Samantha Barrass: FMA chief executive on the decrease in Kiwi workers contributing to their KiwiSavers - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The cost of living crisis is hitting New Zealanders hard, with many putting retirement savings on the backburner.

The number of people contributing to KiwiSaver fell for the first time in the year to March 2025, according to the Financial Markets Authority’s annual KiwiSaver report.

FMA chief executive Samantha Barrass says these difficult circumstances have forced people to make 'difficult choices' about what to prioritise. 

She explained more households need to decide between putting food on the table, paying the mortgage and repairs - and it's important for providers to reach out to people who've paused KiwiSaver contributions. 

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