How much is New Zealand Superannuation?

 

New Zealand Superannuation rates (1st April 2023)

As of the age of 65, New Zealanders can receive a fortnightly payment from the government under a universal public pension scheme.

 

The New Zealand Superannuation, also known as the NZ Super, is not income or asset tested. This means the amount of income you earn, or whether or not you own your own home, won’t affect your eligibility.

 

Standard rates

Below are the current superannuation rates after tax has been deducted at rate 'M'.

For other tax codes, please visit the Work and Income website.

 

 

Standard NZ Super Rates

(assuming tax code M)

 

Qualifying as 

Weekly rate

Single (living alone)

$496 

Single (sharing) 

$458

Married, civil union or de facto couple one partner qualifies (and the other is not included)

$381

Married, civil union or de facto couple: both partners qualify

$763

Married, civil union or de facto couple: one partner qualifies and the other is included

$725

 

 

Can you live on the NZ Super payment alone?

 

Not quite...

While receiving the NZ Superannuation is a great start, the average gap between the NZ Super and what retirees spend in retirement can be as much as $903 according to Research from Massey University when looking at lower, 2023 rates.

 

According to the study, even those who live on their own with a 'no frills' lifestyle in the provinces need to supplement their NZ Super payments by more than $194 a week.

 

For many people, the NZ Super is unlikely to provide them with the lifestyle they were hoping for in retirement.

 

It's clear that for many kiwis, the NZ Super alone is just not enough. Retirees need to have a clear plan in place to bridge the income gap in retirement.

 

Key findings
 

 

Lifetime Retirement Income is designed to help you bridge the income gap in retirement

 

Lifetime Retirement Income helps you turn a lump sum (retirement savings) into a regular, tax-paid, fortnightly income designed to last for the rest of your life. So you can enjoy the lifestyle you deserve.

 

  • Lifetime helps you take care of the income part of your retirement plan.
  • Lifetime actively manages the key unknowns: your life expectancy and investment returns.
  • Lifetime's investment strategy is focused on supporting you to a ​target age, not on gaining high returns in any one year.
  • Lifetime works to preserve your long-term capital to support your ongoing retirement income payments for life.
  • Lifetime is backed by a dedicated team of industry experts