What is a Growth KiwiSaver fund?

Growth KiwiSaver funds invest 50-100% in growth assets (shares and property) with the remainder in bonds and cash. They target higher long-term returns but have more short-term volatility. Growth funds are ideal for people with 15+ years until retirement who can handle market fluctuations and want to maximize long-term wealth building.

Who should choose a Growth KiwiSaver fund?

Growth funds are best for: People aged 18-50 with 15+ years until retirement, those comfortable with market volatility, long-term wealth builders, and anyone who can afford to ride out market downturns. If you're within 10 years of retirement or need money soon (e.g., first home buyers), consider Balanced or Conservative funds instead.

What are the best performing Growth KiwiSaver funds?

Top performing Growth funds include Milford Active Growth Fund (averaging 9.8% over 5 years), Fisher Funds Growth Fund (9.0%), and Generate Focused Growth Fund (8.7%). However, past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Compare all Growth funds based on 5-year returns, fees (aim for under 0.8%), risk level, and provider reputation using our comparison tool.

What returns can I expect from a Growth KiwiSaver fund?

Growth KiwiSaver funds have averaged 7-10% annual returns over the past 5 years. However, returns vary year-to-year due to market volatility. In good years, returns can exceed 15%, but in market downturns, you may see negative returns. Over 20-30 years, Growth funds typically outperform Conservative and Balanced funds due to higher exposure to shares and property.

What's the difference between Growth and Aggressive funds?

Growth funds typically invest 70-90% in growth assets, while Aggressive funds invest 90-100%. Aggressive funds have slightly higher long-term return potential but greater volatility. Both are suitable for long-term investors (20+ years), but Aggressive funds require even higher risk tolerance. Most people find Growth funds offer a better balance of risk and return.

Should I switch from Conservative to Growth?

Switch to Growth if: You have 15+ years until retirement, you're comfortable with market ups and downs, and you want higher long-term returns. Don't switch if: You're buying a first home within 3 years (stay Conservative), you're within 10 years of retirement (consider Balanced), or market volatility causes you stress. Switching is free and takes 2-3 weeks.

Best Growth KiwiSaver Funds 2025

Compare all 68 Growth KiwiSaver funds ranked by 5-year returns. Based on real FMA data, updated October 2025.

Total Growth Funds

Available options

Average Return

4.42%

5-year average

Average Fees

1.06%

Annual fees

Top Performer

10.62%

Aggressive Fund...

What are Growth KiwiSaver Funds?

Growth funds invest 50-100% in growth assets like shares and property, with the remainder in income assets (bonds and cash). They target higher long-term returns but have more short-term volatility.

✅ Best For:

• People with 15+ years until retirement
• Those comfortable with market fluctuations
• Long-term wealth building
• Ages 18-50 typically

⚠️ Consider Instead If:

• You're within 10 years of retirement → Balanced funds
• You need money in 1-3 years → Conservative funds
• Market drops make you anxious → Balanced funds

All Growth Funds Ranked by Performance

Rank	Fund Name	Provider	5-Year Return	Fees	Risk	Members
#1	Aggressive Fund	SuperEasy	10.62%	0.51%	4/7	1k
#2	Milford Kiwisaver Active Growth Fund	Milford	10.12%	1.05%	4/7	87k
#3	Quaystreet Australian Equity Fund	Smartshares	9.89%	1.37%	5/7	0k
#4	Quaystreet Growth Fund	Smartshares	9.53%	1.37%	4/7	3k
#5	Pathfinder Kiwisaver Growth Fund	Pathfinder	9.19%	1.37%	4/7	8k
#6	Superlife Age Steps - Age 30	Smartshares	9.04%	0.72%	4/7	0k
#7	Superlife Growth Fund	Smartshares	9.04%	0.71%	4/7	2k
#8	Superlife Age Steps - Age 40	Smartshares	9.04%	0.72%	4/7	0k
#9	Growth Fund	Anglican	8.78%	1.50%	4/7	1k
#10	Superlife Age Steps - Age 50	Smartshares	8.52%	0.71%	4/7	0k
#11	Growth Fund	Generate	8.36%	1.39%	4/7	51k
#12	Automatic Fund (Age 40)	SuperEasy	8.08%	0.51%	4/7	0k
#13	Stepping Stones 36-45	Generate	7.96%	1.39%	4/7	2k
#14	Stepping Stones Growth 51-55	Generate	7.96%	1.39%	4/7	1k
#15	Growth Fund	Fisher	7.75%	1.13%	5/7	71k
#16	Growth Fund	Simplicity	7.56%	0.25%	4/7	45k
#17	Growth Fund	ASB	7.50%	0.70%	4/7	154k
#18	AMP Growth Fund	AMP	7.39%	0.85%	4/7	29k
#19	Growth Fund	SuperEasy	7.39%	0.51%	4/7	1k
#20	AMP Growth Fund (Lifesteps)	AMP	7.39%	0.85%	4/7	10k
#21	Lifestages Auto Option Age 50 - 54	SBS	7.38%	1.11%	5/7	1k
#22	Growth Fund	MAS	7.10%	0.98%	4/7	6k
#23	Sustainable Growth Fund	Mercer	7.04%	0.84%	4/7	6k
#24	Superlife Growth Fund	AMP	7.00%	1.17%	4/7	4k
#25	BNZ Kiwisaver Growth Fund	BNZ	6.98%	0.45%	4/7	57k
#26	Global Select Growth Fund	AMP	6.85%	1.27%	4/7	5k
#27	Growth Fund	Mercer	6.67%	0.88%	4/7	2k
#28	Growth Fund	ANZ	6.58%	0.96%	5/7	14k
#29	Growth Fund	ANZ	6.58%	0.96%	5/7	235k
#30	Growth Fund	Westpac	6.56%	0.55%	4/7	122k
#31	Growth Fund	Booster	6.42%	1.35%	4/7	25k
#32	Life Cycle - Age 65	NZ Funds	5.89%	1.60%	5/7	0k
#33	Goalsgetter Amova Growth Fund	Nikko	5.73%	1.37%	5/7	0k
#34	Balanced Fund	ASB	5.71%	0.65%	4/7	100k
#35	Summer Growth Selection	Forsyth Barr	5.71%	1.02%	4/7	2k
#36	Global Select Balanced Growth Fund	AMP	5.65%	1.18%	4/7	5k
#37	Pie Kiwisaver Growth Fund	Pie	5.39%	0.68%	5/7	12k
#38	Balanced Growth Fund	ANZ	5.37%	0.92%	4/7	9k
#39	Balanced Growth Fund	ANZ	5.37%	0.92%	4/7	99k
#40	Life Cycle - Age 75	NZ Funds	5.28%	1.55%	5/7	0k
#41	Goalsgetter Amova Balanced Fund	Nikko	4.47%	1.22%	4/7	0k
#42	Investnow Mint Diversified Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	1.20%	5/7	0k
#43	Investnow Milford Active Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	1.05%	4/7	2k
#44	Investnow Smartshares Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	0.51%	4/7	1k
#45	Pathfinder Kiwisaver High Growth Fund	Pathfinder	0.00%	1.36%	5/7	0k
#46	Investnow Salt Sustainable Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	1.10%	4/7	0k
#47	Sharesies Pathfinder Ethical Growth Fund	Sharesies	0.00%	1.32%	4/7	1k
#48	Investnow Pathfinder Ethical Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	1.34%	4/7	0k
#49	Socially Responsible Growth Fund	Booster	0.00%	1.34%	4/7	3k
#50	Pie Kiwisaver Aggressive Fund	Pie	0.00%	1.19%	5/7	1k
#51	Investnow Harbour Active Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	1.03%	4/7	0k
#52	Goalsgetter Salt Sustainable Growth Fund	Nikko	0.00%	1.38%	4/7	0k
#53	Balanced Fund	Smartshares	0.00%	1.35%	4/7	0k
#54	Goalsgetter Harbour Active Growth Fund	Nikko	0.00%	1.33%	4/7	0k
#55	Goalsgetter Pathfinder Ethical Growth Fund	Nikko	0.00%	1.61%	4/7	0k
#56	Investnow Fisher Funds Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	1.02%	4/7	1k
#57	Growth Fund	Smartshares	0.00%	1.41%	4/7	0k
#58	Growth Fund	Consilium	0.00%	0.75%	4/7	0k
#59	Sharesies Smartshares Growth Fund	Sharesies	0.00%	0.51%	4/7	3k
#60	Growth Portfolio	Maritime	0.00%	0.75%	5/7	0k
#61	Investnow Foundation Series Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	0.38%	4/7	1k
#62	Growth Strategy	Koura	0.00%	0.73%	5/7	0k
#63	Aurora Retirementplus Age 50	Fundrock	0.00%	1.62%	4/7	0k
#64	Aurora Growth Fund	Fundrock	0.00%	1.62%	5/7	10k
#65	Goalsgetter Milford Active Growth Fund	Nikko	0.00%	1.35%	4/7	0k
#66	Glidepath Age 40	Fisher	0.00%	1.22%	5/7	0k
#67	Milford Active Growth Fund	AMP	0.00%	1.57%	4/7	3k
#68	Quaystreet High Growth Fund	Smartshares	0.00%	1.43%	5/7	0k

Compare Other Fund Types

Balanced Funds

Mix of growth and income assets, moderate risk

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Conservative Funds

Lower risk, more income assets, stable returns

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All funds ranked by fees across all categories

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Data source: FMA KiwiSaver Quarterly Reports, provider Product Disclosure Statements. Last updated: October 2025.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions.