UniSaver investment options already have a reduced exposure to carbon and an increased exposure to renewables relative to benchmark due to an allocation to the Russell Investments Sustainable Global Shares Fund (read more here [external link]). We have introduced a new investment option that takes this a step further. The new option – called Growth (Lower Carbon) – is invested 80% in an equity fund that, relative to the fund index, targets a reduction in carbon exposure, an increase in exposure to renewable energy and the exclusion of companies with fossil fuel reserves or a significant involvement in fossil fuel activities. The remaining 20% is invested in global bonds. Pānui ētahi / read more

“It’s time in the market, not timing the market, that matters”

Share prices, as measured by indices like the S&P 500, have ticked up since April but are still well below February’s peak and remain volatile. The volatility experienced this year is not unusual by historical standards. For example, in March 2020, share prices as measured by the S&P 500 index jumped by as much as 9.38% in a single day and fell as much as 11.98%. Given the current market volatility, we think it’s worth illustrating the danger of trying to time the market either by moving to a more conservative or higher-risk option. It is wiser to make a choice based on your long-term goals and stay the course. Pānui ētahi anō / read more

Investment switches do not happen in real time even if you make the change online. If you decide to change your current investment, your account balance will be valued based on the unit price for the day you request the change, which is typically known two business days later. Your online account shows an estimated balance based on the latest available unit price which could be two days old, so your balance will always be different at the time your switch (or withdrawal) takes effect. The value of your holdings may have increased or decreased when the change is processed. This is something to be aware of and important to consider particularly during times of increased market volatility.

Mercer, our administration manager, has moved to a new sign in system that uses a combination of an email address and password. The first time you sign in to your account, you’ll be required to follow a once-only authentication process. First, you’ll be required to enter your membership number, date of birth and email address. Then, you’ll be prompted to set up your security methods: email, password and mobile phone number. This allows for multi-factor authentication, which provides an additional layer of security. For example, if you attempt to sign in from a new device, we’ll send a verification code by email or SMS just to make sure it’s you. Check our question and answer page or contact the helpline if you have trouble with the authentication process. 

Updated 25 March 2025

We have received a number of requests from members asking us to divest in Israeli companies as well as international companies listed by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement led by the Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC).

UniSaver invests in securities selected by its investment consultant and manager Russell Investments under broad guidance set out in our statement of investment policy and objectives [external link]. We require Russell Investments to comply with New Zealand government sanctions when making investment decisions. As New Zealand is a United Nations (UN) member state, this includes sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council. There are currently no New Zealand sanctions against Israel.

Russell Investments' 10th Annual ESG Manager Survey offers a deep dive into the global trends shaping sustainable investing. By gathering insights from investment managers across the globe, this survey has become a critical tool for understanding the evolving landscape of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing. Pānui ētahi anō / read more

Employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) is deducted from employer contributions before they are paid to UniSaver. The tax rate depends on your personal income. ESCT is not applied in the same tiered way as personal income tax rates and only one rate applies to the total amount of the employer contribution. Income thresholds for the various ESCT rates changed on 1 April 2025. See the tax and fees page for the new thresholds.

It's been widely reported in the New Zealand media that cost of living pressures have seen a rise in the number of significant financial hardship applications from KiwiSaver members. We’ve noticed a similar trend.

From age 65, you can withdraw some or all of your savings in the standard and locked sections of UniSaver. Here are your options.

We will pay your benefit to your legal personal representative(s) if you die while you are an active member of UniSaver or while you are entitled to a deferred benefit from the scheme.

Your benefit is not paid automatically when you leave work. You need to fill in form12 leaving form [PDF, 121 KB] in order to access your savings.