The survey found more than 70% of respondents said the scheme encouraged retirement saving, and also that most respondents had definite retirement goals.

Around half aim to retire on $40,000 per annum, with a target of $600,000 accumulated by the end of their working life.

However, ASB wealth and insurance general manager Blair Turnball said most would fail to hit these targets.

“Looking at the savings rates of almost 350,000 KiwiSavers in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme we can clearly see that most people are going to fall short of these goals.”

He also dismissed a common industry criticism that the savings shortfall was being exacerbated by the fact too many people were remaining in conservative default funds.

“Regardless of the kind of fund they invest in, many are simply not saving enough,” he said.

“The reality of what KiwiSavers are putting aside for their retirement means they will fall short of the nest egg they need.”

The survey also revealed the impact age and gender have on attitudes towards retirement saving.

Women were less likely to be saving, less confident in their ability to make saving and investment decisions and more risk averse.

Turnball said the survey also identified the group most at risk in terms of retirement readiness.

“They are significantly more likely to be women in families with school-aged children and who have low personal incomes.”

The survey also found less than half of respondents under 30 are saving for retirement, climbing to two-thirds between 30 and 50 and 80% of those between 50 and 60.

Turnball said the results of the survey were promising in that they showed KiwiSaver was encouraging saving, though more work is needed.
“Motivation is one issue we have to address, but beyond that the knowledge gap is still very apparent.”