KiwiSaver Advice
KiwiSaver is often the most neglected part of a retirement strategy — and one of the most important. Getting the right fund, the right provider, and the right contribution level can make a significant difference to your retirement.
Is your KiwiSaver working as hard as it should be?
Most New Zealanders join KiwiSaver and never review it again. Over a working lifetime, being in the wrong fund can cost tens of thousands of dollars in foregone growth. We help you get it right.
Are you confident you are in the right KiwiSaver fund for your age and goals? Do you know how your provider compares on fees and performance? Are you contributing at the right level to maximise your employer contribution and government top-up?
With over 30 years’ experience in New Zealand financial markets, we understand the KiwiSaver landscape in depth — the providers, the funds, the fees, and the traps. We help our clients get more from one of their most important retirement assets.
What's Included
One of the most common issues we encounter is clients who joined KiwiSaver years ago, chose a fund at random, and never reviewed it. Being in the wrong fund for your age and timeline is one of the most costly financial mistakes New Zealanders make — yet it is also one of the simplest to fix.
Getting your KiwiSaver fund right — the right provider, the right risk profile, and the right contribution level — is one of the highest-impact changes we can make to your retirement outcome. We make it straightforward.
KiwiSaver fund and provider assessment
We assess your current KiwiSaver fund against your age, risk profile, and retirement timeline, and compare providers on fees, performance, investment approach, and member services to identify the best fit.
Contribution optimisation strategy
We help you determine the contribution rate that makes the most of employer contributions and government top-ups, while balancing your KiwiSaver savings against other financial priorities.
Integration with your retirement plan
We make sure your KiwiSaver strategy is fully integrated with your broader retirement income plan — so your drawdown strategy at retirement is clear and tax-efficient from day one.
Regular review as your circumstances change
Your KiwiSaver strategy should evolve as you get older and as the fund landscape changes. We review your KiwiSaver as part of your regular financial planning meetings to make sure it is always working at its best.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Making the most of your KiwiSaver at every stage of life
Years of New Zealand market experience helping clients optimise their KiwiSaver as part of a comprehensive retirement strategy.
The right KiwiSaver decision can make a meaningful difference to your retirement. We help you understand your options, make the right choice, and keep it under review so it continues to perform over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about KiwiSaver that isn’t answered here? We’re happy to help — get in touch.
Why does KiwiSaver advice matter?
KiwiSaver is for many New Zealanders one of their most significant financial assets, yet most people never review whether they are in the right fund. The difference between the right and wrong fund over a working lifetime can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
How do I know if I am in the right KiwiSaver fund?
Your fund should reflect your age, your risk tolerance, and how long until you plan to access the money. Many people are in the wrong fund — often either too conservative (leaving growth on the table) or too aggressive (exposing themselves to unnecessary short-term risk).
Can you help me choose a KiwiSaver provider?
Yes. We assess KiwiSaver providers across fees, fund performance, investment approach, and member services to help you identify the provider and fund that best fits your circumstances and goals.
Can I use KiwiSaver as part of my retirement plan?
Absolutely. KiwiSaver is an important component of many retirement strategies. We help you understand how your KiwiSaver balance will fit alongside your other investments and income sources in retirement, and how to maximise what you accumulate between now and then.
What happens to my KiwiSaver when I retire?
From age 65, you can withdraw your KiwiSaver balance in full or in part, or leave it invested. We help you decide the most effective approach for your retirement income strategy, taking into account tax, other income sources, and your spending needs.
Can I contribute more than the standard rate?
Yes. You can make voluntary contributions at any time, either through payroll deductions or lump sum payments. We help you assess whether increasing your contributions makes financial sense given your overall situation.
Do you work with clients across New Zealand?
We work with clients nationwide. While based in Auckland, we use video calls and phone to provide KiwiSaver advice to clients wherever they are in New Zealand.
Related financial advice and wealth management services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of financial planning needs.
Retirement Success
Comprehensive retirement planning that incorporates your KiwiSaver as part of a broader income and investment strategy.
Retirement Income Strategy
Plan how your KiwiSaver fits into your overall retirement income stream alongside other investments and NZ Super.
Wealth Planning
A financial plan that ensures your KiwiSaver contributions are aligned with your broader savings and investment goals.