KiwiSaver

Small KiwiSaver decisions can make a big difference to your retirement. In a simple 20-minute review, we’ll check whether your fund is performing the way it should and help you understand your best next steps.

A solution for every situation

KiwiSaver plays a major role in your financial future. From building a first-home deposit to strengthening your retirement plan, the decisions you make today can help shape the results you see tomorrow.

KiwiSaver plays a major role in your financial future. From building a first-home deposit to strengthening your retirement plan, the decisions you make today can help shape the results you see tomorrow.

High growth

Risk: High
Growth assets: 90–100%

Almost all shares and property. Often global.

Highest potential long-term returns. Can drop sharply in market downturns.

Best for: Very long-term investing (15–30+ years). High tolerance for volatility.

Growth

Risk: Medium–high
Growth assets: 63–90%

Mostly shares and property.

Higher long-term growth potential. More ups and downs along the way.

Best for: Longer horizons (10–20+ years). Younger investors.

Balanced

Risk: Medium
Growth assets: 35–63%

A mix of shares, property, bonds and cash.

You get growth. You get some protection. Still some volatility, but not as much as growth funds.

Best for: Medium to long-term goals (5–15 years).

Default

Risk: Usually low–medium
Growth assets: Varies (typically 35–63%, depending on provider)

This is where you land if you never made an active choice.

Designed to be "safe" for everyone. Which often means too cautious if you're young.

Best for: No one, really. It's a placeholder, not a strategy.

Conservative

Risk: Low–medium
Growth assets: 10–35%

Mostly bonds and cash. Some shares and property.

A bit more growth than defensive, but still cautious.

Best for: First-home buyers, people close to retirement (5–10 years out), or anyone prioritising stability over growth.

Defensive

Risk: Low
Growth assets: 0–10%

Your money sits mostly in cash and short-term fixed interest.

Least volatile. Most stable. Lowest long-term returns.

Best for: Very short timeframes (1–3 years) or if you really can't handle any ups and downs.

Free KiwiSaver Checkup

Introducing our complimentary KiwiSaver check-up. In just 20 minutes, one of our KiwiSaver specialists will:

  • Check if your current fund aligns with your time horizon and goals

  • Identify any unnecessary fees eating into your returns

  • Ensure you're receiving all government contributions

  • Help you understand exactly what you're invested in

  • Provide clear, jargon-free explanations of your options

Meet your KiwiSaver specialists

Haseena

Financial Adviser (KiwiSaver + Insurance)

With extensive experience in comprehensive financial advisory, Haseena specializes in helping clients optimize their KiwiSaver to align with their unique financial situation and retirement goals. She is dedicated to ensuring your KiwiSaver plan is working as hard as you do, providing clarity and confidence for the future.

With her holistic approach, Haseena doesn’t just look at your KiwiSaver in isolation. She considers how it fits into your bigger financial picture, including your insurance needs and other commitments, to ensure your financial wellbeing is protected from all angles.

James

Financial Adviser (KiwiSaver + Mortgages)

James specializes in helping clients optimize their KiwiSaver, whether planning for retirement or saving for a first home. He provides clear, practical advice on fund selection and long-term strategy to ensure your investment is working hard for you. With additional expertise in mortgages, James offers a complete view of your financial journey.

James is passionate about empowering clients with confidence and financial stability. By taking the time to understand your long-term vision, he ensures his advice is perfectly tailored to your needs. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese Hokkien, James offers exceptional service and clear communication for clients from many backgrounds.

Why have a KiwiSaver checkup?

Peace of mind

Most people set up KiwiSaver once.

Then forget about it. But funds that made sense five years ago might not make sense now.

A check-up shows you if your KiwiSaver is doing what it should. Or if it's just sitting there, underperforming.

Changing needs

Got a pay rise? Buying a house? Closer to retirement?

Your KiwiSaver needs to keep up.

What worked when you were 25 doesn't work at 35.

We'll make sure your fund matches where you're at now. And where you're heading.

Holistic view

KiwiSaver isn't separate from the rest of your finances.

It connects to your mortgage. Your retirement plan. Your goals. A proper check-up looks at how it all fits together.

So you're not just optimising one thing. You're building something that actually works.

What our clients are saying

Testimonial Carousel
★★★★★
"Outstanding Service From Michael!"
Buying a property for the first time is tough in itself and having a great team to help you with the whole process makes all the difference. I was lucky enough to have received an outstanding service from Michael Cooper of Cooper Mortgages who had not only been very open to hear about my present circumstance, he had also used his knowledge and expertise to give us financial advice that's tailor fit to our situation. He's very reliable in terms of being proactive on updates as well as making sure all our queries via email and SMS are replied on. Overall satisfied with the excellent service we received :)
— Kimberley Titoy
★★★★★
"Lending Advice Was Simply the Best!"
In our recent Refinancing, Michael of Cooper Mortgages provided great customer service and was brilliant at communicating with us and keeping everyone in the loop at all times. He responds quickly and clearly. He works tirelessly on our behalf and is patient with us in explaiing the options and details. He looked at all alternatives and advised us of the pro's and con's of each one to ensure we had options and made the best financial decision. His lending advice was simply the best! We would highly recommend Michael as the best Mortgage Broker we have ever used or come across and we will be referring him to all our family and friends.
— Marc Fisk
★★★★★
"reliable, knowledgeable, and client-focused"
I had an outstanding experience with Cooper Mortgage! From the very beginning, their team was professional, responsive, and incredibly supportive. My mortgage consultant, Michael, went above and beyond to guide me through the entire process. They took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt confident every step of the way. What really impressed me was their attention to detail and commitment to finding the best solution for my needs. Thanks to their expertise and dedication. The entire process was smooth, efficient, and stress-free. I highly recommend Cooper Mortgage to anyone looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and client-focused mortgage company. They truly care about their clients and deliver exceptional service. Thank you, Cooper Mortgages, for making this such a positive experience!
— Mahen Peiris
★★★★★
"Outstanding Experience - Secured the Best Loan"
We had an outstanding experience working with Michael as our mortgage broker. From start to finish, he went above and beyond to secure the best possible loan for us. His professionalism, deep knowledge of the process, and constant communication made a typically stressful experience feel smooth and manageable. Michael was always available to answer our questions and took the time to explain every step, ensuring we felt confident and informed throughout. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, we secured the loan we needed — and we couldn't be more grateful. Highly recommended!
— Raghbendra Rana
★★★★★
"Amazing from our first contact to post settlement"
Michael was amazing from our first contact to post settlement. He guided us through the process answering all our questions and giving us clarity in a confusing at times process. His recommendations for various services were spot on and was always available to answer questions and provide guidance. Everything we asked of him he did or provided sound reasons through his years of experience. The fact we weren't in the same city never caused any issues and in fact probably benefited us in many ways. I would and have recommended Michael to anyone that will listen and will be keeping his details close at hand for any future services and re-fixing of rates.
— Tai Kingi
★★★★★
"Smooth and Stress-Free Process"
I just want to give a huge thank you to Cooper Mortgages for making the mortgage process so smooth and stress-free. Your expertise, guidance, and responsiveness made all the difference, and I truly appreciate all the effort you put into helping us find the right solution. Highly recommend!
— Douw Van Vuuren
★★★★★
"Got Us a Better Deal Than Going Direct to the Bank"
James Puah was referred to me by a friend and colleague at work who, at that time, was also looking for a house. I was hesitant at first because I thought I would get a better interest rate if I went directly to the bank. However, after doing further research, I learned that it's actually better to get a mortgage advisor—and that proved true. James was able to get us a better deal with the bank compared to my friends who went directly to the bank. He also guided me on what to do when our vendor turned out to be uncooperative regarding a maintenance issue. James has been very helpful even in matters outside the scope of his work—sometimes even beyond working hours! His genuine concern for his clients is something I truly admire, as it's rare to see these days. He answers all my questions patiently, which is impressive considering the number of clients he has. He is the best mortgage advisor you could ever have, and my husband and I are forever grateful to him. God bless you more, James!
— JB
★★★★★
"Got the Best Deal Available"
Michael was great to deal with and got the best deal available at the time for me to refix my mortgage. I was a bit hesitant of changing banks after being with Westpac for 40 years but they offered absolutely no incentive or weren't even interested in trying get me to stay with them. Michael recommended some good rates at Kiwibank and although the savings were minimal, the lack of service from Westpac made this decision very easy. Michael answered any questions I had and made this process which I thought could be a bit overwhelming very easy and was also very easy to get in touch with which was great! Would definitely recommend getting in touch with Michael for any of your mortgage or lending requirements.
— Darren
★★★★★
"Patient, Transparent, and Reassuring"
Our Mortgage Adviser - James Puah was a huge help throughout our entire home-buying journey. From the very beginning, he was always quick to reply (even at odd hours!) and made us feel completely at ease. We really appreciated that he never judged our spending habits or asked us to "clean up" our accounts before getting started—he simply worked with what we had and guided us step by step. He supported us with every property we considered, providing detailed insights on comparable sales and giving honest financial advice before we made any offers. It was clear that he genuinely cared about helping us make the right decision, not just closing a deal. What stood out the most was how patient, transparent, and reassuring James was. He never pressured us, always kept us informed, and made sure we understood each stage of the process. Thanks to his help, we were able to confidently buy our first home! We couldn't recommend him more highly!
— Ivy Macapagal
★★★★★
"Communication was Epic, Efficient and Fast!"
Couldn't recommend Michael and the team at cooper mortgages more highly. Communication was epic, they were efficient and fast and really helped us out of a bind. Won't be going anywhere else!
— Josh Sanford
★★★★★
"Turned Our Wildest Dreams Into Reality"
We came to James Puah just to get to know the basics of what goes into buying a house. He was immediately receptive and very encouraging, even taking calls with us late into the night. It made us realise we were pretty much ready to start looking. We sent him plenty of houses to get his opinion and he was very straight up with us, clearly keeping our best financial interest as the most important factor. We didn't feel rushed at all through the process. James goes beyond just getting you in a house, he has a good grasp of general financial principles, what the banks want to see when your applying and what houses are going give you the best bang for your buck. He turned our wildest dreams into a reality and we are very grateful for his guidance. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a trusted MA.
— Chantelle Dalbeth
★★★★★
"Highest Recommendation - Made Me Feel Heard"
Cooper Mortgages comes with my highest recommendation. I found the bank difficult to work with and unwilling to see me for more than a number. Michael made me feel heard and provided clear communication and the result I was hoping for.
— Joe Youssef
★★★★★
"communication throughout was fantastic"
Michael at Cooper Mortgages was absolutely fantastic and really got us sorted. From day one we were updated regularly and his communication throughout was fantastic. Not only did he give great advise, he took the stress out of the whole process. He gave us great lending advise, but also helped us with future budgets and will keep an eye over our mortgage when it comes off it's fixed term. I have full trust in him to continue to help us with our mortgage in the future. Thank you Michael.
— Grant McNeil
★★★★★
"Amazed by Communication and Customer Service"
We recently worked with Micheal and were absolutely amazed by his communication and customer service with us. He provided valuable lending advice customised to our needs and guided us through the entire process. He made every little step less stressful for us and we would highly recommend him to anyone wanting to take this journey! Thank you again Michael!
— Alannah Hendren
★★★★★
"Made the Impossible Feel So Easy"
After feeling like buying a home was not possible, we found James through the first home buyers Facebook group. James has been excellent throughout our first home buying journey! He was quick, clear and concise. No question went unanswered. James made what we thought was too difficult and maybe impossible, possible and made it feel so easy. Thank you James for making it possible for us, we finally did it! We teamed up with James and agent Frank Liang, the absolute perfect duo! We did it!
— Samantha Overhoff
★★★★★
"Efficient, Helpful, and Great Deal"
I really enjoyed working with Michael. He was efficient, helpful and assisted me in getting a great deal, also ensuring a smooth process. I have used Michael in the past for lending and I will definitely do this again in future. Great customer service and helpful advice and easy to deal with. 10/10 would recommend.
— Chelsea Stevens
★★★★★
"Thank you so much!"
I am so happy I chose Michael from Cooper Mortgages. He was very patient with me and had plenty of advice to offer as a first-time home buyer. I was so nervous, and Michael made me believe my dream can also come true. Wow, now I can say proudly, thanks to Michael. I'm now a first-time home owner. I highly recommend Michael at Cooper Mortgages. Once again, THANK YOU so much, Michael.
— Susan Tuaniu
★★★★★
"Hassle-Free Exchange for Investment Journey"
I brought two homes using Michael as my mortgage brooker and without a doubt, I will continue to use him in the future. Thank you Michael for a hassle free exchange and for making my investment journey easy and enjoyable 😊 definitely AAA+++
— Arihia Tito
★★★★★
"Available Even After the Sale Was Completed"
As first home buyers the process quickly became quite stressful but we were so lucky to have the support of James Puah, he was incredibly knowledgeable at every point of the process making it significantly easier for us and helped us to get the best options available as well as explaining the pros and cons of everything. Even after the sale has been completed and we have moved in, James has still been available to help us navigate things related to the house. If we ever need to purchase property again we would 100% work with James again and would very much recommend others to do the same. Thanks again James
— Soe Pah
★★★★★
"Excellent lending advice and over all service!"
A big shout out to Michael Cooper for what we define as excellence! From our first online meeting , right through our purchase experience. As our first home , we were absolutely amazed how easy the whole transaction went! Thank you Michael for your outstanding customer service, your excellent lending advice and over all service! Greetings from the van der Walt family from Palmerston North.
— Johan van der Walt

KiwiSaver FAQ's

Simple answers to the KiwiSaver questions people ask most - from first-home withdrawals to retirement planning and fund reviews.

What is KiwiSaver & how does it work?

KiwiSaver is a government-supported savings scheme designed to help you save for retirement (and, in some cases, your first home). You contribute a percentage of your pay, your employer contributes too, and the government may also add a yearly member tax credit if you’re eligible.

How do i use my KiwiSaver to buy my first home?

To use KiwiSaver for a first home, you generally need to:

Be a KiwiSaver member for at least 3 years

Meet eligibility criteria (e.g., first-home buyer status, NZ residency, etc.)

Apply for a KiwiSaver withdrawal through your KiwiSaver provider

Use the funds for your home deposit and approved purchase costs (not for everything)

We can help you check your eligibility, calculate what you can use, and guide you through the withdrawal process so it’s smooth and stress-free.

How much can I withdraw from KiwiSaver for a house?

What’s the best KiwiSaver fund for me?

That depends on your goals, age, and risk tolerance.
Some people want a more conservative fund for stability, while others prefer a growth fund for long-term returns. We can help you choose a fund that aligns with your goals and how soon you want to use the money.

Should I change my KiwiSaver contribution rate?

It’s worth reviewing, especially if your income has changed or you’re planning to buy a home soon.
Increasing your contribution rate can help you save faster, but it’s important to make sure it still fits your budget and goals.

Can I stay in KiwiSaver if I move overseas?

What’s the best KiwiSaver strategy if I’m buying a home soon?

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Why is it important to review my KiwiSaver regularly?

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What happens if my KiwiSaver fund is underperforming?

Underperformance can be a sign that your fund doesn’t match your goals or risk profile.
A review helps you understand whether:

your fund is too conservative or too aggressive

you’re paying higher fees than necessary

your investment mix matches your timeline

We can help you assess performance and make a plan that fits your goals.

Can I switch KiwiSaver funds without losing my progress?

Yes - you can switch funds, and your balance stays intact.
The key is choosing a fund that better fits your goals and making sure the timing and transition make sense.

Your retirement deserves 20 minuets of attention

Limited spots available for our complimentary KiwiSaver review.
 Secure yours today.

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