Yes, in most instances your employer does have to match your KiwiSaver contributions up to a minimum of 3%. From 1st April 2026, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate will rise to 3.5% (from 3%) for you and your employer. From 1st April 2026, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate will rise again 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’ll 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 needs 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% into another eligible retirement scheme
- You have signed a total remuneration package, whereby the employer deductions come out of your paycheck.