Applying
While retirement may seem like a long way off, it’s never too early to start saving. In some cases you can even withdraw money from your KiwiSaver account to help with purchasing your first house.
Whether you’re saving to buy your first home or starting your journey towards financial security in retirement, the Summer KiwiSaver scheme can help.
Why KiwiSaver?
- Develop a positive savings habit from a young age
- Benefit from compounding returns over time
- Save towards a first home purchase
- Subject to eligibility, enjoy other benefits like the Government contribution once you turn 16
New to KiwiSaver
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If you’re starting your first job then your employer will help you through the KiwiSaver enrolment process.
There will be some simple paperwork to complete. Alternatively, by joining the Summer KiwiSaver scheme, we can take care of all the required paperwork for you. You can apply online in just a few easy steps.
If you don’t choose a KiwiSaver scheme, you’ll be put into one of the default KiwiSaver funds, or into a scheme chosen by your employer if they have a preferred KiwiSaver provider.
When you’re automatically enrolled through your employer, you’ll have eight weeks to decide if you want to remain in KiwiSaver, or opt out.
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Most Kiwis are eligible to join KiwiSaver and it doesn't matter if your employed, self-employed or not currently working.
You will be able to join the Summer KiwiSaver scheme if you can answer ‘yes’ to all of these statements:
- I’m entitled to permanently live in New Zealand
- I normally live in New Zealand
You may still be able to join even if you live overseas, for instance, if you’re a state sector employee employed on New Zealand terms and conditions.
Joining the Summer KiwiSaver scheme is easy, simple use our online application.
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Under 18's are eligible to join KiwiSaver with the consent of their parents or legal guardian.
If you’re aged under 18 you can apply online, or by completing the application form inside the product disclosure statement.
It’s important to note that because you’re a minor:
- If you’re 16 or 17, you must sign the application together with at least one legal guardian.
- If you’re under 16, a legal guardian needs to sign on your behalf (you can’t enrol yourself).
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KiwiSaver is not just for employees. If you are self-employed or not currently working, you can join as well.
If you are self-employed and receive PAYE income you will need to make both employee and employer contributions.
If you are either self-employed and PAYE isn’t deducted, or are not currently working, you can make regular contributions or lump sums, whatever works best for your situation.
The Summer KiwiSaver scheme has no minimum transaction requirements.
You may want to optimise your contributions to access the Government contributions - find out how.
Already in KiwiSaver
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If you are already in a KiwiSaver scheme, and want to join the Summer KiwiSaver scheme, it’s easy.
Just use our easy online application, and we can take care of the transfer process. You don’t even need to let your existing provider know.
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No, you may only be a member of one KiwiSaver scheme at a time.
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If you’ve been automatically enrolled by your employer you can opt out of KiwiSaver on or after day 14 and on or before day 56. If you do not opt out during this timeframe you will remain a KiwiSaver member and your employer will continue to deduct contributions from your salary and wages.