New analysis from the Retirement Commission shows KiwiSaver balances continued to grow in 2025. As at 31 December 2025, the average KiwiSaver balance across all members was $41,286, up 11.3% on the year before. Men’s average balance was $47,452 and women’s $38,212.
On average, men have 24% more in KiwiSaver than women. This gap reflects differences in earnings and time in paid work that build up over a lifetime.
Average balances by age:
Balances start small in the early years and grow as people move through their careers:
- Ages 18–25: $10,567
- Ages 26–30: $21,308.
- Ages 31–35: $26,231.
- Ages 36–40: $33,070.
- Ages 41–45: $43,187.
- Ages 46–50: $55,010.
- Ages 51–55: $65,873.
- Ages 56–60: $72,861.
- Ages 61–65: $77,927.
Contributors vs Non-Contributors
The biggest divide is between those who kept contributing and those who didn’t:
- 70% of members contributed in the year to 31 December 2025.
- Contributing members: average balance $50,727.
- Non‑contributing members: average balance $19,553.
That means people who kept contributing have, on average, about two and a half times more in KiwiSaver than those who have stopped. Over time, and as members get closer to retirement age, this gap widens further.
What this means for you
Three practical messages come through clearly from the Retirement Commission’s data:
- For members 18–35, starting early and staying in KiwiSaver gives contributions the longest time to grow, even if balances still look small today.
- Across all ages, staying in and contributing regularly is one of the strongest drivers of balance growth over time.
- Breaks in contributions, for example, during study, overseas travel, family time or career changes, can leave lasting gaps if not planned for, and women or anyone with more interrupted work patterns may need to be especially proactive about their contribution rate and fund choice.
Practical steps to take now
If you’re unsure whether your KiwiSaver balance and contribution rate are on track for your future goals, consider taking these steps:
- Contact us to review your current KiwiSaver balance and contribution rate.
- Compare your balance with the latest age‑group averages from the Retirement Commission, whether you’re 18, 35 or 60.
- Explore how increasing your contribution rate, even by a small amount, could change your projected retirement outcomes.
- Check that your current fund type still fits your timeframe and comfort with risk.
