More Kiwis raiding KiwiSaver in March as fuel, cost-of-living pressures hit households

Cameron SmithOnline Business Editor·NZ Herald·20 May, 2026 05:00 PM3 mins to read‌Morning Headlines | Fear we’ll lose more talent in public service cuts and New Zealand sees renewed growth in international education | Wednesday, May 20, 2026Higher fuel costs and cost-of-living pressures are driving more Kiwis to seek financial assistance through KiwiSaver.According to Inland Revenue figures, KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals hit $49.2 million in March, up from $41.2m in February.

More than 5600 people withdrew money from their KiwiSaver for hardship reasons in March, up from