How much should you have in your KiwiSaver? Here are the averages for each age

New data from the Retirement Commission shows how KiwiSaver balances average across different age groups - so you can see how you're tracking against the pack.

According to Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, the average KiwiSaver balance across 3,351,406 members is now $41,286 (2025), up 11.3% compared to last year.

People under 17 have an average balance of around $3,500, while those aged 86 and over are sitting with a whopping $194,276.

Although the Commission does note that the figure is skewed by a smaller number of investors in the 86+ age group, so it isn’t entirely accurate.

It’s pretty clear that balances grow with age, but what's most shocking is that the gender gap reflected in those aged 36-80 is quite significant.

Average Kiwi Saver balance by age and gender (2025):

17 and under

Female: $3,466 | Male: $3,557

18-25

Female: $10,035 | Male: $12,116

26-30

Female: $20,014 | Male: $23,891

31-35

Female: $24,279 | Male: $29,991

36-40

Female: $30,328 | Male: $38,430

41-45

Female: $39,498 | Male: $50,000

46-50

Female: $49,355 | Male: $64,145

51-55

Female: $58,221 | Male: $77,614

56-60

Female: $63,556 | Male: $86,163

61-65

Female: $68,108 | Male: $91,810

66-70

Female: $66,924 | Male: $82,268

71-75

Female: $68,921 | Male: $79,280

76-80

Female: $69,945 | Male: $80,216

81-85

Female: $84,158 | Male: $90,619

86+

Female: $218,939 | Male: $173,150

Overall, the data shows a 24% average gap between men and women, rising to 36% for those aged 56 to 65.

Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission policy lead Michelle Reyers told RNZ, “Women are actually slightly more likely to contribute to KiwiSaver… they're doing everything right, but the gender pay gap, time out of paid work, all of those things are reflected in these gender retirement savings gaps."

And while around a third of KiwiSaver members still have less than $10,000 saved, there are now almost 450,000 members with more than $80,000, which is about 15% of all KiwiSaver contributors.

"People on lower incomes, those working part-time or those moving in and out of paid work are much less likely to contribute,” she said - and that shows up in their balances later in life.

Reyers added that the default contribution rates changing from 3% to 4% for the contributor and their employer would help put people on a better track to building a decent retirement fund.

She said the scheme still has around 20 years to fully mature, but there are “positive signs” showing an increase in balances over $80,000 and a shrinking in those under $10,000.

That reminds me, I should probably check how I’m tracking against the average - adding that to my to-do list now!