Our Favourite KiwiSaver Funds

Wanting to know what our favourite KiwiSaver fund for a first-home, long-term growth, active management and/or a comfortable retirement is? Our editors list funds below which may suit your needs

Updated 7 June 2021

"What KiwiSaver fund should I be in?" is a question for the ages. In this guide, we help you answer it based on your needs.

Disclaimer: This list does not constitute financial advice, and the funds listed below are included based on their short-term performance, fees, structure and, where possible, their longer-term performance. We have assigned fund risk types (i.e. conservative, growth etc.) to life stages (home deposit, retirement etc.) subjectively using commonly accepted investing principles. Our guide is journalistic in nature and we stand by our shortlist. There is no "best" fund - this is simply an exercise to raise awareness on the different benefits KiwiSaver delivers. The "What makes the fund stand out?" section is informational only with the purpose of explaining the merits of the fund - we are not suggesting you invest in any fund.

Generally, we favour funds or schemes that are committed to low or transparent fees, have proven returns and put you first. The exclusion of any fund below does not mean it's not an attractive investment proposition. Our aim for this guide is to simplify KiwiSaver investing decisions by focusing MoneyHub readers on what the purpose of their investment is - it's not always to build a retirement nest egg.

Our guide also covers three years of KiwiSaver performance comparison and our favourite KiwiSaver funds for children and young adults.

Advertising Disclosure: We include the funds below based on merit, although we may have commercial arrangements with specific innovative and market-leading schemes for general promotion. Our Advertising Policy has more details. We rely on Morningstar data for all fund returns information.

Read this first: Our Retirement in a Nutshell guide explains why saving for your retirement is essential, not optional. It outlines everything you need to know to live comfortably when you're 65 or older.

Important: This excellent article from Newshub outlines the benefits of KiwiSaver for young New Zealanders. It provides powerful reinforcement about why being in a suitable KiwiSaver fund (and making contributions) is important.

Our favourite KiwiSaver funds for specific needs

Our favourite KiwiSaver fund for actively-managed returns (in recent times)

Fund: JUNO Growth Fund
Fees: Determined by total funds invested, and charged monthly. For example balances under $5,000 = $2.50, $5,000 to $14,999 =$5/month, $25,000 - $49,999 = $25/month and so on.
Our view: The JUNO Growth Fund launched in mid-2018 but has already outperformed many other actively-managed growth-focused funds (including those from the popular Fisher Funds, Milford Asset Management and Generate schemes). As it's part of PIE Funds, a challenger (and arguably very successful) fund manager, investors get the benefits of PIE's management for a much lower cost than if they were a PIE client. The JUNO Growth Fund, in no uncertain terms, is all about maximising investor returns while being transparent about charging a single monthly fee.
What makes the fund stand out? Right now, there are around thirty KiwiSaver growth funds, but JUNO's version is performing well ahead of the market, which makes it an attractive proposition. You'll be relying on the expertise of PIE's management team -so there is a risk of the fund under-performing the index fund alternatives, but this is the case with any actively managed fund. We like that the fees are simple - there is one fixed monthly fee based on your fund size. You won't be charged membership fees, nor are there performance fees (both of which are common in high-performing actively-managed growth funds).
More details: JUNO KiwiSaver review or visit the JUNO KiwiSaver website

Our favourite long-term growth KiwiSaver fund with active management and 10+ years of solid returns

Fund: Milford Active Growth Fund (which reported around 13 per cent per annum average returns for the ten years to December 31, 2020)
Fees: 1.05% annual management fee and an additional 0.15% performance fee (if certain results are achieved) and a $18/year management fee.
Our view: The fund's 10-year track record, per Morningstar data, is solid with an average 13% p.a return. While past performance is no indication of future returns, Milford does have a track record of results and is a well-trusted fund manager.
What makes the fund stand out? The Active Growth Fund is Milford's signature fund, and its past returns are market-leading. Furthermore, its investment approach is both responsible and environmentally-leaning, and the investment managers avoid investing in exotic asset classes; your money will not buy shares in anything that creates negative social or environmental effects, or be risky in nature.
More details: Milford KiwiSaver review

Our favourite long-term growth KiwiSaver fund for low management and membership fees

Fund: Simplicity Growth Fund
Fees: 0.31% annual management fee and an annual $20 membership fee (no fee for those aged under 18)
Our view: Simplicity is a not-for-profit KiwiSaver scheme that is committed to low fees and index investing. Simplicity invests its Growth Fund money in the New Zealand and international sharemarket. Its focus is on maximising each investor's retirement nest egg. It also promotes its aim of beating actively-managed funds in the long term (by way of its nature as an index fund).
What makes the fund stand out? Simplicity's growth fund is similar to many other index-based growth funds offered by the banks and specialist fund managers. In that sense, it's not investing in anything unique. The main difference is that it has the lowest fees, which means you'll have more in retirement all things being equal. If you are comfortable with joining and contributing payday after payday, the Simplicity Growth Fund has a lot of merit.
More details: Simplicity KiwiSaver review

Our favourite KiwiSaver fund for sustainable investing

Fund: Pathfinder Growth Fund
Fees: 1.26% p.a. annual management fee and an annual $27 membership fee
Our view: Pathfinder's ethical investing policy is at the heart of everything it does. It arguably applies the strictest test, excluding any company it considers to be 'unethical' or a poor investment opportunity. It also invests outside the sharemarket and has recently taken an equity stake in Sharesies.
What makes the fund stand out? There is no KiwiSaver fund that's more ethically-focused, nor as generous as a percentage with its charitable donations. Alongside holdings in Microsoft and wind farm companies, Pathfinder's intention is to invest in companies that are undervalued, have growth potential and do not harm society. It's actively managed, hence the higher management fee.
More details: Pathfinder KiwiSaver review. Our guide to Retirement in a Nutshell has further information about why KiwiSaver is essential for retirement.
Learn about Pathfinder KiwiSaver

Our favourite KiwiSaver fund for helping you maximise your retirement

Fund: kōura KiwiSaver (multi-fund investment)
Fees: 0.63% annual management fee and an annual $30 membership fee
Our view: kōura shares our view that the majority of New Zealanders have not set up their KiwiSaver properly, they don’t have the right fund type and have not properly considered their contribution rates to give them what they expect in retirement. kōura's response to this is to offer digital advice; every kōura customer is told what their KiwiSaver outcomes will be before signing up, and kōura builds a personalised portfolio based on a person's retirement objectives, salary and stage of life.
What makes the fund stand out? While some other KiwiSaver schemes let you mix and match funds to build a portfolio, kōura does this for you and monitors the investing results and your life journey. It's a new scheme, so relatively untested, but its funds are index-based, and it's backed by industry giant Hobson Wealth Partners. If you want to control how much you retire with, rather than just arrive at a lump sum, kōura helps you do this.
More details: k ō ura KiwiSaver Review
Learn More, Switch or Join kōura KiwiSaver

Our favourite KiwiSaver fund for anyone looking for an aggressive fund

Fund: Booster Geared Growth
Fees: 1.76% annual management fee and an annual $36 membership fee
Our view: This specialist fund has a target to invest 99% of its money into growth assets (equities) while also borrowing money at a fixed interest rate to invest in shares. The idea is that borrowing at low interest rates means returns from buying and selling investments will be higher as the cost of debt is cheap. This is also designed to maximise the fund's profits because the cost of borrowing is fixed and, all going well, less than the investment returns. While the management fee is higher than other Booster funds (due to the interest costs paid on additional money sourced), its aim is to outperform market returns.
What makes the fund stand out? If you are comfortable with taking an aggressive approach to your KiwiSaver retirement fund, the Booster Geared Growth Fund has a solid track record. Per Morningstar data, the fund has been the #1 performer for 5-year returns and 10-year returns in its investment category, and #2 for 3-year returns. If you're comfortable paying the fees with the aim of earning above-market returns, and are happy to ride the markets, this fund could be for you.
More details: Booster KiwiSaver review Our guide to Retirement in a Nutshell has further information about why KiwiSaver is essential for retirement.
Learn More, Switch or Join Booster KiwiSaver

Looking for a socially responsible high-growth fund? The Booster SRI Growth Fund has reported solid results per Morningstar data with #2 and #1 for 1-year and 3-year returns to 30 September 2020. Unlike the Booster Geared Growth Fund, it doesn't borrow money to invest so has a lower management fee. Also, it is dedicated to investing in companies which meet and exceed ethical investing standards.

Our favourite SUPER AGGRESSIVE KiwiSaver Fund

Fund: Nikko AM KiwiSaver Scheme ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund. Disclaimer: Our view, which is subjective, is that this fund is super aggressive. Before making any decision, please seek independent advice and/or talk with your KiwiSaver scheme. The short-term performance of this fund remains highly volatile.
Fees: 1.25% annual management fee and an annual $30 membership fee
Our view: Nikko AM KiwiSaver recently introduced an opportunity to invest in the ARKK Innovation ETF. Relatively unknown in New Zealand, the ETF is well-regarded (see this article on Fool.com) and ARK Investment Management has a good track record in stock picks.
What makes the fund stand out? The underlying fund, ARKK, reported 100%+ returns for the 12 months to 31 January 2021 (per the ETF chart, which has 5+ years of data), before sinking in a few weeks later. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Nikko AM's KiwiSaver fund has only operated since late 2020, meaning limited data is available (although 90% of the fund is invested in the ARKK ETF which has long-term performance data).
More details: Nikko Asset Management KiwiSaver or visit the scheme directly

Our favourite KiwiSaver fund for when you're saving up to make a first home withdrawal (or approaching retirement)

Fund: Simplicity Conservative Fund. Disclaimer: Our view, which is subjective, is that a Conservative fund is most suitable for anyone planning to purchase a home in the next 3-12 months. A Conservative Fund may not be the best option if you are planning to buy in 3-5 years time. Before making any decision, please seek independent advice and/or talk with your KiwiSaver scheme provider.
Fees: 0.31% annual management fee and an annual $20 membership fee
Our view: Simplicity is a not-for-profit KiwiSaver scheme that is committed to low fees and index investing. Their Conservative Fund invests 80% of its money into fixed-income assets (rather than shares), so if your purpose is to buy a property with the KiwiSaver money, this fund is less risky than any growth-focused fund. It's also low-fee, so you're maximising your returns until you find your home and withdraw your money.
What makes the fund stand out? Simplicity's Conservative Fund stays true to its name, and recent performance results put it as the #1 performer for 1-year and 3-year returns. Its low fee structure goes a long way to achieve this. If you are saving for a home, the Simplicity Conservative Fund won't ride the ups and downs of the market but instead help you save efficiently for a house deposit.
More details: Simplicity KiwiSaver review. Our guide to the Kiwisaver First-Home Withdrawal talks you through the process and outlines everything you need to know.

KiwiSaver Funds Returns - 3 Years to 31 January 2021

Conservative Balanced Growth

Data sourced from Morningstar and covers the last three years up to the date in the title for conservative, balanced and growth funds.

Our favourite KiwiSaver funds for kids, students and young adults

We appreciate that active investment management isn't for everyone (which JUNO offers), so we've included the passively managed (and low-fee scheme) Simplicity as our other favourite KiwiSaver funds for kids, students and young adults. In both cases we've highlighted their respective growth funds.

Fund 1: JUNO Growth Fund (an actively-managed fund, meaning professionals regularly buy and sell shares with the aim of maximising the profits of every investor)
Fees: Please see our JUNO KiwiSaver review for fees.
Our view: The JUNO Growth Fund launched in mid-2018 but has already outperformed many other actively-managed growth-focused funds. Pie Investments, the manager, has a strong track record and is over ten years old.
What makes the fund stand out? A track record of market-beating results.
More details: JUNO KiwiSaver review

Fund 2: Simplicity Growth Fund (an index fund - find out what that means here)
Fees: 0.31% annual management fee and an annual $20 membership fee (anyone under 18 pays no membership fee).
Our view: Young adults are unlikely to know what's best for them regarding KiwiSaver, and there is no "best" fund. However, Simplicity is a not-for-profit KiwiSaver scheme that is committed to low fees and index investing. Simplicity invests its Growth Fund money in New Zealand and international sharemarket. Its focus is on maximising each investor's retirement nest egg. It also promotes its aim of beating actively-managed funds in the long term (by way of its nature as an index fund). If you're young and want to save for retirement, you will not find a lower-fee fund.
What makes the fund stand out? The growth fund is similar to many other index-based growth funds offered by the banks and specialist fund managers. In that sense, it's not investing in anything unique. The main difference is it has the lowest fees, which means you'll have more in retirement all things being equal. If you are comfortable with joining and contributing payday after payday, the Simplicity Growth Fund has a lot of merit. As you'll be new to KiwiSaver, Simplicity's classroom series offers videos and email guides to explain the basics. They're easy to follow and you'll likely learn more than you expect.
More details: Simplicity KiwiSaver review

Our favourite KiwiSaver Funds - Where to Go From Here?

Joining or switching a KiwiSaver fund is very easy - all you need to do is talk to the KiwiSaver scheme you want to invest with. The best way is to call them or e-mail; they'll explain the process and take care of everything for you.
Never rush a decision - while you can switch again, the best approach is to make a considered decision. Our KiwiSaver guides help, as does Sorted's FundFinder tool.
If you're in a default scheme, now is the time to consider your options - many people stay in default funds which costs their retirement. If you're in one, ask yourself what you want from KiwiSaver, and look for a better fund.
Pay attention to the investor reporting - every three months, your KiwiSaver scheme will send you an update as to how your investment is performing. The best thing you can do is read what they send you, and ask questions (or Google) if you don't understand something. It's not complicated and will build your investing confidence.

Performance Data sourced from Morningstar and CompareKiwiSaverFunds.co.nz

Disclaimer: This list does not constitute financial advice, and the funds listed below are included based on their short-term performance, fees, structure and, where possible, their longer-term performance. No KiwiSaver scheme has paid to be on the list, and our guide is journalistic in nature. There is no "best" fund - this is simply an exercise to raise awareness on the different benefits KiwiSaver delivers. The "What makes the fund stand out?" section is informational only with the purpose of explaining the merits of the fund - we are not suggesting you invest in any fund.

KiwiSaver scheme reviews: