KiwiSaver guardianship

The changes now make it possible for certain foster parents and kin carers to open a KiwiSaver account for a child in their care if they have been appointed the child’s guardian or special guardian by a court order under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. 

• Children under the age of 16 can only be enrolled in KiwiSaver if all of their guardians provide consent.
• Children under the age of 16 with an Oranga Tamariki guardian can be enrolled in KiwiSaver by the Oranga Tamariki guardian (without consent from any of their other guardians).
• Children aged 16 or 17 can be enrolled in KiwiSaver if one of their guardians or Oranga Tamariki guardian co-signs the application with the child.

Previously, the relatively narrow definition of ‘CYPFA guardian’ generally restricted a foster parent or kin carer from opening a KiwiSaver account for children in their care. We can still accept a court order for a ‘CYPFA guardian’ under section 110(1)(a) to (d) of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act as proof of guardianship however.

Foster parents and kin carers want to provide the best possible future for children in their care, which may include ensuring that they have some financial security. Changing the KiwiSaver guardianship rules mean foster parents and kin carers will have the opportunity to open a KiwiSaver account for a foster child in their care if they have been appointed the child’s guardian or special guardian by a court order under the Oranga Tamariki Act.

 

If you have a foster child in your care and you’ve been appointed as the child's guardian or special guardian by a court order under the Oranga Tamariki Act you'll now be able to open a KiwiSaver account for that child.

If you have a foster child in your care and you've not been appointed as the child's guardian you'll need the child's guardian (legal or Oranga Tamariki guardian) to complete the KiwiSaver enrolment application.