Kiwisaver: Is 65 the most appropriate age to access your retirement savings?
Food for thought. Under the Kiwisaver system you can’t access your funds until 65 years of age, although there are exceptions such as first home buyers, those leaving the country permanently and applications brought about by hardship or sickness.
Statistics New Zealand indicate that the average lifespan currently is 79 for males and 83 for females (presumably not accounting for Covid 19) which suggests that you’re going to need those Kiwisaver funds for at least 15 years beyond 65. And you will need those funds; rest homes, retirement villages and the inevitable medical expenses aren’t cheap. For those lucky enough to own homes, liquidating those assets can contribute too, assuming you don’t mind spending the kids inheritance.
Some years ago my wife and I were talking about this subject. She is Australian and as such had the luxury of retaining the conditions of her Australian Super fund when she transferred to Kiwisaver, so she gets to access her savings at 60 rather than 65.
Then the conversation became a bit broader. We started thinking about retired friends and associates and their quality of life and here’s the thing - The number of healthy, happy octogenarians we know is way smaller than Statistics NZ suggest. In fact, as we recalled friends we’d known, it dawned on us that a significant majority had died between 63 and 67 years of age. So they either never retired or popped their clogs within two years of retirement.
Obviously there are exceptions. We know several people in their mid-eighties who are fit and healthy with a great lifestyle (two of our “aunties” can consistently outwalk/outrun us pathetic fifty -somethings, much to our embarrassment). At the other end of the scale, we both know people who have died suddenly and unexpectedly in their late 40’s or early fifties, largely due to previously undiagnosed health issues.
So is 65 really the appropriate age to access Kiwisaver? Do we want to be working at that age?
Our conclusions were to budget for semi-retirement at around 60 (we’re both professionals so can potentially gain part time or casual contracts to keep us occupied) and slightly reduce our Kiwisaver contributions to create a “living for today” fund, so as to be able to afford to travel/holiday, etc and create memories whilst we are still are healthy and able.
Your thoughts?
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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80.5% Same!
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19.5% Would have liked to try something different
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
East Auckland Christmas light displays 2025
Please help me find other light shows and updating this list!
Times when the lights turn on/off is helpful.
Last updated: 19 December 2025 18:47.
Google map with all of these houses pin pointed: maps.app.goo.gl...
Add a display: [Google forms] forms.gle... , or comment: [Location], [Lights on/off times], [Other features].
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CONFIRMED CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS 2025:
7 Northpark Ave, Northpark. 8pm to 10pm Mon-Thu, 8pm to 11pm Fri-Sun. Synchronized to music. Website with status/information: northparklights.remotefalcon.com... (my own light show).
6 Kookaburra Place, Botany Downs. 8:30pm to 10:30pm every night. Donations for Bellyful.
5 Ben Lomond Cres, East Gate Church Christmas Light show. 7Pm[?] to 11pm. Christmas walk-through running 18 – 23 December 7pm – 10pm.
18 Redcastle Drive, East Tāmaki. 9:15pm to 11pm. Synchronised to music. FB page: www.facebook.com...
13 Tui Vale Road Shelly Park. 6:30pm to Midnight. Santa visiting 23rd & 24th December.
9 Drysdale Place, Somerville 8.30 to 11pm.
10 Saidia Place, Huntington Park. 8:30pm to 10:00pm.
1 Woodview Rise, Botany. 8:30pm to 11pm.
57 Palmcrest Grove, Highland Park, 7pm & overnight.
1 Palmcrest Grove, Highland Park, 7pm & overnight.
51a Paparoa Road, Cockle Bay, 8pm to 10pm, 8th Dec to 24th Dec.
111 Bradbury Road, Botany Downs. 8:00pm to 10:30pm [Assuming last year's times].
9 Cyclades Place, Shelly Park. 8:00pm to 11:00pm [Assuming last year's times].
98 Angelo Ave, Howick. On all the time.
** John Brooke Crescent, East Tamaki Heights. Unknown number of houses & times.
** Trust Place, Sunnyhills. 8:30pm to midnight. Multiple houses.
** Fern Place Beachlands. 8:00pm to midnight. Multiple houses.
** Paerata Rise, Paerata. Unknown times. Multiple houses.
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NO LIGHTS THIS YEAR (Moved or other reasons):
44 Archmillen Ave, Pakuranga Heights.
9 Harford Place, Pakaranga Heights.
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FEEDBACK REQUIRED FOR 2025.
These were confirmed in 2024:
2 Edingale Court, Flat Bush. 8:30pm to 10:30pm.
56 Sorrel Cresent, Bucklands Beach. 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Trains/miniature displays in the garage Wednesday to Sunday.
6 Rothwell Place, Sunnyhills. 8:00pm to 10:00pm.
4 Greenbrooke Drive, Flatbush. 830pm to 11:00pm.
75 Hutchinsons Road, Bucklands Beach. 9:00pm and overnight.
6A Kentville Place, Somerville. 8:00pm to 12:00am.
27 Amberwood Drive, Northpark. 7:00pm to 12:00am.
136 Kilkenny Drive, East Tamaki Heights. 8:00pm to 12:00am.
86 Sandspit Road, Shelly Park. Unknown times.
81 Tiraumea Drive, Unknown times.
29 Meadowlands Drive, Sommerville. Unknown times.
** Headcorn Place, Botany. 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Multiple houses.
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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2025:
<none added so far>
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Please help find more houses and update this list!
Comment on this post.
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