NZ Super Rates – How Much Is New Zealand Superannuation?

 

New Zealand Superannuation Rates (1 April 2025)

At the age of 65, New Zealanders can receive a fortnightly payment from the government under a universal public pension scheme.

 

View Standard NZ Super Rates

 

What is New Zealand Superannuation?

New Zealand Superannuation, also known as NZ Super, is not income or asset tested. This means your assets, income level and homeownership status won’t affect your eligibility.

 

What are the standard rates?

Below are the current superannuation rates after tax has been deducted at rate 'M'.

For other tax codes, please visit the Work and Income website.

 

 

 

Standard Weekly NZ Super Rates ("M" tax code​)

 

Qualifying as 

Weekly rate

Single (living alone)

$538.42

Single (sharing) 

$497.00

Married, civil union or de facto couple one partner qualifies (and the other is not included)

$414.17

Married, civil union or de facto couple: both partners qualify

$828.34

Married, civil union or de facto couple: one partner qualifies and the other is included

$787.58

 

 

Do the rates ever change?

Yes! The level of NZ Super payments is determined by the government and reviewed annually. The rates are adjusted each year on 1 April to account for increases in the cost of living (inflation) and changes in average wages.

 

Can you live on the NZ Super payment alone?

 

Not quite...

While receiving NZ Super is a great start, the average gap between NZ Super and what retirees spend in retirement can be as much as $952 a week according to the 2025 Massey University Fin-Ed Centre’s Retirement Expenditure (REGs) Guidelines.

 

The 2025 REGs found that even those who live on their own with a 'no frills' lifestyle in the provinces need to supplement their NZ Super payments by more than $42 a week.

 

For many people, NZ Super is unlikely to provide them with the lifestyle they were hoping for in retirement.

 

It's clear that for many Kiwis, NZ Super alone is just not enough. Retirees need to have a clear plan in place to bridge the income gap in retirement. 

 

View the Key Findings

 

 

What is a retirement income gap?

 

A retirement income gap occurs when the money you receive from your pension (NZ Super), isn't enough to cover all your living expenses once you've stopped working. Will you have a retirement income gap? Learn more

 

 

Closing the retirement income gap

Lifetime Retirement Income is dedicated to empowering Kiwis to achieve the retirement income they desire for the fulfilling retirement they’ve earned. Whether you’ve built up retirement savings or own a mortgage-free home, Lifetime is here to help you establish a steady, reliable income stream. This ensures you can embrace the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.

 

  • Lifetime Income: Our flagship drawdown solution, the Lifetime Retirement Income Fund, provides a reliable, tax-paid, retirement income designed to last your lifetime.
  • Lifetime Home: Our debt-free home equity release model provides a reliable and steady income stream for those aged 70 plus, ensuring you can enjoy a comfortable retirement.
  • Retirement Income Calculator: Looking to supplement your NZ Superannuation for a more comfortable retirement? One of our retirement income solutions may be right for you. Estimate your retirement income today.

 

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