summer insights
  • View and update your personal details

Can I download an app for Summer on my phone?
You don't need an app to access Summer on your phone. The Summer website is mobile friendly and it's easy to load a shortcut on your phone's home screen, which will take you directly to the website whenever you need to access it.

Head to the mobile access page to find out how to save a Summer shortcut to your phone.

 

Performance and Returns

Where can I read about the performance and returns of each fund? 
Performance information for each fund is updated online monthly along with an update on the markets generally. We also publish quarterly fund updates online.

How much risk is involved?
Some funds come with more risk than others. We have a short questionnaire which allows you to discover what your risk appetite is. You can also read more about risk on the fund pages or in section 4 "What are the risks of investing?"of the product disclosure statement

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Tax and Fees

Do I have to pay tax on my KiwiSaver investment?
You can find some general information on our Tax page.

For additional information see section 5 "What are the fees?" and Section 6 "What taxes will you pay?" of the product disclosure statement

What fees will I be charged?
Read more on our Fees page or in section 5 "What are the fees?" of the product disclosure statement.

How do I work out my prescribed investor rate (PIR)?
You can find some information on how to work out your PIR on our Tax page.

 

Making contributions

How much do I have to contribute to my KiwiSaver investment?
For an overview on contributing to KiwiSaver take a look at how contributions work.

Take a look at section 2 "How does this investment work?" of the product disclosure statement for more information contributions.

How do I change my contribution rate?
To change your contribution rate you will need to complete a KiwiSaver deduction form (KS2 form) and give this to your employer.

Does the government contribute to my KiwiSaver savings? 
Yes, they do. Read more about the Government contribution.

If you are a Summer member, you can also track progress towards your estimated maximum Government contribution eligibility from your dashboard.

Can I take a break from contributing?
If you need to take a break from saving, read about a Savings Suspension.

I am retired, can I still top up my KiwiSaver account?
Yes, you can deposit money into your Summer account at any time. There are a number of ways to do this. Read our Making voluntary contributions page for more information. 

How do I deposit money into my Summer account online?
To make a one-off voluntary contribution into your Summer KiwiSaver account via internet banking, please select ‘Summer KiwiSaver scheme’ from the pre-loaded payees on your bank's website. 

You can also set up a regular voluntary contribution via automatic payment on your bank's website using the ‘Summer KiwiSaver scheme’ pre-loaded payee.

Please include your surname and/or IRD number in the required reference fields.

Read our Making voluntary contributions page for more information. 

 

Withdrawals

When can I withdraw my KiwiSaver savings?
KiwiSaver is about saving for your retirement, but there are several withdrawal options. Whether you've just turned 65, are moving overseas, need to withdraw due to serious illness or financial hardship or arrange a withdrawal on behalf of someone who has died, our Withdrawals section has you covered.

Can I use my KiwiSaver savings to buy my first house?
Yes, there are options to withdraw from KiwiSaver to purchase your first home. You may also be interested in checking if you're eligible for the Housing New Zealand First Home Grant.

Section 2 "How does this investment work?" of the product disclosure statement covers additional information on withdrawing your investments. 

 

Already in KiwiSaver

Can I join Summer and still retain my existing Kiwisaver scheme?
No, you may only be a member of one KiwiSaver scheme at a time.

How do I switch to the Summer KiwiSaver scheme?
If you are already in another KiwiSaver scheme you can switch to the Summer KiwiSaver scheme using our easy online application, and we can take care of the transfer process. You don’t even need to let your existing provider know. 

For more information about the Summer KiwiSaver scheme, read our Summer overview or take a look at our product disclosure statement.

 

New to KiwiSaver

I am not in a KiwiSaver scheme, can I join?
Most Kiwis are eligible to join KiwiSaver and it doesn't matter if your employed, self-employed or not currently working. Learn more about who can join. 

Joining the Summer KiwiSaver scheme is easy, simple use our online application. 

I’m under 18, can I join?
Under 18's are eligible to join KiwiSaver with the consent of their parents or legal guardian.  

Read more about KiwiSaver for under 18’s.

I’m starting work for the first time, how do I join?
If you’re starting your first job read our First job or under 18? page for more information.

 

For a plain English guide to KiwiSaver view the KiwiSaver Glossary put together by Workplace Savings NZ. 

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