New Zealand Financial Advice Hub

Check LVR restrictions before you apply

Most lenders require at least a 20% deposit for owner-occupiers under Reserve Bank rules.

Use KiwiSaver for your first home deposit

First-home buyers can withdraw most of their KiwiSaver balance towards a deposit.

Compare fixed vs floating rates carefully

Short fixed terms (6-12 months) suit falling-rate environments, longer terms suit certainty.

Check First Home Grant eligibility

Kāinga Ora grants can add thousands towards your deposit if you qualify.

NZ has no tax-free threshold

Unlike the UK or Australia, tax applies from your first dollar earned at 10.5%.

Check your tax code is correct

Using the wrong tax code (e.g. M vs ME) can mean overpaying or underpaying all year.

ACC earner levy is separate from income tax

It funds accident cover and is deducted automatically from every payslip.

Declare extra income via IR3

Side hustles and rental income must be declared separately with Inland Revenue.

NZ has no capital gains tax on most investments

This makes long-term share and index fund investing especially tax-efficient.

Watch the bright-line test on property

Selling residential property within the bright-line period can trigger tax on gains.

Compare term deposit and savings rates

Online banks and non-bank deposit takers often beat the big four on rates.

Use PIE funds for lower effective tax

Portfolio Investment Entities cap the tax rate on investment income at 28%.

Avalanche method saves the most interest

Pay minimums everywhere, then attack your highest-interest debt first.

Check your credit report is accurate

You can request a free copy from Centrix, Equifax or illion once a year.

Be cautious with buy-now-pay-later

Missed BNPL payments can affect your credit score just like a loan.

Consolidate high-interest debt into one loan

A personal loan at a lower fixed rate can simplify repayments and cut interest.

Always contribute enough to get the employer match

Most employers match at least 3% — it is an instant guaranteed return.

Claim your full Member Tax Credit each year

The government matches 50c per dollar you contribute, up to $521.43 annually.

Check your fund type matches your timeframe

Growth funds suit long horizons, conservative funds suit those near retirement.

Know the NZ Super qualifying age

Currently 65, with residency requirements — check your eligibility date early.

Build 3-6 months of essential expenses

Keep it in an easy-access savings account, separate from everyday spending.

Use the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point

50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment.

Shop around at insurance and power renewal

Switching providers is one of the fastest ways to cut fixed monthly costs.

Track grocery spend against a weekly budget

Rising food costs are one of the biggest pressures on NZ households.