Employer obligations, self-employed options and KiwiSaver strategy for NZ trade business owners.
If you employ staff, you must contribute to their KiwiSaver if they're eligible. The minimum employer contribution is 3% of gross wages. Employees contribute a minimum of 3% (though they can choose higher rates). KiwiSaver deductions are handled through your payroll — either through an approved payroll system or via PAYE.
Self-employed people can contribute to KiwiSaver voluntarily. The government contributes 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to NZ$521/year (the member tax credit). Minimum contribution to receive the full credit is NZ$1,042/year. For workshop owners who have been neglecting their retirement savings, this is one of the best guaranteed returns available — a 50% return on the first $1,042 contributed.
The most common mistake we see with NZ trade business owners is treating KiwiSaver as optional when self-employed and missing years of both compounding growth and government contributions. Even modest consistent contributions, started early, build materially over a working career.
Estimating and job costing tools pre-set for NZD and NZ GST (15%).
Open free tools →