Retirement in New Zealand: NZ Super eligibility and rates, the SuperGold Card and KiwiSaver withdrawals
The main retirement income in New Zealand is NZ Super. You can apply once you reach the qualifying age and have lived in New Zealand for the required number of years, and the rate depends on whether you are single or a couple and who you live with. People on NZ Super get a SuperGold Card automatically, with free off-peak public transport. KiwiSaver savings can be withdrawn at the retirement withdrawal age.
Who can get NZ Super?
NZ Super (New Zealand Superannuation)
You must reach the qualifying age and have lived in New Zealand for the required years.
- Age you can get it: 65 and over↗
- Overall residence rule: From age 20, you must have lived in New Zealand for the required number of years. This must include 5 years after age 50. The years do not need to be in a row.↗
- Who the new rules apply to: The new residence requirements apply to people who turn 65 on or after 1 July 2024↗
How do I apply, and how much is it?
NZ Super (New Zealand Superannuation)
You can apply ahead of time; it is paid fortnightly and reduced by overseas pensions.
- Earliest time to apply: Within 12 weeks before your 65th birthday, or once you are 65↗
- Single, living alone (or with dependent children): NZ$1,294.74 every two weeks before tax (NZ$1,110.30 after tax on tax code M)↗
- Couple / partners, both eligible: NZ$984.28 each, every two weeks before tax (NZ$854.08 after tax on tax code M)↗
- Overseas pensions: For every $1 of overseas pension you get, your New Zealand payment goes down by $1↗
What does the SuperGold Card give me?
SuperGold Card for people aged 65 and over
It is free, sent automatically to people on NZ Super, and gives free off-peak public transport.
- Who can get it: People aged 65 and over. The card does not expire.↗
- Cost: Free↗
- If you get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension: Work and Income posts the card to you automatically after approval. This usually takes a few weeks. If you applied before your 65th birthday, it may take one to two months.↗
- Free public transport times (most regions): Weekdays 9am–3pm, and from 6:30pm until the last service. All day on weekends and public holidays.↗
When can I withdraw my KiwiSaver?
KiwiSaver retirement savings
You can withdraw it at the retirement withdrawal age, or for a first home.
Common questions
How do I apply for NZ Super?
You can apply once you reach the qualifying age and meet the residence requirement. Age you can get it: 65 and over. Earliest time to apply: Within 12 weeks before your 65th birthday, or once you are 65. Overall residence rule: From age 20, you must have lived in New Zealand for the required number of years. This must include 5 years after age 50. The years do not need to be in a row.
How much is NZ Super?
It is paid fortnightly, and the rate depends on whether you are single or a couple and who you live with. Single, living alone (or with dependent children): NZ$1,294.74 every two weeks before tax (NZ$1,110.30 after tax on tax code M). Couple / partners, both eligible: NZ$984.28 each, every two weeks before tax (NZ$854.08 after tax on tax code M).
How do I get a SuperGold Card?
People on NZ Super get one automatically, and others can apply. If you get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension: Work and Income posts the card to you automatically after approval. This usually takes a few weeks. If you applied before your 65th birthday, it may take one to two months. If you do not get NZ Super: You can apply with a form if you are 65 or over and a New Zealand resident. Cost: Free.
Does an overseas pension affect NZ Super?
Yes. Overseas pensions: For every $1 of overseas pension you get, your New Zealand payment goes down by $1.
Answers are based on the verified content of this page — the official source always prevails.
Which guides and official sources is this based on?
NZ Super is a pension the government pays every two weeks to people aged 65 and over. Your income and assets do not matter. To get it, you must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a residence class visa. You must also have lived in New Zealand for a set number of years. The later you were born, the more years you need, up to a maximum of 20 years.
The SuperGold Card is a free card for people aged 65 and over, and it does not expire. In many regions it gives you free public transport at off-peak times. It also gives you discounts at participating businesses. If you get NZ Super, you receive the card automatically once your NZ Super is approved. If you are 65 or over and a New Zealand resident but do not get NZ Super, you can still apply.
KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary, work-based retirement savings scheme. You save part of your pay before tax, and your employer and the government also add money to your account. You usually cannot take the money out until you are 65. You can take it out earlier in some cases, such as buying your first home. From 1 April 2026, the default contribution rate went up from 3% to 3.5%.
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The AI answers using this guide and official New Zealand government websites.