Continue your plan
Useful next calculations
When to use this calculator
- Before choosing between saving, investing or changing a contribution.
- When you want to compare cautious, base and optimistic return assumptions.
- When you need a projection before making a longer-term decision.
- When you want to see whether starting earlier or contributing more changes the outcome more.
A realistic New Zealand planning example
Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Total KiwiSaver Balance (NZ$) | NZ$15,000 |
| Years Contributed | 10 years |
| First Home Buyer? | Yes — First Home |
After entering these figures, review withdrawable balance, first home grant and total available for home purchase together rather than in isolation. Then rerun the tool with one input adjusted.
How to read your results
Withdrawable Balance
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
First Home Grant
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
Total Available for Home Purchase
The headline outcome of this calculation. It is most useful when read alongside the supporting metrics rather than in isolation.
Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources
This calculator estimates the amount available from a KiwiSaver first home withdrawal and the First Home Grant for eligible buyers. The withdrawable balance is your total KiwiSaver balance minus the $1,000 minimum that must remain in the account. The First Home Grant of $1,000 per year of membership (capped at $5,000 after 5 years) is added if you are a first home buyer with at least 3 years of KiwiSaver membership. Note that the First Home Grant is subject to income caps, property price caps, and other eligibility criteria set by Kāinga Ora — this calculator provides a simplified estimate. Applications for both the withdrawal and the grant should be initiated well before your settlement date to allow for processing time, which can take several weeks. Always discuss your situation with a licensed financial adviser and your KiwiSaver provider before making decisions.
Common mistakes
- !Using an assumption that is not supported by a current local quote, bill, statement or official source.
- !Treating a generic estimate as a lender, provider, payroll or tax authority decision.
- !Mixing monthly and annual inputs without converting them consistently.
- !Testing only one scenario instead of checking how a cautious assumption changes the result.
What to do next
- Run a second scenario with a cautious assumption so you can see the downside clearly.
- Compare the result with the related calculators below before making a decision.
- Check current local rules, eligibility and provider terms before applying or committing money.
- Keep a record of the assumptions so you can update the estimate when a quote, bill or pay figure changes.
Frequently asked
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