Joining KiwiSaver if you're self-employed.

If you're self-employed, working as a contractor, freelancer or sole trader and are not receiving PAYE income, some of the KiwiSaver benefits you get from being employed are not available, like your employer making contributions. However, there are still benefits that could make joining KiwiSaver a good choice.

Government contribution

If you're eligible and you contribute $1,042.86 or more before 30 June each year, you'll receive the maximum government contribution of $260.72. You can make contributions at any time – you could put in $1,042.86 as one lump sum or set up an automatic payment of $24 a week.

To be eligible for the Government contribution you'll need to:

• Be aged 16-64
• Mainly live in New Zealand
• Have an income of $180,000 or less.

Competitive fees 

KiwiSaver fees are competitive compared with other types of managed funds. We also have some of the lowest KiwiSaver fees¹, so you keep more of the money you invest. See our fees. 

Creating a total financial plan

One of the challenges with being self-employed may be an irregular income which may make it harder to plan for your retirement. We're here to help. Our qualified Financial Advisers are experts in managed funds and can help you towards achieving your financial goals. Get in touch with one of our Financial Advisers today for a free personalised financial plan. 

¹ This claim is based on our review of annual fund charges across a range of fund types (e.g. conservative, balanced, and growth) offered by a comparison group of 15 KiwiSaver providers, with a range of investment styles including active, passive and blended (both active and passive).

BT Funds Management (NZ) Limited is the scheme provider and Westpac New Zealand Limited is a distributor, of the Westpac KiwiSaver Scheme (Scheme).

The information above is subject to changes to government policy and law, and changes to the Westpac KiwiSaver Scheme from time to time.

Investments made in the Scheme do not represent bank deposits or other liabilities of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141, Westpac New Zealand Limited or other members of the Westpac Group of companies. They are subject to investment and other risks, including possible delays in payment of withdrawal amounts in some circumstances, and loss of investment value, including principal invested. None of BT Funds Management (NZ) Limited (as manager), any member of the Westpac Group of companies, The New Zealand Guardian Trust Company Limited (as supervisor), or any director or nominee of any of those entities, or any other person guarantees the Scheme's performance, returns or repayment of capital.

For a copy of the Product Disclosure Statement or more information about the Scheme, contact any Westpac branch or call 0508 972 254 or from overseas +64 9 375 9978 (international toll charges apply). You can also download the Product Disclosure Statement.