Established under the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001, the New Zealand superannuation system seeks to create a safety net of minimum income the average Kiwi can expect. While New Zealand Superannuation is a universal payment for New Zealand citizens and residents 65 years of age or older, as an employer there are some obligations which can vary depending on any voluntary contributions made by your employees.
Eligibility
New Zealand citizens, or permanent residents, aged 65 or older that normally live in New Zealand and intend to remain here, are eligible for New Zealand superannuation. Additionally, to be eligible you must have lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years since the age of 20, five of which must have been since you turned 50.
What is the superannuation rate?
The rate of superannuation anyone is entitled to depends on a number of factors. These factors include marital status, living status and whether an employee lives with other people including the status of these other people.
How much superannuation do employers pay?
As an employer, you are required to contribute 3% of an employee’s salary to their KiwiSaver account. As part of the onboarding process you are required to provide the KiwiSaver Information Pack to new employees who qualify for automatic enrolment, and also to existing employees who ask for one. Whilst KiwiSaver accounts are voluntary for employees, if an employee has one you are required to contribute 3% of the employee’s salary to their account on top of their pay.
For advice on your obligations to employees call Peninsula at 0800 568 012.
