# Retirement Planning Guide — Sorted.org.nz

**Source URL:** https://sorted.org.nz/guides/retirement/how-to-plan-save-and-invest-for-retirement
**Publisher/Organisation:** Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission (via Sorted)
**Date accessed:** June 2026
**Publication date:** Regularly updated
**Folder/category:** 13 Consumer Guides
**Source type:** Web capture
**NZ-specific:** Yes
**Reliability rating:** High (official Retirement Commission website)

## Why this source matters

Sorted is the official consumer finance website of the NZ Retirement Commission. This guide is the authoritative source for retirement planning in New Zealand. It fills a critical gap in consumer-focused financial guidance.

## Key facts

- Women turning 65: most commonly live to 91; 1 in 5 live to 95+
- Men turning 65: most commonly live to 89; 1 in 5 live to 93+
- Plan for 25-30 years of retirement
- ~40% of over-65s rely solely on NZ Super
- ~1 in 3 Kiwis work past age 65
- Paid work does NOT reduce NZ Super entitlement
- NZ Super starts at 65; no set retirement age
- Owning home debt-free is a powerful goal
- Key costs that rise: healthcare, insurance, rates

## Retirement income sources

1. NZ Super (universal pension from age 65)
2. KiwiSaver (employer + government contributions)
3. Other savings and investments
4. Part-time work
5. Downsizing home
6. Reverse mortgage or equity release
7. Iwi-based savings (e.g. Ngāi Tahu Whai Rawa)
8. Renting out part of home / boarder

## Related guides on Sorted

- NZ Super rates (current)
- Manage your money in retirement
- Family trusts guide
- Getting out of debt
- Enduring powers of attorney
- Retirement calculator tool
- KiwiSaver calculator tool

## Notes

Sorted content is regularly updated by the Retirement Commission. Check for changes after each Budget or policy change.