ANZ Welcomes Changes to KiwiSaver
New Zealand’s largest KiwiSaver provider, ANZ Investments, today welcomed the introduction of new legislation that will enable people to access more KiwiSaver funds to help buy their first home.
The changes will enable KiwiSaver members to withdraw the Government’s annual Member Tax Credits, as well as their own and employer contributions. This complements the other elements of the Government’s HomeStart package, such as increasing house price caps to more realistic levels and enabling more people to apply for KiwiSaver HomeStart Grants.
ANZ Wealth General Manager Product and Marketing Ana-Marie Lockyer welcomed the move which is designed to help more people purchase their first home.
“Part of planning for your retirement is having a house to live in,” said Ms Lockyer.
“Any moves that help people into buying their own home earlier in life are good for retirement savings, provided people keep contributing to KiwiSaver.”
Ms Lockyer said most Kiwis had worked out that it was important to buy a home and save for their retirement.
“Our records show that more than 95 per cent of people who have made a first home withdrawal from their KiwiSaver have resumed contributions to their retirement savings so most people are using the scheme very well to boost their overall assets and savings for retirement.”