The latest NZ financial resources for KiwiSaver, property, investing, budgeting, retirement, and insurance. Links to financial advisers & useful calculators. All in one place.
The latest updates on KiwiSaver, property, investing, and more. Sourced from financial media channels and resources published by reputable financial advisers.
New FMA research finds only 28% of New Zealanders accessed financial advice in the past year, with affordability (31%), not knowing where to begin (26%), and distrust of advisers (15%) as the top barriers. Despite 63% of Kiwis thinking about their finances at least weekly, significant gaps in access remain — particularly for Māori and Pasifika communities and lower-income households.
RBNZ Assistant Governor Karen Silk advises savers to compare deposit rates across institutions if banks fail to pass through OCR increases. She emphasises that monetary policy aims not only to curb borrowing demand but also to incentivise people to save more. The comments suggest savers should actively shop around to ensure they receive fair returns on their savings.
Banks' low equity mortgage lending is experiencing a significant surge, with some institutions advertising home loans with deposits as low as 5%. The trend raises questions about how far lending standards will relax before the Reserve Bank intervenes to maintain financial stability.
Hardship withdrawal numbers from KiwiSaver have increased rapidly in recent years, with more than half of applicants now being directed to explore alternative financial assistance options. The trend highlights growing financial pressure among KiwiSaver members facing hardship.
Outgoing National Party MP Andrew Bayly has proposed raising the superannuation age to 68 by 2065 through gradual monthly increases starting from 2029. The proposal includes provisions for early access for some eligible recipients. This policy would significantly affect retirement planning for New Zealanders over the coming decades.
David Chaston analyzes the variation in floating mortgage rate changes across major banks over the past two years, revealing differing approaches to interest rate movements. The analysis provides insight into how much and when different lenders adjusted rates for borrowers. This data helps consumers understand banking practices and their financial exposure.
Partners Group has agreed to acquire Fidelity Life for $630 million, consolidating the life insurance market and giving an Asian company a larger share of New Zealand's insurance sector. The deal represents a significant shift in the ownership structure of one of the country's established life insurers. This acquisition will materially reshape the competitive landscape in the local life insurance industry.
New Zealand median property values have fallen below $800,000 in August, marking five consecutive months of decline according to Cotality's Home Value Index. Elevated stock levels and rising mortgage rates are cited as key factors making buyers more cautious in the market.
Cam Harper argues that rising term deposit rates should not discourage investment decisions, as investors must consider liquidity, returns, and risk factors beyond current deposit offerings. The article provides guidance on weighing various investment options in the current rate environment.
The article examines the effective tax rate for retirees with limited savings, highlighting that those below a certain threshold may face a 100 percent effective tax rate on savings due to means-tested benefits. This raises questions about retirement savings strategies for lower-income renters.
Reserve Bank data shows $1.261 billion in new loans to borrowers with less than 20 percent equity or deposit in July 2026, approximately double the level from July 2019. This trend demonstrates increasing access to low-deposit lending for first-home buyers.
New Zealand's housing market is approaching its longest-ever period of flat price growth, with the current stretch nearing the 45-month record set between 1997 and mid-2001. The extended stagnation reflects broader challenges in the residential property market.
ASB customers reported seeing zero balances displayed in their KiwiSaver accounts, causing confusion among account holders. The issue appears to be a technical display problem rather than an actual loss of funds.
This article explains the differences between passive and active KiwiSaver fund styles, detailing their respective costs and performance characteristics in the New Zealand market. It provides guidance on which investment approach may be most suitable for different investors.
Rising interest rates have placed approximately 4,000 first-home buyers in negative equity, where they owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. This group has effectively lost half or more of their deposits due to the combination of higher borrowing costs and declining property values.
ANZ became the first bank to increase its floating home loan rates by the full 25 basis points following the Reserve Bank's OCR hike, with Westpac following shortly after. Some savings rates were also adjusted upward in response to the monetary policy decision.
A recent report indicates that allowing New Zealanders flexible choice over when to start receiving NZ Super could improve the affordability of the public pension scheme. This flexibility would enable individuals to make retirement timing decisions based on their personal circumstances.
AIA is planning to launch an annuities product in New Zealand, marking the company's expansion into the wealth management sector. Annuities provide retirees with a stream of guaranteed income in exchange for a lump sum investment.
Netsafe has identified a significant increase in bank impersonation scams during August, with fraudsters impersonating trusted financial institutions to deceive consumers. This type of fraud targets individuals by exploiting their trust in banking organisations.
The New Zealand housing market is entering spring with elevated inventory levels and declining asking prices, suggesting a buyer's market. High stock availability reflects softer demand and reduced selling pressure for homeowners.
House buyers now have 45 percent more homes to choose from compared to three years ago, according to Realestate.co.nz data. The significantly expanded selection reflects the changing dynamics of New Zealand's residential property market.
Analysis of household term deposit numbers reveals an 80/20 distribution pattern, with a concentration of deposits among larger account holders. Notably, smaller balance account holders are returning to term deposits as a savings option amid changing economic conditions.
Kernel Wealth has reached $5 billion in funds under management, establishing itself as a significant market disruptor, though the company has yet to achieve profitability. The growth reflects increasing investor engagement with digital investment platforms as an alternative to traditional wealth management.
New Zealand's mortgage debt levels have reached a sustainable point with only a minimal portion of borrowers in negative equity positions. However, broader economic indicators suggest ongoing weakness despite improvements in household debt sustainability.
Many SuperGold Card holders are unaware of available discounts despite hundreds of participating businesses offering them. Poor promotion of the card's benefits means senior cardholders are not maximising potential savings.
Metlifecare is developing a retirement community project in Whenuapai near the Royal New Zealand Air Force base. The location near an active airbase with potential aircraft noise and engine testing presents specific environmental considerations for the retirement development.
An investigation into KiwiSaver fee structures reveals that paying higher fees does not guarantee higher after-fee returns for investors. The analysis challenges the assumption that premium-priced KiwiSaver funds deliver superior performance to their lower-cost counterparts.
Many older New Zealanders are struggling to afford basic living expenses and advocates warn the situation is dire and unlikely to improve without more supportive government policies. The report highlights the financial pressures facing retirees in the current economic environment.
A survey of New Zealand investors found that only 10 percent believe rental property will deliver the best returns, signalling a significant shift in investment sentiment. The finding reflects changing attitudes towards property as a wealth-building vehicle amid market uncertainties.
Beyond standard building inspections and LIM reports, home buyers should conduct additional due diligence checks to protect their investment. The guide outlines critical steps that purchasers often overlook in the buying process.
Automatic saving mechanisms such as round-up programs and investback schemes help New Zealanders accumulate savings without requiring constant willpower or discipline. These tools integrate saving into everyday spending to reduce friction and boost long-term wealth accumulation.
Insurers collect substantial personal data from multiple sources to inform their business decisions and pricing. The article examines where insurers obtain this data and how they use it to assess risk and manage their portfolios.
Auction rooms have experienced their busiest period since early June, though this increased activity has not yet translated into improved sales rates. The uptick in auction numbers may signal the property market is beginning to recover from winter weakness.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis is leveraging investment policy reforms and KiwiSaver initiatives as key campaign messages ahead of the November election. The opinion piece examines how persuasive these policy positions may be with the business community.
Two smaller, nimble banks are gaining market share in the competitive home loan sector, while three larger rivals face headwinds. The analysis examines shifting dynamics in New Zealand's mortgage lending landscape during 2026.
Low rental yields are reducing the appeal of residential property investment, according to ANZ NZ analysis. The report highlights multiple headwinds currently affecting New Zealand's housing market.
Mary Holm provides financial guidance on a family's difficult situation of balancing retirement savings against mortgage repayment following a cancer diagnosis. The column addresses strategic financial decisions during health crises.
The number of properties rented in the June quarter increased almost 12%, though median rent remained unchanged from the previous quarter. This suggests renewed activity in the rental market despite flat pricing pressure.
Milford Asset Management's chief executive Blair Turnbull argued that addressing a potential retirement problem requires focusing on productivity as the foundation of savings. The comments were made during a panel discussion on longevity and superannuation.
Low equity mortgage approvals to first home buyers continue to grow, with the average price paid by first home buyers dropping to its lowest level in almost a year in July. This trend indicates continued reliance on high-ratio lending despite affordability challenges.
Australia's financial regulator has warned that artificial intelligence may facilitate home loan fraud more easily, following discoveries of potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in suspected fraudulent loans. This development has implications for mortgage lending practices in the region.
New Zealand's largest bank suggests that the financial benefits of home ownership are increasingly offset by rising costs, a shift from historical patterns. Economists expect house prices to end the year 1 percent below current levels before recovering with 2 percent growth next year.
Retirement village operator Summerset has increased deferred management fees from 25% to 30% for new residents, citing higher costs and increased expectations from residents. The fee increase affects those entering the company's retirement communities going forward.
New mortgage borrowing in July reached its lowest monthly level since February, declining 13% or approximately $1.2 billion year-on-year as property investors retreat from the market. The $7.9 billion in new commitments reflects broader softness in mortgage activity across the sector.
Housing affordability is improving for first-home buyers as falling house prices more than offset the impact of rising mortgage interest rates. This trend is particularly evident at the lower end of the property market where entry-level prices have declined.
The Treasury has increased Kiwi Bond interest rates for the first time in three years, raising returns for retail savers on this benchmark risk-free savings product. The move reflects changing monetary conditions in the New Zealand market.
KiwiSaver first-home buyer withdrawals in July fell 15% compared to the same month last year, indicating softer demand in the property market. The broader economic overview also covered bank net interest margins and other key indicators.
AMP has launched AI-powered advice for KiwiSaver designed to reach customers who might not otherwise access personalised financial guidance. The technology aims to expand the market by making advisory services more accessible to a broader audience.
A property data company has recorded seven consecutive months in which fewer homes sold compared to the previous year, indicating sustained weakness in the residential real estate market. This prolonged slowdown reflects ongoing challenges in the housing sector.
Former Gloriavale residents have filed a $40 million claim alleging they were denied basic employment entitlements including wages, holiday pay, KiwiSaver contributions, and parental leave. The claim highlights significant gaps in financial protections and retirement savings for members of the community.
Meridian Energy has posted a solid profit as favourable weather conditions with abundant wind and rain reversed the previous year's drought-driven losses. The turnaround reflects improved operational conditions for the renewable energy generator.
Early KiwiSaver withdrawals totalled $260.1 million in July, with the majority of funds directed towards first home purchases. This represents part of the ongoing trend of KiwiSaver members accessing their savings for property acquisition.
Lynda Moore discusses the risks of using debt to bridge the gap between expenses and income rather than addressing the underlying imbalance. She advises listeners to recognise and respond to the financial signal when spending exceeds earnings.
Statistics NZ's retail trade survey found seasonally adjusted retail sales volumes fell 0.5% in the June quarter, the first quarterly decline since December 2024, reflecting squeezed household budgets. The decline signals consumer spending pressures amid ongoing economic challenges.
Koura founder Rupert Carlyon reports that KiwiSaver switching activity has increased significantly over the last three months. The heightened switching activity reflects member interest in repositioning their KiwiSaver investments.
The government is considering tightening wholesale investment rules due to concerns that current rules are too permissive. A report warns the proposed changes could attract significant pushback from the investment industry.
KiwiSaver members should approach AI recommendations for provider selection with caution, according to an AI marketing specialist. The article examines the limitations of algorithmic decision-making in choosing between KiwiSaver providers.
People over 65 now contribute 15 percent of all personal taxes, a growing share of the tax burden. Economists note that despite this rising contribution, it will not be sufficient to help balance the government's books.
As interest rates have risen, term deposit rates have gradually increased as well. The article questions whether term deposits remain an optimal investment choice for savers in the current interest rate environment.
KiwiSaver switches to another provider jumped 57% year-on-year in June, suggesting increased member activity. Experts caution against chasing top-performing funds, as past performance does not guarantee future results and frequent switching can undermine long-term investment strategy.
Some essential food items have increased in price twice as fast as wages have risen over the past 10 years. This analysis highlights affordability challenges for New Zealand households managing their grocery budgets.