Zeal Mortgages

09/06/2026

Welcome to the Waikato

03/06/2026

At 65, would you withdraw all of your KiwiSaver, make partial withdrawals, set up regular payments, or leave it invested to continue compounding?

If we go off the average age of my KiwiSaver client base (around 40), most are still 25 years away from having to make that decision.

This week alone, I had four KiwiSaver reviews with existing clients. Interestingly, only one wanted to make a full withdrawal.

One client added $200,000 to their KiwiSaver, stayed in a Balanced strategy, and chose to set up regular withdrawals to supplement their NZ Super. After running the numbers, we estimated their KiwiSaver could potentially last until age 93.

Another client is still working and contributing regularly. They view KiwiSaver as an active long-term investment and are continuing to buy into growth assets. They're considering a thematic fund, which can be a suitable option for investors with a time horizon of 10+ years.

The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. That's where ongoing advice can add value.

Just because you can access your KiwiSaver at 65 doesn't necessarily mean you need to withdraw it all. If you live to 95, that's another 30 years where your money could potentially remain invested and continue working for you.

For example, $500,000 earning an average return of 7% per year could grow to approximately $983,000 over 10 years if left untouched. While markets don't deliver the same return every year and inflation needs to be considered, it highlights the power of compounding over time.

The best retirement strategy often depends on:
✅ Your income needs
✅ Your health and lifestyle goals
✅ Other investments and assets you own
✅ How long your money may need to last

If you're approaching retirement, or if your mum or dad would like guidance around their KiwiSaver and retirement planning, I'm always happy to have a conversation.

28/05/2026

KiwiSaver Ken is back!

08/05/2026

Alright, whos ready to geek out with me on some KiwiSaver numbers.

The latest Morningstar report is out for the 1st quarter of 2026.

When I started with Generate in August 2017, they were 11th largest with 1.3% marketshare.

Fast forward to 2026, 9 years later they are now the 6th largest provider with 6.1% marketshare.

The most interesting thing about these two comparisons is not just who grew — it’s where the growth came from.

In September 2017:

* ANZ/OneAnswer dominated with 25.5% market share
* ASB had 18.3%
* Westpac had 12.0%
* AMP had 11.2%
* Generate was tiny at 1.3%
* Milford was only 2.3%

By March 2026:

* ANZ is down to 16.6%
* ASB down to 14.9%
* AMP down to 5.7%
* Westpac/BT effectively around 9.3%
* Generate has exploded to 6.1%
* Milford has surged to 10.7%

KiwiWealth and Aon bought out by FisherFunds.
Booster still 9th place. NZ Funds was even on there in 2017 before they took their numbers off the report. Interesting side note, BNZ was a late adopter of KiwiSaver and started in early 2013 around the same time as Generate in late 2012.

That is a massive structural shift in under 9 years.

I would love to see a NZ owned provider at number one but who will get there first and when they are number one, like ANZ, will someone knock them off their perch?

My guess is Milford will get there first, but don’t underestimate the younger demographic of Generate. My average age of my Generate database is 40 (my age). Your vibe does attract your tribe. 😉

Generate has 84% of their KiwiSaver members invested in growth funds. This is significantly higher than the industry average of roughly 40% which will compound growth even further.

The grandfather Milford might attract some “old money” once the boomers cash in their properties for retirement.

These are just some of my personal views from the biggest KiwiSaver geek, what do you think?

- Ken

06/05/2026

In a Class of Its Own, isn't this home just gorgeous?

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

06/05/2026

Another KiwiSaver / First Home buyer workshop with the team from Foundation Legal. - Thanks for having me along!

These workshops are a great way to encourage staff engagement and we can tailor the format to suit.

Anichem and Bailee here making sure they have understood every word of the Generate KiwiSaver PDS.

14/04/2026

KiwiSaver Update 📣

11/03/2026

18/12/2025

This year we have helped...

15 renters get their bond back and become first home buyers.
6 existing home owners refinance to another lender.
2 previous home owners get finance on new property.
83 new clients change KiwiSaver providers.
..and plenty more approvals in the pipeline! It's been a massive first full year in business and we would like to thank all our clients for the support and choosing Zeal.

We want to be the first choice for First Home Buyers looking to purchase a home in 2026. If you or anyone you know is sick of rental inspections or paying someone else's rent, get in touch!

Zeal Mortgages
Let's make it happen.

18/12/2025