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Experiencing serious illness

Serious illness relates to an injury, illness or disability:

  • that results in you being totally and permanently unable to engage in work in which you are suited by reason of experience, education, or training or any combination of those things
  • that poses a serious and imminent risk of death.

You’ll need to provide a medical explanation of your illness as well as any supporting information or documentation and have a doctor complete a confidential declaration for you.

If your application is approved, you’ll be able to withdraw your full KiwiSaver account balance, including member, employer and government contributions.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for a withdrawal in this situation you need to fill in the BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme serious illness withdrawal application form PDF 218KB. Once you have filled in this form, you will need to take it to a Justice of the Peace, a solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, notary public or another person authorised to complete the statutory declaration section of the form. Then you can choose to drop your completed form into any BNZ branch, email it to KiwiSaver_Support_Team@bnz.co.nz, or send it to: Freepost BNZ KiwiSaver Scheme, Private Bag 92208, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.