Find your ideal KiwiSaver fund
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with the most suitable KiwiSaver funds from across the NZ market.
Question 1 of 5
How old are you?
Your age helps determine the ideal fund type. Younger investors have more time to ride out market fluctuations.
How the KiwiSaver fund finder works
The RatePal fund finder analyses your personal situation across five key factors and matches you with the most suitable KiwiSaver funds from across the NZ market. Here's how each factor shapes your recommendation.
Step 1 — Your age and time horizon
Your age is the single biggest factor in choosing the right fund type. The more years you have until retirement (or a first-home withdrawal), the more risk you can afford to take — because you have time to ride out market downturns and benefit from long-term growth.
30+ years to retirement. Growth or aggressive funds are typically recommended — higher short-term volatility but significantly higher long-term returns.
10–35 years to go. Balanced to growth funds suit most people in this range, shifting more conservatively as retirement approaches.
Approaching or in retirement. Conservative or defensive funds help protect your balance from large market drops when you need it most.
Step 2 — Your risk tolerance
The finder combines your age with your personal comfort level around risk. Together these two factors determine the recommended fund type — for example, a young investor with high risk tolerance is matched to aggressive funds, while the same age with low tolerance might see balanced or conservative-balanced options.
Keep it safe
Recommends funds 1–2 risk levels below the default for your age. Lower expected returns, but smoother ride with fewer surprises.
Balanced
The middle ground — the fund type most commonly recommended for your age group. Accepts moderate fluctuations in exchange for reasonable growth.
Go for growth
Pushes toward more aggressive fund types. Higher expected returns over decades, but your balance could drop 15–30% in a bad year.
Tip — risk tolerance vs risk capacity
Risk tolerance is how you feel about ups and downs. Risk capacity is how much you can afford to lose without affecting your plans. A 25-year-old might be nervous about market drops (low tolerance) but has decades to recover (high capacity). The finder accounts for both through the age × risk matrix.
Step 3 — Ethical and ESG preference
If you choose ESG, the finder filters for funds that screen out investments in fossil fuels, weapons, tobacco, gambling and other controversial industries. ESG funds are scored significantly higher, while non-ESG funds are penalised in the ranking to ensure your values are reflected in the results.
Do ESG funds perform worse?
Not necessarily. Many NZ ESG KiwiSaver funds have performed in line with or ahead of their non-ESG peers over the past five years. The main trade-off is a slightly narrower investment universe, which can mean less diversification — but for most investors the difference is minimal.
Step 4 — First home plans
Planning to use KiwiSaver for a first home deposit? The finder prioritises funds that are eligible for the KiwiSaver first home withdrawal scheme. Funds that aren't eligible are penalised in the ranking so they don't appear near the top of your results.
First home withdrawal — what you need to know
After 3 years of KiwiSaver membership, you can withdraw your full balance minus $1,000 to put toward your first home. You may also qualify for the Kāinga Ora First Home Grant — up to $5,000 for existing homes or $10,000 for new builds. Check eligibility at kaingaora.govt.nz.
Step 5 — Fee vs performance priority
The final question fine-tunes the ranking within your recommended fund type. Choosing "lowest fees" boosts low-cost funds to the top. Choosing "best performance" rewards funds with strong 5-year returns — even if they charge more. The balanced option blends both signals.
Lowest fees
Funds are ranked by management fee (lowest first). A 0.30% fund on a $50,000 balance costs $150/year vs $750 for a 1.50% fund — that $600 difference compounds significantly.
Best performance
Funds are ranked by historical 5-year returns. Past performance isn't a guarantee of future results, but consistent long-term returns can indicate a well-managed fund.
Fees vs returns — which matters more?
Over the long term, fees are the most reliable predictor of net returns. High-fee funds need to consistently outperform just to break even with cheaper alternatives. For most KiwiSaver members, a low-fee fund in the right category will deliver better outcomes than chasing last year's top performer.
How the fund matching score is calculated
Every fund receives a composite score based on five weighted factors. The fund type match (determined by your age and risk answers) carries the most weight, followed by ESG alignment and first-home eligibility filters, then fee or performance preference. The top 5 funds by total score are shown as your personalised recommendations.
- Fund type match
- Highest weight — funds matching your recommended type score highest
- ESG alignment
- ESG funds are boosted if you prefer ethical investing; non-ESG funds are penalised
- First home eligibility
- Non-eligible funds are penalised if you plan to buy a first home
- Fee efficiency
- Lower management fees add points when you prioritise fees
- Historical returns
- Strong 5-year returns add points when you prioritise performance
Frequently asked questions
How does the KiwiSaver fund finder work?
The fund finder asks 5 questions about your age, risk tolerance, ESG preference, first-home plans and fee priority. Based on your answers, it recommends the most suitable fund types and ranks individual funds by a composite fit score.
Is the fund finder financial advice?
No. The fund finder provides general guidance only, not personalised financial advice. Consider speaking with a licensed financial adviser before making KiwiSaver decisions.
How often should I review my KiwiSaver fund choice?
It's a good idea to review your fund at least once a year, or after major life changes such as buying a home, changing jobs, or approaching retirement. Use the fund finder to check whether your current fund still suits your situation.
Can I switch KiwiSaver funds based on the recommendation?
Yes — switching KiwiSaver providers is free and takes 10–20 business days. Simply sign up with the new provider and they handle the transfer. There are no break fees or lock-in periods. Compare funds side by side on the KiwiSaver comparison page.
Why does the finder recommend different fund types for different ages?
Younger investors have more time to recover from market downturns, so they can afford higher-risk (higher-return) funds. As you approach retirement, protecting your balance becomes more important — so the finder shifts recommendations toward conservative and defensive fund types.