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.
Auckland-based fund manager Pie Funds, which has $2.5 billion under management, is entering the adviser channel for the first time and has appointed Marc Grigg as distribution manager to lead the expansion. Chief executive Ana-Marie Lockyer said KiwiSaver is "no longer a set-and-forget savings product" and that advisers play a critical role in helping members make informed decisions.
Westpac became the first bank to lift floating mortgage rates after the Reserve Bank's 25 basis point OCR increase to 2.5%, raising its Choices Floating rate to 6.14% and passing on the increase in full. Kiwibank followed with its own floating rate rising to 6.00% from 27 July. The full pass-through contrasts with 2025, when banks were slower to pass on OCR cuts to floating borrowers.
Toi Foundation, which owns TSB Bank, will reopen public consultation on its proposed $620 million merger with Heartland Group Holdings after miscalculating the original 28-day consultation period by one day. The new consultation opens 10 July, with a decision expected in August and deal completion still targeted for December 2026; 1,203 submissions were received during the initial round.
RBNZ chief economist Paul Conway says economic growth doesn't depend solely on house prices, which remain 16.2% below their late-2021 peak with big regional variation — Wellington down 27.7%, Canterbury down just 1.1%. Building consents hit their highest annual level since October 2023, which Conway said points to the earlier housing shortage having been resolved despite ongoing price weakness.
Economists say the Reserve Bank's OCR increase to 2.5% was already priced into financial markets, so fixed mortgage rates are unlikely to rise immediately even as floating rates track the OCR up. The hike is intended to stop financial conditions loosening too far rather than sharply tighten borrowing costs, and OCR changes typically take around 18 months to fully flow through to the economy.
Barfoot & Thompson reports that rental enquiries, applications and new tenancies eased across Auckland in June as winter typically slows activity, though demand remains stronger than a year earlier. The seasonal cooling gives tenants a little more room to negotiate compared with the market's peak periods.
QV's House Price Index shows average dwelling values fell 0.4% in the June quarter to $906,443, now down 14.8% from the 2022 peak. Twelve of the 20 largest urban areas recorded declines, though Canterbury and Southland bucked the trend with modest gains. QV attributed the slowdown to weaker economic conditions, an abundance of listings, and buyer hesitation amid political and economic uncertainty.
Leading economists argue means-testing NZ Super could address the scheme's long-term sustainability, noting 9% of over-65s earn more than $100,000 a year yet all qualify for the full payment. Westpac's chief economist estimates Australian-style means-testing could cut Super spending by around a third, though both major political parties currently oppose the idea.
New rental listings rose 10% to 6,729 in June even as overall rental stock stayed flat at 8,426 properties, down just 0.8% on a year ago, with the national average asking rent unchanged at $636 a week. Realestate.co.nz's chief executive said some of the rise in new listings reflects homeowners moving overseas and choosing to rent out their properties rather than sell.
The article looks at the less obvious costs of credit card use, including fees and charges that can add up beyond the visible interest rate. It highlights how these costs can catch cardholders out if they aren't closely tracking how they use the card, and is a reminder for NZ consumers to weigh up credit card costs against alternatives.
The three-bedroom house completed by contestants Chloe Hes and Ben Speedy on the final season of The Block NZ is back on the market four years after its auction win. The listing offers a look at how the reality TV-renovated property has been maintained and valued since the show.
ESG investing faces political backlash, with major banks exiting net-zero alliances and hundreds of funds dropping ESG branding, but the underlying investment discipline remains intact. Despite the controversy, 48 of the world's 50 largest asset managers still use ESG data, and the piece argues the core value of assessing environmental, social and governance risk persists regardless of the contested label.
A gym owner was hit with a catch-up power bill of more than $93,000 after a faulty meter had been estimating usage for an extended period. Utilities Disputes' annual report shows electricity complaints rose 62% to 13,554, with unexpected large bills and solar contract termination fees among the most common issues raised.
Bremworth's proposed takeover by Floorscape has collapsed after shareholders representing 38% of the company opposed the deal, leading the board to halt negotiations before a shareholder vote could be held. Chair Rob Hewett said the board would engage with the shareholders who opposed the sale, as Bremworth faces tough trading conditions and expects to be unprofitable in the second half of 2026.
Westpac estimates lifting women's business ownership could add $10 billion a year to the NZ economy, with female-led firms currently making up under a third of businesses and receiving less than 3% of venture capital in 2024. The bank is partnering with coaching service re:ampd to mentor 500 women business customers over 12 months as part of a $100 million startup lending commitment.
A YouGov survey commissioned by Sharesies found 80% of NZ workers would consider accepting shares as part of their pay, but nearly two-thirds don't understand how employee share schemes work. Half of respondents said they're more open to alternative forms of remuneration than five years ago, with Sharesies saying more investor education is needed to lift participation.
Proposed Building Act reforms would split liability for defective construction among responsible parties instead of holding all parties jointly liable, but the plan relies on insurers voluntarily entering the market without government guarantees. Apartment buildings four storeys or higher would be excluded from mandatory insurance requirements, potentially leaving those homeowners exposed if builders fail.
The Reserve Bank decides Wednesday whether to raise the Official Cash Rate from 2.25%, with major banks split on the call — ANZ and BNZ picking a 0.25% hike, while ASB, Westpac and Kiwibank expect a hold. Economists describe it as a genuine "nail biter." Regardless of Wednesday's outcome, most banks expect rates to trend higher this year, meaning mortgage holders should brace for rising borrowing costs while savers may see improved deposit returns.
Economist Brian Easton traces KiwiSaver's roots back to Labour's 1974 occupational pension scheme, noting National initially opposed earnings-related retirement savings before a 1996 referendum on an alternative scheme was rejected by 92.8% of voters. The modern KiwiSaver Act was passed by the Clark-Cullen government in 2006. Easton notes National has since reversed its historical opposition and is now proposing to extend the scheme.
Panellists at a Mercer conference said KiwiSaver members lack sufficient guidance during the "decumulation phase" when accessing their funds from age 65. New Zealand's pension system ranked 17th globally with a B grade but scored below average on income adequacy. Experts suggested decoupling the age for accessing KiwiSaver from NZ Super eligibility to give retirees more flexibility.
Auckland's construction industry may need to expand capacity by around 20% over the next two years to keep pace with rising building consents, analysis shows. Consents and completions have been roughly in balance since mid-2025, with 16,862 dwellings consented in the year to May 2026 versus 14,010 completed. Failure to lift capacity risks recreating the gap between consented and completed homes seen between 2022 and 2025.
The NZX 50 hit an all-time high, climbing 1.1% to 13,763.1 points in quiet school holiday trading, led by a 2% gain in infrastructure investor Infratil after its CDC data centre stake jumped 24% in value. Vista Group rose 6.5% on an "outperform" rating, while carpet maker Bremworth fell almost 16% after its largest shareholder opposed a proposed sale. The NZ dollar eased to 56.89 US cents ahead of this week's Reserve Bank rate decision.
The piece sets out three rules to help investors avoid sabotaging their own portfolios during volatile markets. It argues that planning ahead for moments of temptation, rather than relying on willpower in the moment, is key to sticking with a long-term investment strategy. It's aimed at everyday KiwiSaver and share investors navigating market ups and downs.
Household interest spending fell for a fifth consecutive quarter, with Westpac economist Satish Ranchhold saying further big falls in borrowing costs aren't expected for the rest of the year. Financial asset values rose 3.3% annually while residential property values slipped 0.5%. Household disposable income grew about 5% year-on-year, driven mainly by stronger farming and business earnings.
A New Zealand woman received a $2,600 payout after her insurer initially declined her claim for a lost phone and glasses on a cruise ship, arguing the ship counted as a "public place" under a policy exclusion. Financial Services Complaints Ltd intervened, questioning whether a privately operated cruise ship with restricted access met that definition. The case shows insurance policy wording can be open to interpretation and worth challenging.
Rewiring Aotearoa's Mike Casey says solar panels shouldn't necessarily be the first step in electrifying a home, and households could save around $3000 a year by sequencing changes such as switching from gas or petrol before adding solar. The best starting point varies by household — an EV, heat pump water heater or heating upgrade may pay off faster depending on usage. Over a 30-year loan term, solar can still return around $60,000 in savings as energy costs rise.
A gig economy worker had his account earnings cleaned out after a scammer contacted him late at night and tricked him into handing over account access. The case is a reminder that scammers frequently target people when they're tired or distracted, using urgency to bypass normal caution. It highlights the growing risk of account takeover fraud facing gig and platform workers in NZ.
BNZ has cut a number of staff perks, including waivers on home loan low-equity premiums and certain account fees, prompting complaints from the Workers First union that benefits built up over years are being eroded. The union says resources are increasingly shifting toward executives and shareholders rather than frontline staff. Rival banks including ASB and Westpac still offer packages covering leave, health insurance, banking discounts, KiwiSaver and wellbeing programmes.
A reader asks whether a local council library can legally refuse cash payments, and Consumer NZ's chief executive explains that businesses can generally decline cash provided customers are given clear notice. Public service organisations like libraries may carry a moral obligation to accept it, and Reserve Bank guidance suggests cash should be accepted for debt payments such as overdue fines. The response highlights ongoing tension between the shift to digital payments and cash acceptance rules.
Residential auction activity fell to its second-lowest weekly level of 2026 in the week to 3 July, with only 263 properties offered and 90 selling under the hammer for a 34% clearance rate. Just over half of the properties that sold achieved prices at or above their rating valuations. The figures point to continued subdued conditions in the auction segment of the housing market heading into winter.
The Reserve Bank has found ANZ New Zealand, the country's largest bank, in material breach of outsourcing policy requirements that require systemically important banks to operate independently of their service providers. Multiple compliance issues around backup arrangements and oversight were identified between April 2024 and September 2025, though none had a financial impact. ANZ says it has resolved the backup arrangement issue and is running a remediation programme to strengthen its processes.
Confusing and inconsistent council rules mean living legally in a tiny home on wheels in New Zealand can be difficult, leaving owners exposed to complaints and costly disputes. The lack of clear national standards creates uncertainty for people drawn to tiny homes as an affordable housing option. The piece highlights a gap between the popularity of tiny living and the regulatory framework governing it.
A personal finance column argues that New Zealand workers need a more clear-eyed, self-reliant approach to navigating today's uncertain economic conditions. It suggests that waiting for conditions to improve isn't a strategy, and that individuals need to take practical action regardless of broader economic uncertainty. The piece frames financial resilience as something workers must build themselves rather than expect from employers or the economy.
Ranfurly is highlighted as an affordable entry point to the Central Otago region, offering property values well below those of nearby tourist hotspots. The town is positioned as retaining an "old-school NZ" character while giving buyers access to the wider region at a fraction of the cost. It adds to a series of profiles on New Zealand towns offering more accessible property prices.
Standard delivery fees for online shopping in New Zealand have risen from an average of $9.70 to $10, while express delivery costs jumped from $14.10 to $17.42. Retailers are also increasingly charging restocking fees on returns, with examples ranging from 15% to 20% of the item's value. The findings suggest online shopping is becoming more expensive even as roughly half of shoppers say they'd hesitate to buy from retailers that don't offer free returns.
Personal finance columnist Mary Holm examines proposals to widen KiwiSaver coverage, weighing the pros and cons of moving toward a more compulsory scheme. She highlights groups who risk being left behind under current settings, including those who don't contribute regularly. The piece feeds into the wider debate over how to make retirement savings work for all New Zealanders.
A look at including pets in family estate planning, prompted by one owner's decision to formally provide for her cats in her will. Lawyers note that without clear instructions, what happens to a pet after an owner's death can be left uncertain. The piece is a reminder that wills can cover more than just money and property.
New survey data finds that around four in 10 New Zealanders would need to borrow if faced with an unexpected $5,000 expense, underlining how thin many households' financial buffers are. The findings reinforce the importance of building an emergency fund to avoid falling into debt when a crisis hits. The piece includes benchmarks so readers can compare their own resilience.
Planning experts have criticised former PM Helen Clark's opposition to an Auckland housing intensification plan, arguing her stance amounts to NIMBYism. The debate highlights ongoing tension between heritage and neighbourhood-character concerns and the push to increase housing density in Auckland. It adds a prominent voice to the wider argument over how the city should grow.
A look at whether it's still possible to buy a liveable home in New Zealand for under $300,000, and where those properties are located. The soft housing market has widened options at the bottom of the price range, offering an entry point for cash-strapped first-home buyers. The piece surveys the trade-offs buyers face at that price point.
The Public Service Association has warned that National's pledge to lift employer KiwiSaver contributions could cost the Crown billions of dollars, given its scale as an employer. National disputes the union's cost projections. The disagreement highlights the fiscal stakes involved in proposals to boost KiwiSaver contribution rates.
Auckland's largest real estate agency recorded its strongest June sales volume since 2021, a sign of improving buyer activity heading into winter. However, the median selling price dropped $40,000 from May, showing that increased sales activity hasn't yet translated into price gains. The figures point to a market where volume and price are moving in opposite directions.
TSB's chairman says the bank's board supports a proposed sale to Heartland Group, arguing the deal would accelerate the bank's future direction. The endorsement follows a public consultation process that produced a wide range of feedback from customers and the community. The proposed sale is a significant development for one of New Zealand's remaining customer-owned banks.
New analysis shows properties in flood-prone areas are increasing in value faster than comparable homes outside flood zones, contrary to expectations that climate risk would suppress prices. Analysts suggest buyers are being drawn in by lower purchase prices, effectively offsetting the perceived risk. The trend raises questions about how well property values reflect long-term climate exposure.
Companies Office data shows business insolvencies have continued rising month-on-month after an initial spike, though the pattern may reflect a natural market correction rather than a broader economic crisis. Commentators note that weaker firms exiting the market can free up resources and improve overall business conditions over time. The data adds context to ongoing debate about the health of the NZ economy.
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer has defended the government’s stalled plan to ban card surcharges, saying the delay is a matter of timing rather than the policy being abandoned. Surcharges added to card payments have been a persistent consumer cost complaint in New Zealand. The comments suggest the ban remains under consideration despite not yet being implemented.
A new report finds most New Zealanders feel confident making financial decisions, but many still lack enough savings to cover their expenses if their income stopped. The findings highlight a gap between people’s sense of financial capability and their actual financial resilience. Researchers say the disconnect points to a need for stronger savings habits alongside financial confidence.
Residential building consents rose 19% in the year to May 2026, with almost 40,000 new homes consented nationwide, while non-residential consents continued to decline. The growth suggests renewed confidence in housing supply even as the wider property market remains subdued. The data offers an early signal of future housing stock additions.
The government’s operating deficit is tracking about $3 billion better than forecast in this year’s Budget, driven by stronger-than-expected tax receipts and lower spending. The improved fiscal position could ease pressure on future budget decisions, though officials caution the gains may not be sustained. The figures come amid ongoing debate over how to fund rising superannuation and KiwiSaver costs.
Auckland and Queenstown accounted for most of New Zealand’s ten highest-value property sales so far this year, with the top sale reaching $23 million. Other towns also recorded high-value transactions, showing pockets of strength at the luxury end of the market even as overall prices remain soft. The list offers a snapshot of where premium property demand is holding up.
Harbour Asset Management has launched a new global equities fund combining three active managers — Acadian Asset Management, Antipodes Partners, and T. Rowe Price — to reduce concentration risk from heavy exposure to US markets and technology stocks. A fourth quality-focused manager is expected to join later. The fund will be offered in both NZD-hedged and unhedged versions for New Zealand investors.
The Financial Markets Authority has formally taken over regulation of consumer lending from the Commerce Commission under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. Existing certified lenders automatically transfer to FMA licensing with no fees or reapplication required. The FMA says it will take a risk-based approach, focusing on lending practices, suitability assessments, and conflicts of interest.
A Dunedin woman with around $90,000 saved in KiwiSaver says she still faces a difficult path to homeownership because of restrictive first-home withdrawal rules. Her case highlights how sizeable KiwiSaver balances don’t always translate into affordable access to housing under current settings. It adds to wider debate about whether KiwiSaver withdrawal rules need updating to reflect the realities of the housing market.
A Financial Services Council survey shows the share of New Zealanders who hold investments has fallen from 77% in 2020 to 68% in 2026, as cost-of-living pressures crowd out long-term saving. KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals have also surged, rising from 19,270 in 2019 to 60,380 in 2026. The findings suggest many Kiwis are prioritising immediate financial needs over building investment wealth.
Ethical investment manager Pathfinder says demand for responsible investing keeps growing, but existing ethical screens haven’t caught up with new questions raised by artificial intelligence. Chief executive John Berry points to AI’s role in weapons systems and its environmental footprint as emerging concerns for ethical investors. He says fund managers will need to update their criteria as AI becomes more embedded in the companies they invest in.
The Public Service Association warns that National’s plan to make KiwiSaver compulsory and lift contribution rates carries an unfunded cost of $4.5 billion over five years, as the government has not budgeted for higher employer contributions to existing members’ accounts. PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons called it “irresponsible” to leave election promises unfunded, warning public agencies would need to absorb the cost through service cuts. National’s finance spokesperson disputed this, saying departments can manage the change through budget planning.
New Zealand’s national property values fell 0.2% in June, with Auckland recording the steepest monthly decline of any major centre at $4,854. Prices are down 9% nationally over the past year and remain 17.5% below their 2022 peak, and economists are divided on whether the market has bottomed. Some suggest a period of “house price stasis” could persist through the rest of 2026.
Cotality’s Home Value Index shows New Zealand’s median dwelling value fell 0.2% in June to $806,512, down 0.9% year-on-year and 17.5% below its 2022 peak. Auckland and Wellington showed continued weakness while Hamilton and Christchurch posted gains. Cotality’s chief economist said housing conditions remain tilted in buyers’ favour, with little chance of runaway price growth anytime soon.
ASB has adjusted its fixed home loan rates to match competitors, with its three-year rate at 5.29% and five-year rate at 5.49%, erasing the pricing advantage it previously held on shorter terms. The bank also cut term deposit rates by 10–25 basis points, dropping its five-year offer below 5%, as wholesale swap rates fell around 15 basis points. Borrowers are advised to keep comparing lenders rather than assuming any one bank holds a lasting rate edge.
The IMF’s latest consultation mission has flagged New Zealand’s rising superannuation costs as a fiscal risk requiring reform to both NZ Super settings and KiwiSaver. The Fund recommended increasing KiwiSaver contribution rates and boosting scheme membership, alongside possible revenue measures such as a capital gains tax or land value tax to spread the fiscal adjustment. The findings add to growing pressure on political parties to address the affordability of retirement income settings.
Try selecting a different category.