New Zealand · KiwiSaver guide
Reducing or pausing KiwiSaver contributions
There are three different ways an employee may change what comes out of pay: choose a standard rate, use the temporary 3% reduction, or take a savings suspension. They have different durations and different effects on employer contributions.
Where to start
Name the mechanism before acting. A standard rate keeps contributions going, the temporary reduction lowers them to 3% for a limited period, and a savings suspension stops employee deductions for an approved period.
Key points
Standard rates keep contributions going
The ordinary employee choices are 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%.
Temporary reduction means 3%
The approved notice lasts 3 months to a year. A further reduction can be requested before it ends, and the employer may also reduce its contribution.
Savings suspension means no payroll deduction
After 12 months of membership, a suspension can generally run for 3 months to 1 year.
The wider effect still matters
Employer contributions, government-contribution outcomes and long-term savings can all change.
Compare the three mechanisms
The right official process depends on whether the aim is to change the ongoing rate, temporarily stay at 3%, or stop deductions for a period.
Comparison table: scroll sideways to read all columns. With a keyboard, focus the table and use the left and right arrow keys.
| Mechanism | Employee contribution | Key timing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate choice | 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% | Generally changeable once every 3 months unless the employer agrees sooner |
| Temporary rate reduction | 3% | The acceptance notice sets a period of 3 months to a year; a further reduction can be requested before it ends |
| Savings suspension | No employee deduction | Generally 3 months to 1 year after 12 months of membership; early applications have additional hardship requirements |
The temporary reduction keeps contributions going
The temporary reduction is not a pause. The employee continues contributing at 3%, and the employer can choose to match that reduced rate. The reduction lasts for the approved period shown in the acceptance notice. When that period ends, deductions return to the applicable rate unless a further valid arrangement applies. IRD allows another reduction to be requested before the current one ends, so approved periods can run back-to-back.
A savings suspension stops employee deductions
For members who have contributed and belonged to KiwiSaver for at least 12 months, IRD says a savings suspension can run from 3 months to 1 year and can be renewed. Employer contributions usually stop during the suspension unless the employment agreement says otherwise.
Check the wider effect
Lower or paused employee contributions can reduce the amount saved and may affect government-contribution outcomes. Employer treatment, employment agreements and voluntary payments can also change the result.
What to check next
- Check the current IRD mechanism and its effects before changing contributions.
- Check IRD before changing contributions.
- A household-budget decision may need a financial adviser conversation.
A useful next step
Read the contribution-rate guide
For advice about your personal circumstances: Finding licensed financial advice.
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Sources and dates
Information was checked on 29 September 2026. Open the current official page before relying on a rate, threshold, eligibility setting or process that may have changed.
Related guides
KiwiSaver contributions: current rates and recent changes
Understand contribution rates and the difference between a standard rate change and a temporary reduction.
Information checked: 29 September 2026
KiwiSaverUnderstanding the KiwiSaver government contribution
Understand the annual payment, eligibility conditions and the contribution period.
Information checked: 29 September 2026
KiwiSaverChanging your KiwiSaver provider or fund
Understand the difference between a provider move and a fund change.
Information checked: 29 September 2026
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