KiwiSaver to ETF Migration Calculator NZ

This calculator compares staying in KiwiSaver against shifting to do-it-yourself ETF investing in New Zealand, projecting the long-term difference so you can see what the move would really cost or save. It is a question more people ask as low-cost ETFs and easy investing platforms become popular, drawn by the control and the fact that ETFs are not locked away. But the comparison is rarely as close as it looks, because KiwiSaver comes with money you simply cannot get on your own: your employer's contributions and the annual government contribution, both free additions to your balance that a DIY ETF account funded only by your own money does not receive. You enter your annual personal contribution, your employer and government contributions, the years to retirement and the return you expect, and the calculator projects the balance from staying in KiwiSaver, including the free contributions, against a DIY ETF account funded by your contributions alone, and shows the gap. For most people still working, the free employer and government money makes KiwiSaver hard to beat. The real trade-off is that KiwiSaver is locked until sixty-five, with limited exceptions, while ETFs stay accessible. Weigh the free contributions against the flexibility. Returns vary; this is a projection, not financial advice.

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$74,729
extra KiwiSaver delivers from free contributions
KiwiSaver projected$140,861
DIY ETF projected$66,132

Both grow at the same return; KiwiSaver adds employer and government money a DIY account does not get. KiwiSaver is locked until 65. Projection only, not advice.

How it works

The KiwiSaver projection grows the total annual contribution, your money plus employer plus government, at your expected return over the years, using the future value of a stream of contributions. The DIY ETF projection does the same but with your contribution only, since you would lose the employer and government money. The difference is what the free contributions add.

Worked example

Contributing 2,000 dollars a year, with 2,000 from your employer and 260 from the government, KiwiSaver grows to about 140,862 dollars over 20 years at 5 percent. A DIY ETF funded by your 2,000 alone reaches about 66,132 dollars, so KiwiSaver is about 74,730 dollars ahead.

Related calculators

Data sources: the rates and thresholds on this page are maintained against Inland Revenue. Figures are checked twice monthly.

Frequently asked questions

Should I leave KiwiSaver to invest in ETFs myself?

Rarely, while you are working. KiwiSaver gives you employer contributions and a government contribution that you simply do not get investing on your own, which is free money. DIY ETFs offer liquidity and control, but you give up those contributions.

What does this calculator compare?

It projects the balance from staying in KiwiSaver, including your employer and government contributions, against a DIY ETF account funded only by your own contributions, both growing at the same return, to show the gap the free money creates.

What is the catch with KiwiSaver?

KiwiSaver is locked until age 65, with limited exceptions for a first home or hardship, while ETFs are accessible any time. The trade-off is locked-up money plus free contributions versus flexible money without them.