Yes, in most instances your employer does have to match your KiwiSaver contributions up to a minimum of 3.5%. From 1st April 2028, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate will rise to 4% (from 3.5%) for you and your employer.
There are a couple of exceptions regarding employer contributions:
- If you’re aged 16 or 17 you now qualify for employer KiwiSaver contributions from 1 April 2026, so long as you meet other eligibility requirements. If you contribute to KiwiSaver from your wages, your employer will need to start making contributions. Before 1 April 2026, your employer only needed to contribute for employees aged 18 to 65.
- If you are not contributing towards your KiwiSaver investment then your employer isn’t required to.
- If your employer is already paying at least 3.5% into another eligible retirement scheme, they are not required to also contribute to your KiwiSaver
- If you have signed a total remuneration package, you will have agreed in your contract for the employer deductions to come out of your paycheck