--- title: KiwiSaver changes on 1 April 2026 description: KiwiSaver default contributions for employees and employers will increase from 3% to 3.5% on 1 April 2026, aiming to boost long-term savings. 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The goal is simple: help New Zealanders build stronger long‑term savings. But if you're already juggling rising costs, any change to take‑home pay can feel uncertain. Here are the key dates and KiwiSaver changes.](https://nautilus.net.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20light%20brown%20coloured%20hand%20putting%20a%20coin%20into%20a%20piggy%20bank%20in%20the%20shape%20of%20a%20new%20zealand%20kiwi%20bird%20with%20its%20stubby%20wings%20out%20stretched%20The%20main%20subj.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=A%20light%20brown%20coloured%20hand%20putting%20a%20coin%20into%20a%20piggy%20bank%20in%20the%20shape%20of%20a%20new%20zealand%20kiwi%20bird%20with%20its%20stubby%20wings%20out%20stretched%20The%20main%20subj.png)](https://nautilus.net.nz/) From 1 April 2026, KiwiSaver default contributions are increasing for both employees and employers. The goal is simple: help New Zealanders build stronger long‑term savings. But if you're already juggling rising costs, any change to take‑home pay can feel uncertain. Here are the key dates and KiwiSaver changes.   #### 1 April 2026 - The default employee and employer contribution rate increases from 3% to 3.5%. - The higher rate applies to the entire pay period that includes 1 April, even if part of the pay cycle falls in March. - If you’re 16 or 17, you will qualify for employer contributions for the first time (provided you meet KiwiSaver eligibility rules). #### 1 April 2028 - Default contributions rise again from 3.5% to 4% for both you and your employer. #### Can you stay at 3%? Yes, temporarily. You can apply on the [IRD website](https://www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver/kiwisaver-individuals/making-changes-to-my-kiwisaver/changing-my-kiwisaver-contribution-rate/temporary-rate-reduction) for a temporary rate reduction if you wish to continue contributing at 3% after 1 April. - Available for 3 to 12 months. - You can apply more than once. - Your employer may choose to match your reduced rate (it's their choice). - Once you return to a higher rate, Inland Revenue notifies your employer. This option may help if cashflow is tight in the short-term, but it also means it will take longer to save your first home deposit or meet your retirement savings goal. ### What's the long-term impact? #### Both Inland Revenue and the Retirement Commission highlight the same principle. *"Saving a little more now means you benefit from compounding returns for decades."* More going into your KiwiSaver, over a long time, means a stronger base for your 1st home deposit or retirement. Even small increases to contributions can make a meaningful impact over time, helping you to achieve your KiwiSaver goal. If you need help with a personalised plan for your KiwiSaver goal, or to see how you are tracking, it may be a good time to get help from a specialist financial adviser. ###### New to Nautilus? [![\Book a Consultation\](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/4798352/interactive-190060539266.png)](https://nautilus.net.nz/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJsHoqasV9gHoIa9ubglOJuQRG0chn9OQpgoe4h89xZljyZpZmavFau3vylJw%2FECW3DH7ivQhzuVHVNEgzW0SGpaPr0AM5eSiVMlxpIhhX3TA5Im77IfHj3EORu7mIJzaa8LEZxowAyHqH%2FgcTqHSdRQ4PRAscV%2BAafygTEO6cxdizTwk6dYlIk7YR%2BZuitqbuoesbLGLXin3rTSopZv5voYoK627xyA9nLHDk2f495xldtnUAghA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=190060539266&portalId=4798352) ###### Already a client? 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