About Booster
Booster is a New Zealand-owned-and-operated financial services company based in Wellington. It was founded in 1998—originally as Grosvenor Financial Services Group—by a team of experienced industry professionals, offering Kiwis a more tailored approach to managing their money.
Key credentials:
- Consumer NZ People's Choice KiwiSaver Award (2026)
- Responsible Investment Leader by RIAA (2026)
- Canstar Outstanding Value – Aggressive KiwiSaver Fund Award (2021, Geared Growth Fund)
- Booster's Socially Responsible High Growth Fund ranked #1 for 10-year performance in the High Growth category by Morningstar.
Booster also operates beyond KiwiSaver, offering investment funds, insurance, budgeting tools, and a debit card product (Booster Savvy). Its specialist investment funds include the Tahi Fund (which invests in New Zealand businesses), the Booster Innovation Fund (listed on the NZX), and the Private Land and Property Fund.
Booster KiwiSaver scheme funds explained
Booster offers 14 KiwiSaver funds across four risk categories. Choosing the right one depends on your goals, how soon you'll need the money, and how comfortable you are with your balance fluctuating in value.
Here's a quick guide to what each category means:
- Conservative: Lower risk, mostly income assets (bonds, term deposits). Suits those with short timeframes or low risk tolerance
- Balanced: A mix of growth and income assets. Suits those with a medium-term timeframe
- Growth: Mostly growth assets (shares, property). Suits those comfortable with volatility over 7+ years
- High Growth: Almost entirely growth assets, some with leverage (borrowing to invest). Suits those with a 10–15+ year timeframe who are comfortable with significant ups and downs.
If ethical investing is a priority, Booster has six funds that either hold RIAA Certification or are recognised as Mindful Funds. For a deeper dive, see our article on ethical KiwiSaver options.
Conservative funds
Booster offers two conservative funds. These invest primarily or entirely in income assets and are designed for people who are either close to retirement or buying a first home, or who are not comfortable with any fall in value.
| |
Capital Guaranteed Fund
|
Enhanced Cash Fund
|
|
Expected long-term annual return (after fees, before tax)
|
3.80%
|
2.30%
|
|
Suggested investment timeframe
|
2 years+
|
No minimum
|
|
Fund asset allocation
|
10% growth / 90% income
|
0% growth / 100% income
|
|
Risk indicator
|
2
|
2
|
|
RIAA-certified?*
|
✘
|
✘
|
|
Mindful Fund?**
|
✘
|
✘
|
|
Estimated annual fund charge
|
0.91% + $36
|
0.75% + $36
|
|
Annual member fee
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
1About RIAA Certification
RIAA Certification is an independent standard that confirms a fund’s responsible investment claims are genuine and transparent. Certified products must formally and consistently integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, avoid significant harm, and be managed by active stewards through engagement and voting. They are also required to provide clear, honest disclosure of holdings and responsible investment practices.
2About Mindful Fund
A Mindful Fund is independently assessed by Mindful Money to meet higher standards for ethical investing and reduce greenwashing. Mindful Funds must show clear evidence that they avoid harmful investments, engage with companies to improve social and environmental outcomes, and/or deliver positive impact, based on actual holdings and real-world actions.
Fund performance as of 30 June 2026
| |
Capital Guaranteed Fund
|
Enhanced Cash Fund
|
| |
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
|
Last 12 months
|
4.1%
|
3.3%
|
2.5%
|
1.8%
|
|
Last 2 years (p.a.)
|
4.6%
|
3.6%
|
3.4%
|
2.4%
|
|
Last 3 years (p.a.)
|
5.0%
|
3.9%
|
3.8%
|
2.7%
|
|
Last 5 years (p.a.)
|
3.7%
|
2.9%
|
3.0%
|
2.2%
|
|
Last 10 years (p.a.)
|
2.6%
|
2.0%
|
2.2%
|
1.6%
|
|
Last 15 years (p.a.)
|
2.9%
|
2.2%
|
2.5%
|
1.8%
|
|
Since Inception (p.a.)
|
3.2%
|
2.4%
|
3.1%
|
2.2%
|
Disclaimer: Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.
A few things worth noting:
Capital Guaranteed Fund invests in New Zealand term deposits, bonds, and some global shares. It's designed for people who cannot afford any drop in value and have at least a two-year timeframe. The expected return is 3.80% per year (after fees, before tax).
Enhanced Cash Fund is Booster's most conservative option, investing entirely in New Zealand term deposits and bonds. It suits those who may need to access their savings within a year and would be unhappy with any fall in value. The expected return is 2.30% per year.
Balanced funds
Booster has five balanced funds, including the Default Saver Fund. These funds split money between growth assets (shares and property) and income assets. They generally suit people with a 3–5 year timeframe who are comfortable with moderate ups and downs.
| |
Moderate Fund
|
SR Moderate Fund
|
Default Saver Fund
|
Balanced Fund
|
SR Balanced Fund
|
|
Expected long-term annual return (after fees, before tax)
|
5.90%
|
5.90%
|
7.10%
|
7.00%
|
7.00%
|
|
Suggested investment timeframe
|
3 years+
|
3 years+
|
5 years+
|
5 years+
|
5 years+
|
|
Fund asset allocation
|
40% growth / 60% income
|
40% growth / 60% income
|
55% growth / 45% income
|
60% growth / 40% income
|
60% growth / 40% income
|
|
Risk indicator
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
|
RIAA-certified?
|
✘
|
✔
|
✔
|
✘
|
✔
|
|
Mindful Fund?
|
✘
|
✔
|
✘
|
✘
|
✔
|
|
Estimated annual fund charge
|
1.11%
|
1.10%
|
0.35%
|
1.22%
|
1.22%
|
|
Annual member fee
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
No member fee
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
Fund performance as of 30 June 2026
| |
Moderate Fund
|
SR Moderate Fund
|
Default Saver Fund
|
Balanced Fund
|
SR Balanced Fund
|
| |
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
|
Last 12 months
|
7.2%
|
6.3%
|
7.1%
|
6.4%
|
12.2%
|
11.1%
|
10.8%
|
9.9%
|
10.7%
|
10.0%
|
|
Last 2 years (p.a.)
|
6.4%
|
5.3%
|
6.9%
|
5.9%
|
11.0%
|
9.7%
|
8.7%
|
7.6%
|
9.2%
|
8.4%
|
|
Last 3 years (p.a.)
|
6.5%
|
5.4%
|
6.9%
|
5.9%
|
10.9%
|
9.6%
|
8.9%
|
7.8%
|
9.5%
|
8.6%
|
|
Last 5 years (p.a.)
|
3.2%
|
2.6%
|
3.1%
|
2.8%
|
-
|
-
|
4.9%
|
4.2%
|
5.1%
|
4.7%
|
|
Last 10 years (p.a.)
|
4.5%
|
3.8%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6.8%
|
6.0%
|
7.1%
|
6.6%
|
|
Last 15 years (p.a.)
|
4.9%
|
4.1%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6.7%
|
5.7%
|
7.6%
|
6.7%
|
|
Since Inception (p.a.)
|
4.9%
|
3.9%
|
4.7%
|
4.3%
|
6.5%
|
5.8%
|
5.9%
|
4.8%
|
6.8%
|
5.8%
|
Disclaimer: Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.
A few things worth noting:
Default Saver Fund has the lowest annual fund charge of any Booster fund at 0.35% because it uses a predominantly passive investment approach. It also has no member fee (unlike the other funds, which charge $3/month). If you were automatically enrolled in KiwiSaver without actively choosing a fund, this is likely the fund you were placed in.
Socially Responsible Moderate Fund and SR Balanced Fund are both RIAA-certified, meaning their responsible investment claims have been independently verified. Both exclude investments in 15 specific industries, including fossil fuels and weapons.
Growth funds
Booster's three growth funds invest primarily in growth assets—mostly shares and property—with a suggested investment timeframe of seven years or more. These funds are better suited to people comfortable with their balance fluctuating in the short term.
| |
Growth Fund
|
Shielded Growth Fund
|
SR Growth Fund
|
|
Expected long-term annual return (after fees, before tax)
|
7.50%
|
7.50%
|
7.50%
|
|
Suggested investment timeframe
|
7 years+
|
7 years+
|
7 years+
|
|
Fund asset allocation
|
80% growth / 20% income
|
99% growth / 1% income
|
80% growth / 20% income
|
|
Risk indicator
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
|
RIAA-certified?
|
✘
|
✘
|
✔
|
|
Mindful Fund?
|
✘
|
✘
|
✔
|
|
Estimated annual fund charge
|
1.28%
|
1.35%
|
1.23%
|
|
Annual member fee
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
Fund performance as of 30 June 2026
| |
Growth Fund
|
Shielded Growth Fund
|
SR Growth Fund
|
| |
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
|
Last 12 months
|
13.6%
|
12.6%
|
15.8%
|
15.0%
|
13.6%
|
12.9%
|
|
Last 2 years (p.a.)
|
10.3%
|
9.3%
|
11.4%
|
10.5%
|
11.2%
|
10.3%
|
|
Last 3 years (p.a.)
|
10.6%
|
9.5%
|
11.8%
|
10.9%
|
11.5%
|
10.6%
|
|
Last 5 years (p.a.)
|
6.2%
|
5.4%
|
6.8%
|
6.0%
|
-
|
-
|
|
Last 10 years (p.a.)
|
8.5%
|
7.6%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Last 15 years (p.a.)
|
8.1%
|
7.0%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Since Inception (p.a.)
|
7.9%
|
6.9%
|
8.4%
|
7.6%
|
8.1%
|
7.6%
|
Disclaimer: Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.
The Shielded Growth Fund is unique among Booster's funds. It invests 99% in growth assets but uses options to protect around 30% of losses if global share markets fall by more than 10%. The level of built-in downside protection typically varies between 20% and 50% of the fund, depending on market conditions.
The Socially Responsible Growth Fund carries a slightly higher risk indicator (5 vs 4 for the non-SRI Growth Fund). This reflects differences in portfolio composition under the Responsible Investment Policy. It is RIAA-certified.
High growth funds
Booster has four high growth funds, including two Geared Growth options. These funds invest almost entirely in growth assets and are designed for investors with long timeframes (typically 10 to 15+ years) who can tolerate significant short-term volatility in pursuit of higher long-term returns.
| |
High Growth Fund
|
SR High Growth Fund
|
Geared Growth Fund
|
SR Geared Growth Fund
|
|
Expected long-term annual return (after fees, before tax)
|
8.40%
|
8.40%
|
9.60%
|
9.60%
|
|
Suggested investment timeframe
|
10 years+
|
10 years+
|
15 years+
|
15 years+
|
|
Fund asset allocation
|
99% growth / 1% income
|
99% growth / 1% income
|
99% growth / 1% income
|
99% growth / 1% income
|
|
Risk indicator
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
|
RIAA-certified?
|
✘
|
✔
|
✘
|
✔
|
|
Mindful Fund?
|
✘
|
✔
|
✘
|
✔
|
|
Estimated annual fund charge
|
1.34%
|
1.24%
|
1.74%
|
1.64%
|
|
Annual member fee
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
$3/month ($36/year)
|
Fund performance as of 30 June 2026
| |
High Growth Fund
|
SR High Growth Fund
|
Geared Growth Fund
|
SR Geared Growth Fund
|
| |
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
Before
Tax
|
After Tax
at 28%
|
|
Last 12 months
|
16.6%
|
15.7%
|
17.0%
|
16.3%
|
19.8%
|
18.3%
|
19.8%
|
18.5%
|
|
Last 2 years (p.a.)
|
12.2%
|
11.1%
|
13.3%
|
12.5%
|
14.2%
|
12.9%
|
15.2%
|
1.1%
|
|
Last 3 years (p.a.)
|
12.6%
|
11.5%
|
13.9%
|
13.0%
|
15.0%
|
13.5%
|
1.0%
|
1.8%
|
|
Last 5 years (p.a.)
|
7.6%
|
6.7%
|
8.5%
|
7.9%
|
8.2%
|
7.1%
|
-
|
-
|
|
Last 10 years (p.a.)
|
9.9%
|
8.9%
|
11.0%
|
10.3%
|
12.1%
|
11.0%
|
-
|
-
|
|
Last 15 years (p.a.)
|
9.1%
|
8.0%
|
9.6%
|
8.7%
|
10.7%
|
9.6%
|
-
|
-
|
|
Since Inception (p.a.)
|
6.6%
|
5.5%
|
9.6%
|
8.6%
|
10.5%
|
9.4%
|
11.0%
|
10.5%
|
Disclaimer: Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.
Geared Growth funds are among Booster's most distinctive offerings. They use borrowing (leverage) to increase investment exposure, for potentially higher returns than a standard high-growth fund but also greater losses in a downturn.
The expected long-term return is 9.60% per year (after fees, before tax), and the suggested investment timeframe is 15+ years. The Geared Growth Fund won the Canstar Outstanding Value – Aggressive KiwiSaver Fund Award in 2021.
The Socially Responsible High Growth Fund was ranked #1 for 10-year performance in the High Growth category by independent KiwiSaver reviewer Morningstar. It carries a higher risk indicator (5) than the standard High Growth Fund (4), which reflects differences in portfolio construction.
Booster KiwiSaver fees
Annual fund charges range from 0.35% (Default Saver Fund) to 1.74% (Geared Growth Fund). These are deducted directly from the fund, so you won't see them as a separate transaction—your balance already reflects them. The charge covers investment management, administration, and other running costs.
Here’s how fees vary by fund:
|
Fund
|
Annual fund charge
|
|
Enhanced Cash Fund
|
0.75%
|
|
Capital Guaranteed Fund
|
0.91%
|
|
SR Moderate Fund
|
1.10%
|
|
Moderate Fund
|
1.11%
|
|
SR Growth Fund
|
1.23%
|
|
SR High Growth Fund
|
1.24%
|
|
Balanced Fund
|
1.22%
|
|
SR Balanced Fund
|
1.22%
|
|
Growth Fund
|
1.28%
|
|
High Growth Fund
|
1.34%
|
|
Shielded Growth Fund
|
1.35%
|
|
SR Geared Growth Fund
|
1.64%
|
|
Geared Growth Fund
|
1.74%
|
|
Default Saver Fund
|
0.35%
|
Monthly member fee is $3 per month ($36 per year) for most funds. This covers the cost of administering your account. However:
- The member fee is waived entirely if your balance is under $500—helpful if you're new to KiwiSaver
- The Default Saver Fund has no member fee at all, regardless of balance
- If your total balance across Booster KiwiSaver funds exceeds $200,000, you receive tiered fee rebates on your annual fund charge (excluding the Default Saver and Conservative funds). The rebates grow larger as your balance increases.
Fees are only one factor to consider when comparing KiwiSaver providers. A fund with higher fees could still deliver better after-fee returns, depending on how it's managed and what's happening in the market. Equally, a low-cost passive fund may suit some investors better than an actively managed one. Comparing providers side by side, and not just on fees, is the most useful approach.
If you'd like help, Policywise can compare Booster's options against other leading providers at no cost to you. Get in touch with a Policywise KiwiSaver adviser for personalised, independent advice.
Can you make an early withdrawal from your Booster KiwiSaver fund?
In most cases, your KiwiSaver savings stay locked in until you turn 65, which is the current qualifying age for NZ Superannuation. At that point, you can withdraw all or some of your savings.
However, there are specific situations where you may be able to access your money earlier. These are set out in KiwiSaver legislation and apply to all providers. They're not unique to Booster:
- First-home withdrawal: If you're buying your first home (or land for a first home), you may be able to withdraw most or all of your savings. This is one of the most common reasons for early withdrawal.
- Significant financial hardship: If you're unable to meet basic living expenses, pay rent or a mortgage, or cover other essential costs, you may qualify. Applications are assessed by Public Trust (the supervisor of the Booster KiwiSaver Scheme).
- Serious illness or life-shortening congenital condition: If your health meets the definition set out in the KiwiSaver Act, you may be able to access your full balance (including government contributions).
- Permanent emigration: If you permanently move overseas (other than to Australia), you may be able to withdraw your savings after living abroad for at least a year. If moving to Australia, you can transfer your savings to an Australian-complying superannuation scheme instead.
These rules apply to all KiwiSaver providers, not just Booster. If you're considering a withdrawal, it's a good idea to seek advice first.
For more detailed information, see our article on KiwiSaver withdrawals.
Compare your KiwiSaver options with ease
Policywise makes it easy for you to grow and protect your retirement funds. We provide independent KiwiSaver advice and help you choose funds that maximise your returns and match your long-term goals.
We also make sure you’re set up with the right insurance cover, so your retirement plans don’t fall apart even if critical illness, injury, disability, or death impacts your personal or family income.
Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service, because now is the time to get your retirement and insurance plans sorted. Give your family or someone you love the most outstanding financial support possible. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today; our service is fast and free.
