While retirement may seem like a long way off, it’s never too early to start saving. In some cases you can even withdraw money from your KiwiSaver account to help with purchasing your first house.
Whether you’re saving to buy your first home or starting your journey towards financial security in retirement, the Summer KiwiSaver scheme can help.
If you’re starting your first job then your employer will help you through the KiwiSaver enrolment process.
There will be some simple paperwork to complete. Alternatively, by joining the Summer KiwiSaver scheme, we can take care of all the required paperwork for you. You can apply online in just a few easy steps.
If you don’t choose a KiwiSaver scheme, you’ll be put into one of six default KiwiSaver funds, or into a scheme chosen by your employer if they have a preferred KiwiSaver provider.
When you’re automatically enrolled through your employer, you’ll have eight weeks to decide if you want to remain in KiwiSaver, or opt out.
If you’re aged under 18 you are also eligible to join KiwiSaver (other eligibility criteria applies - read more).
If you’re aged under 18 you won’t be able to apply online, however you can find the application form inside the product disclosure statement.
If you’re under 16, you can’t enrol yourself, you will need the consent of each of your parents or legal guardians. Alternatively, one Oranga Tamariki Guardian must sign. A Oranga Tamariki Guardian is a person appointed by an order under legislation and proof of guardianship is required to enrol someone in KiwiSaver.
If you’re 16 or 17, then you can complete the application form and you will need the consent of only one of your parents or legal guardians.
If you are 16-17 and have no parents/guardian you can also opt in.
Once you have decided to join KiwiSaver you cannot later opt out, however there are certain circumstances other than retirement when you might be able to access your savings. Read more about withdrawal options here.
Why KiwiSaver?
What will Summer need for a person aged under 18 to join?
|
Age of the applicant |
Who signs the application? |
What documents does Summer need? |
|
0-15 |
All parents or legal guardians |
Certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate* Completed Summer application form, including verification of identity for the applicant Parents or legal guardians must also complete the Verification of identity (Parent/legal guardian) section |
|
16-17 |
Applicant (minor) One parent/legal guardian |
Certified copy of the minor’s birth certificate* Completed Summer application form, including verification of identity for the applicant The parent or legal guardian who is signing the application must also complete the Verification of identity (Parent/legal guardian) section |
*Below we list those who can certify a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate:
If you’re aged under 18 you can’t opt into KiwiSaver through your employer, but if you have an after-school job and are a member of a KiwiSaver scheme, employee contributions will be deducted from your wages.
If you’re under 18 Employer contributions aren’t compulsory, however the employer may choose to make these. Government contributions will only apply from age 18.
If you want to top up your KiwiSaver account it’s easy to make voluntary contributions.
If you have any questions about the Summer KiwiSaver scheme, or KiwiSaver in general, please feel free to contact the Summer team on 0800 11 55 66 or send us a message.