Bringing Your KiwiSaver to Australia: What You Need to Know

If you have packed up life in New Zealand and settled in Australia, chances are your KiwiSaver account is still sitting across the ditch. One of the first questions we often hear is:

👉 “Can I transfer my KiwiSaver to my Australian super?”

The good news is yes you can thanks to a special arrangement between Australia and New Zealand called the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability agreement. But before you dive in, there are a few rules and watchouts to keep in mind.

Who Can Transfer KiwiSaver to Australia?

If you have made a permanent move to Australia, you may be eligible to transfer your entire KiwiSaver balance across.

Here is what you need to know:

• You must transfer the whole balance. Partial transfers are not allowed.

• The receiving fund must be an APRA regulated Australian super fund that accepts KiwiSaver transfers.

• Self Managed Super Funds are not allowed to accept KiwiSaver money.

Which Australian Funds Accept KiwiSaver Transfers?

As at 2025, only a small group of funds accept KiwiSaver transfers.

Check in with us for your go to options where we can compare fees and long-term performance. If you want to transfer your KiwiSaver, it has to go to one of the specified funds.

What Happens to Your KiwiSaver Once It Arrives?

When your KiwiSaver arrives in Australia:

• It will sit inside your account as a KiwiSaver component, kept separate from your Australian super.

• It will still follow New Zealand rules. You cannot access it until at least age 65, even if your Australian super becomes available earlier.

• If you switch funds later, you can only move it to another KiwiSaver accepting APRA fund.

Bring Your Kiwi Saver Over: Things to Think About Before You Transfer

• Tax rules: Transfers are generally tax free, but the balance is treated as a non-concessional (after tax) contribution and will count towards your contribution caps.

• Exchange rates: Your funds are converted from NZD to AUD, so timing can make a difference.

• Investment choice: Compare what is on offer in KiwiSaver with the Australian fund you are moving to.

• Advice costs: Some funds like First Super and Brighter Super allow adviser fees to be paid from your account, but only with your written consent.

Why Transfer KiwiSaver At All?

For many Kiwis living in Australia, moving KiwiSaver across makes sense because:

• It brings all your retirement savings together in one country.

• You can keep building on a single balance.

• You may pay less tax on earnings in an Australian super fund (15% compared to up to 28% in KiwiSaver for non-residents).

Final Thoughts

Moving your KiwiSaver to Australia is possible, but it is not as simple as ticking a box. Only certain funds accept it and there are different rules around how you can access it.

At Wealth Planning Partners, we help clients weigh up the options so you can make the choice that works best for your future.

📞 Get in touch with our team today to see if a KiwiSaver transfer is the right step for you.

The WPP Way: Secure, Build, Succeed.

Hope you love my pic of the beautiful Milford Sound from my July 2024 trip.