How to change your KiwiSaver contribution rate

Why your KiwiSaver contribution rate is so important

If you’re an employee, you can choose to contribute 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or even 10% of your salary or wages to your KiwiSaver account. While the difference between these rates may seem small, over time it can really add up! This is all due to the power of compounding returns. Increasing the amount you add to your KiwiSaver account is an investment in your future that can definitely pay off.

Learn about the magic of compounding returns for your KiwiSaver investment.
To see the impact changing your contribution rate could have, try our KiwiSaver calculator.

Upcoming changes to the KiwiSaver minimum employee contribution rate

From 1 April, 2026, the default employee (and employer) contribution rates increase from 3% to 3.5%. From 1 April 1, 2028, the default employee and employer contribution rates increase again, to 4%.

What if I want to reduce my KiwiSaver contribution rate?

With the rising cost of living, reducing your KiwiSaver contribution might seem like a good solution. But if you can possibly afford it, it will pay off in the long run to maintain (or even increase) your contribution rate, since small amounts compound and make a much bigger difference over time.

From 1 February, 2026, you can apply to keep your contribution rate at 3%, which allows your employer to also contribute at the 3% rate. This effectively just means you don’t go up to 3.5% when the 1 April changes come into effect. However this means you may also miss out on the extra .5% your employer would normally have to contribute (though it depends on your employer).

There are two ways to change your KiwiSaver contribution rate:

1. Change your KiwiSaver contribution rate with your employer

You can change your contribution rate by filling out a KS2 form (KiwiSaver Deduction Form), and submitting it to your employer.

For help filling in the KS2 form visit the IRD website.

2. Change your contribution rate on the IRD website

Log into myIR
Under their main summary page on KiwiSaver member, select ‘More’
Under the ‘Manage account’, select ‘Change KiwiSaver contribution rate’
Note: If you have multiple employers, make sure to select each of them and update the new contribution rate.
Select ‘OK’ and follow the confirmation steps.

What happens next?

After your request is submitted, the IRD will let your selected employers know that your KiwiSaver contribution rate needs changing.

The rate in your myIR account will be updated when your employer informs the IRD that they are using your new contribution rate.

Note: You can only change your contribution rate once every
92 days (unless your employer agrees to let you change more often).