KiwiSaver is a voluntary savings scheme to help set you up for your retirement. You can make regular contributions from your pay or directly to your scheme provider.
The University is exempt from automatic enrolment into KiwiSaver. This means that you will not be automatically enrolled at the start of your employment.
How does the KiwiSaver work?
- The KiwiSaver scheme deducts a percentage of your salary which is then invested by your chosen provider.
- KiwiSaver contributions are locked in until retirement, with the exception of the first-home withdrawal scheme.
- The minimum employer contribution is 3%.
- The University will contribute a maximum of 3%.
- KiwiSaver qualifies for government contributions.1
Check if you are eligible to join Kiwisaver
1. The amount of the government contribution depends on how much a member has contributed to their fund from 1 July to 30 June. The maximum amount the government contributes is $521.43.
Can I belong to KiwiSaver and UniSaver?
You can belong to both schemes. As UniSaver locked section is a KiwiSaver compliant scheme, if you decide to join UniSaver locked section and KiwiSaver, the University will only contribute to UniSaver locked section.
Examples of how the employer contributions are disbursed between both Kiwisaver and UniSaver
UniSaver versus KiwiSaver calculator
Currently contributing to KiwiSaver and would like to suspend my KiwiSaver contributions
To apply for a savings suspension of your KiwiSaver contributions you will need to apply to IRD. Once you have received your confirmation letter, please send to: payroll@otago.ac.nz
Application form
Visit IRD KiwiSaver for more information on KiwiSaver and how to apply
KiwiSaver application form (PDF)
Once you have completed your form, you can send this to:
Email payroll@otago.ac.nz
