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In most cases, no — KiwiSaver is locked in until you turn 65 or have been a member for at least five years (whichever is later). The main exceptions are a first-home purchase (after 3 years of membership), significant financial hardship, serious illness, or permanent emigration (except to Australia).

Switching is free and straightforward. Simply sign up with your new provider and they handle the transfer of your balance. There's no break fee or lock-in period. The process usually takes 10–20 business days.

Your account stays open and your investments keep growing. You won't receive employer contributions, but you can still make voluntary contributions to get the government contribution. If you don't contribute at least $1,042.86 in a year, you won't receive the full government top-up.

KiwiSaver is voluntary — you can opt out within 2–8 weeks of starting a new job. However, if you don't opt out during that window, you'll be auto-enrolled. Self-employed people and non-employees can join voluntarily at any time.

Passive (index) funds track a market index and typically charge lower fees — often 0.20–0.50%. Active funds aim to beat the market through stock picking and may charge 0.80–1.50%+. Research shows most active funds underperform their benchmark after fees over the long term, but some consistently add value. Consider your fee tolerance and time horizon.

It depends on your contribution rate, salary, fund type, and how long you invest. For example, a 25-year-old earning $65,000 who contributes 3% (with 3% employer match) to a growth fund could have roughly $350,000–$500,000 by age 65, assuming average long-term returns. Increasing contributions to 6% could nearly double that amount.