FAQs

Why should I choose Fisher Funds as my KiwiSaver provider?
Fisher Funds is a specialist investment manager with a straightforward approach. We simply invest in good quality, proven investments. We do not seek ‘bargains’ or try to ‘time the market’. We look for quality.  Our approach has been time tested over 20 years. We recognize that past performance is no guarantee of future results; however our investment style has been successful in good times and bad.
 
      We are a specialist investment manager
      Investing is all we do. Our key staff have an ownership interest in Fisher Funds - this means our interests    
      are aligned with yours
 
      Common sense investing
      We simply invest in high quality proven investments using a time tested hands-on research process.
 
      Open and honest communication = transparency
      We tell you where your money is invested and why. Our monthly newsletter keeps you up todate on performance and           
      all things KiwiSaver. You can view your account online at any time.
 
      Visibility
      We won't lose you on a large, impersonal database. You'll always talk to someone who knows the ins and outs of KiwiSaver    
      and investing and not an automated phone system.
 
      Looking after your interests
      We actively contact you to maximise the tax credits from the government.
 
      We're a local provider
      We're 100% NZ owned and operated. New Zealand dollar returns are what matter.
 

What type of investment approach does the Fisher Funds scheme offer?
The Fisher Funds KiwiSaver scheme offers both Growth and Conservative Funds giving you flexibility as your investment needs change.  You may choose either Fund or a combination of the two in any ratio you choose. 
 
The Growth Fund seeks to grow the real value of your KiwiSaver savings by principally investing in the shares of growing New Zealand, Australian and International companies. This is the Fund that really differentiates our Scheme from other KiwiSaver providers. If you are seeking to achieve higher returns over the long term this is the core Fund to invest some or all of your KiwiSaver savings in.
 
The Conservative Fund has an emphasis on capital preservation, seeking secure investments to achieve returns better than bank term deposits over the long term. The Conservative Fund may invest in all or any of a range of different asset classes principally comprising cash, fixed interest, shares, infrastructure securities and property securities both in New Zealand and internationally.  
 
To read more about how we construct and manage these Fund's click here.
 
How easy is it change KiwiSaver provider?
Changing providers is really easy. All you need to do is complete our 2 page application form and return to us with two copies of I.D.  We then update IRD and your ongoing contributions will be immediately rediverted to us.  We then contact your current provider and arrange for the funds they have to be passed to us in bulk.  They have 35 days to pass the funds to us once we have sent them a request. There are no fees invovled in transferring and basically once you've sent the application form to us we take care of the rest on your behalf - easy!
 
Likewise, if you wanted to move away from Fisher Funds KiwiSaver you would just complete the form for another provider.  Before you did this we would encourage you to give us a call so we can discuss your account and situation in more detail.
 
How are my savings in the Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Scheme protected?
Our KiwiSaver scheme is governed by a Trust Deed and regulated similarly to registered superannuation schemes. It has been registered with the Government Actuary. This means our Scheme has met certain minimum ongoing requirements. We also provide detailed disclosure information to help people make a choice. Trustees Executors Superannuation Limited is the trustee of the Scheme. Neither the Government nor scheme providers guarantee any individual scheme.
 
What information will Fisher Funds distribute to scheme members?
Fisher Funds updates the unit price of the Funds within the Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Scheme every business day on our website. Every member will be emailed a monthly newsletter with updates on returns and the companies the Scheme invests in. Members will also receive a detailed transaction statement every three months.  You can also view your account online at any time.
 
Who can join KiwiSaver?
Anyone under 65 can join KiwiSaver even if you are not working. 
 
What fees will Fisher Funds charge?
The following fees will be charged (these are the current fees - they are subject to adjustment): 
 
Fee Type Explanation
Administration

$2.00 per month per member. This fee is deducted from the members account each month.

 

Management Fee

Growth fund - 0.95% per annum. This fee is calculated daily on the gross asset value of the investment product and paid monthly.

Conservative Fund - 0.85% per annum. This fee is calculated daily on the gross asset value of the investment product and paid monthly.

Performance Fee (Growth Fund only) 10% of net returns in excess of the "cash Rate" - the percentage change in the NZX 90 Bank Bill Index. This fee is calculated daily and paid twice yearly - June and December
Trustee Fee 0.04% per annum of the gross asset value of the Scheme for trusteeship services.
Custodial and Other Administration Fees 0.06% per annum of the gross asset value of the Scheme for custody, unit pricing, investment accounting and cash handling.
 
 
Do you have a minimum $ contribution?
If you are not employed or self employed there is a $100 minimum initial investment, otherwise, no minimum. The Scheme does not have a minimum ongoing annual contribution.
 
Will the Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Scheme allow me to take a contributions holiday?
Yes, after 12 months of membership.  A contributions holiday request form can be obtained here.  
 
Will Fisher Funds allow me to make lump sum contributions over and above my regular contribution?
Yes. A $100 minimum.
 
What sort of returns can I expect to get from my savings with Fisher Funds?
We never make predictions about future returns because past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. Returns will vary depending on share market movements, the companies selected for the Scheme, and the value of dividends paid by those companies. Share prices do not always go up, especially over shorter periods of time. However, over longer time periods, money invested in shares has historically “appreciated” or grown more than money invested in other types of investments.
 
Will the Fisher Funds KiwiSaver Scheme allow me to use the mortgage diversion option?
No.  The mortgage diversion option was discontinued by the Government (affecting all KiwiSaver providers) in mid 2009.
 
When do I receive the Government’s kickstart?
For employees – after the three month anniversary of the first contribution received date
For non-employees – after the three month anniversary of the active choice received date
 
Why do you need my employers IRD number?
This helps the IRD identify your employer and ensure the transfer of your funds to Fisher Funds is smooth and seamless. This information remains confidential.
 
How is my employer notified to make KiwiSaver deductions for me?
Once we have received and processed your application form we will forward these details onto the IRD. The IRD will then send your employer a letter advising that you have joined a KiwiSaver scheme and to begin making deductions if not already doing so.
 
This notification process may take some time so to avoid any potential delays we recommend that you advise your employer you have joined KiwiSaver, how much you want to contribute and when you want your contributions to commence.
 
Can I enrol my children in KiwiSaver?
Yes.  Everyone under the age of 65 is eligible to join KiwiSaver.  To learn more about how KiwiSaver applies for children, follow this link
 
Do I need to supply an IRD number on my children’s KiwiSaver application?
Yes. An IRD number is mandatory. Click here to obtain an IRD number application form if required.
 
What is a Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR)?
A PIR is the rate at which your investment income is taxed.  Click here to see how to calculate your PIR. 
 
Are KiwiSaver contributions deducted from redundancy payouts?
No they are not.  The KiwiSaver Act specifically excludes redundancy payouts from the definition of Salary or Wages so your redundancy payout will have no money deducted for KiwiSaver.
 
When can I access my KiwiSaver funds?
If an employee does not opt out of KiwiSaver after the first eight weeks of employment, their savings are locked in until the employee reaches the age of eligibility for New Zealand Superannuation (currently 65), or for a minimum of five years, whichever is later. There are exceptions – early withdrawals may be permitted for first home purchase, significant financial hardship, serious illness, death, or permanent emigration (terms and conditions apply).
 
Can I contribute while I am overseas?
Yes you can, however, the Government will not match any contributions you make whilst you are not resident in NZ.
If you cannot find the answer to your question in the FAQ section or throughout this website, feel free to ask one of our KiwiSaver experts.
 
 
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