If you’ve worked in Australia and accumulated superannuation, you may be able to transfer your Australian super balance to your KiwiSaver account when you return to New Zealand. Here’s how the Trans-Tasman portability arrangement works.
The Trans-Tasman Superannuation Portability Agreement
New Zealand and Australia have a formal agreement — the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability Arrangement — that allows super and KiwiSaver savings to be transferred between the two countries.
This allows:
- NZ residents returning from Australia to transfer Australian super to KiwiSaver
- Australians moving to NZ to consider their options
You cannot simply withdraw Australian super and deposit it as cash into KiwiSaver. It must be a direct fund-to-fund transfer.
Who Can Transfer Australian Super to KiwiSaver?
To transfer Australian super to KiwiSaver, you must:
- Be a current KiwiSaver member (or enrol first)
- Have stopped living in Australia (be a permanent resident of NZ)
- Have an eligible Australian super fund (see below)
- Not be receiving the Australian age pension or super pension (retirement income stream)
You do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident — any person who worked in Australia and contributed to super can potentially transfer.
Which Australian Super Funds Can Transfer?
The transfer must be from an APRA-regulated Australian super fund. This includes most large industry funds (Australian Super, Hostplus, HESTA, Cbus, etc.) and retail funds.
Transfers are NOT available from:
- Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs)
- Defined benefit schemes
- Funds with conditions attached (e.g., locked government super)
Check with your Australian fund whether they’re APRA-regulated and eligible to transfer.
Where Does the Transferred Balance Go?
The transferred Australian super goes into your KiwiSaver account with your chosen NZ provider. It’s added to your existing KiwiSaver balance.
The transferred amount is treated as a personal contribution — it counts toward your KiwiSaver balance but does NOT attract:
- The Member Tax Credit (MTC is not available on transferred amounts)
- Any additional employer contributions from your NZ employer
Tax Treatment of the Transfer
The tax treatment depends on whether the Australian super was taxed in Australia:
- Concessional (pre-tax) Australian super contributions — taxed at 15% in Australia; transferred amount enters KiwiSaver without further NZ tax at transfer
- Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions — already taxed; no additional tax on transfer
Once in KiwiSaver, the balance is taxed at your PIR through the NZ PIE regime (on returns only — the balance itself is not re-taxed).
A tax adviser familiar with both NZ and Australian tax law is recommended for complex situations or large balances.
The Transfer Process — Step by Step
- Enrol in KiwiSaver (if not already a member) — choose a provider
- Obtain your Australian super fund details — fund name, member number, contact details
- Contact your KiwiSaver provider — request the Trans-Tasman transfer form or process
- Complete the request form — your KiwiSaver provider submits the transfer request to your Australian fund
- Australian fund processes the transfer — typically 4–8 weeks
- Balance appears in KiwiSaver — your NZ provider confirms receipt
The initiative can also be taken by contacting your Australian super fund directly and requesting the transfer to your KiwiSaver account (you’ll need your NZ provider’s details).
Common Questions
Can I transfer if I might return to Australia? Yes, but the transfer is permanent — once in KiwiSaver, the funds are subject to NZ KiwiSaver rules. If you return to Australia and start earning again, you’d start fresh with Australian super.
What about lost Australian super? The Australian Tax Office operates a Lost Super register. Visit ato.gov.au to search for unclaimed super before initiating a transfer.
Is there a minimum amount? No minimum is specified in the agreement, but some funds may have practical minimums. Check with your Australian fund.