A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted.

Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make first-home withdrawals, because they’re required to live in employer housing.

The Government’s now allowing them to use their savings, including towards buying a farm.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that these workers have been locked out of the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal for too long.

She says if people are working hard to get ahead, where they live shouldn't exclude them from the property ladder.

LISTEN ABOVE

A barrier stopping rural workers from using KiwiSaver is being lifted.
Farm workers, rural teachers, police and defence staff have been unable to make first-home withdrawals, because they&rsquo;re required to live in employer housing.
The Government&rsquo;s now allowing them to use their savings, including towards buying a farm.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge that these workers have been locked out of the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal for too long.
She says if people are working hard to get ahead, where they live shouldn't exclude them from the property ladder.
LISTEN ABOVE

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Looking for actionable business insights all in one place? 
We're here to help you find a way with a curation of the &lsquo;best bits&rsquo; from top business podcasts. 
Save time searching; subscribe to the SME Stream where you can listen to relevant, timely, business-related content today.&nbsp;
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Nicola Willis: Finance Minister discusses making KiwiSaver easier to access for rural workers

Ethical investing seems to be a hot topic when it comes to choosing an investment fund or KiwiSaver provider. 

I've often heard providers boast that their fund is ethical - they avoid weapons manufacturers, focus on renewable and sustainable energy - you won't feel a possible sense of guilt around where your money is going. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Ethical investing seems to be a hot topic when it comes to choosing an investment fund or KiwiSaver provider.&nbsp;
I've often heard providers boast that their fund is ethical - they avoid weapons manufacturers, focus on renewable and sustainable energy - you won't feel a possible sense of guilt around where your money is going.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Martin Hawes: Are you losing money on ethical investing?

In this episode, I break down why saturated markets aren’t something to avoid - they’re actually the smartest and most profitable places to start a business in 2026. I share real examples from my own shapewear brand, my students, and the businesses I’ve built, and walk you through how to find your unique angle in any crowded industry.

👉🏼 https://www.makeithappen.org.nz/
📲 Socials: https://www.instagram.com/makeithappen

 

In this episode, I break down why saturated markets aren&rsquo;t something to avoid - they&rsquo;re actually the smartest and most profitable places to start a business in 2026. I share real examples from my own shapewear brand, my students, and the businesses I&rsquo;ve built, and walk you through how to find your unique angle in any crowded industry.
👉🏼 <a href="https://www.makeithappen.org.nz/">https://www.makeithappen.org.nz/</a> 📲 Socials:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/makeithappen">https://www.instagram.com/makeithappen</a>
&nbsp;

(#92) Why Saturated Markets Are the Best Places to Start a Business in 2026

The Government has highlighted issues within the KiwiSaver Act that have prevented a number of Kiwis from using their accounts to buy a home. 

Many workers in rural areas, like farm workers, rural police and teachers, are often required to live in housing provided by their employer - which stops them from being able to withdraw their KiwiSaver for a first home as they're unable to live in it. 

These issues have also stopped farmers from being able to purchase their own farm as it's not covered by current legislation. 

Changes announced this morning would remove those barriers. 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government has highlighted issues within the KiwiSaver Act that have prevented a number of Kiwis from using their accounts to buy a home.&nbsp;
Many workers in rural areas, like farm workers, rural police and teachers, are often required to live in housing provided by their employer - which stops them from being able to withdraw their KiwiSaver for a first home as they're unable to live in it.&nbsp;
These issues have also stopped farmers from being able to purchase their own farm as it's not covered by current legislation.&nbsp;
Changes announced this morning would remove those barriers.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister discusses making KiwiSaver easier to access for rural workers

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