If you’ve moved to Australia, you have the choice to either keep your KiwiSaver with a New Zealand provider or transfer your KiwiSaver savings to an Australian complying scheme regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). You should check with your Australian provider first, as accepting KiwiSaver transfers is voluntary and not all Australian funds have opted to participate in the Trans-Tasman portability arrangements.
If you choose to transfer, you must transfer all of your KiwiSaver savings to Australia and you can do this at any time (there is no one-year stand-down).
You can transfer all of your savings in your KiwiSaver account, including Government Contributions and the $1,000 kick-start (if you were eligible).
Funds transferred to Australia are not eligible for a first-home purchase withdrawal.
You may not be able to access these funds until the New Zealand age of retirement.
If you choose to keep your KiwiSaver with a New Zealand provider, you won’t be eligible for the Government Contributions.
If you decide to return to New Zealand, you can re-join KiwiSaver, if you’re eligible.
Contact us directly by phone or email to discuss your situation.