Simplicity was named Favourite Low-Fee Fund Manager at the 2026 MoneyHub Editor's Choice Awards (one of NZ's most trusted financial resources). Simplicity charges 0.24% per year across all six KiwiSaver funds, with no membership fee or performance fee on top. For $10,000 invested, that's $24 a year, compared to $86 for the average Conservative Fund, $91 for the average Balanced Fund, and $107 for the average Growth Fund (based on data from https://www.smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz/ as at 18 June 2026).

MoneyHub’s independent research shows that Simplicity offers some of New Zealand’s lowest-priced KiwiSaver funds, which was recognised with an Editor’s Choice Award. If you're looking to keep more of your returns and let compounding do the heavy lifting over time, low fees can matter more than most people realise. Let's unpack what that actually means for you.

What is the MoneyHub Editor's Choice Award?

MoneyHub is one of NZ's most widely read independent financial research websites, covering everything from KiwiSaver to insurance to home loans. Unlike awards based on reader surveys or sponsored rankings, MoneyHub's Editor's Choice Awards are based on independent research - the MoneyHub website reassures readers that their research team reads the fine print, analyses performance, and compares fees to determine which products genuinely stand out.

The 2026 awards cover eight categories across investing, KiwiSaver, banking, credit cards, insurance, and more. In the KiwiSaver category, Simplicity was named Favourite Low-Fee Fund Manager. MoneyHub's editorial team described Simplicity as "a not-for-profit provider committed to minimising fees and maximising returns."

The full 2026 Editor's Choice Awards are published at moneyhub.co.nz/2026-editors-choice.html

Why do KiwiSaver fees matter?

KiwiSaver fees are usually charged as a percentage of your total balance every year. That means the bigger your balance gets, the more you pay in dollar terms - and this is where having lower fees (i.e. “expense ratios”) can make a real difference.

Here's a quick comparison. For $10,000 invested:

Industry averages according to Sorted's Smart Investor Tool as at 18 June 2026. Simplicity’s fees are as at 18 June 2026. Note that Smart Investor fee data is sourced from Disclose Register fund reporting and fund fees and averages may reflect the latest published regulatory disclosure rather than a provider's current fee schedule, particularly where fee changes have occurred since the most recent reporting period.  

Over decades of saving, these differences accumulate. A lower fee percentage means fewer dollars deducted from your balance each year, regardless of how markets perform.

MoneyHub editor Christopher Walsh puts it clearly in their independent review of Simplicity, "Simplicity is, at its heart, a nonprofit committed to its investors (to minimise fees and maximise returns) while redistributing a significant proportion of the low fees collected towards charity via the Simplicity Foundation."

How does Simplicity keep KiwiSaver fees so low?

There are two structural reasons Simplicity's fees sit where they do.

1. Nonprofit structure. Simplicity NZ Ltd is owned by the Simplicity Foundation. There are no shareholders to pay dividends to, and no profits to extract. The management fee covers the cost of running the funds, and as Simplicity has grown to more than 190,000 members (as of 18 June 2026), it has passed the benefits of that scale back through seven rounds of fee cuts, with a goal of further fee reductions:

2. Predominantly passive model. Rather than paying a team of analysts to pick stocks, Simplicity takes a predominantly passive approach, investing largely in index-linked, ESG-screened funds. This is cheaper to run than active management, and that saving flows through to the fees members pay. A small allocation goes to local (more actively managed) investments, but the bulk of the portfolio is passively managed.

Says Simplicity MD Sam Stubbs, "When we started Simplicity in 2016, our aim was straightforward - lower fees, a fairer KiwiSaver, and more dignity in retirement for more New Zealanders. Being recognised by MoneyHub for exactly that means a lot. And we're not stopping here. As Simplicity grows, passing the benefits of that scale back to members through lower fees is the commitment we made from day one."

Does Simplicity donate part of its fees to charity?

Yes. Simplicity directs 15% of the fees it collects to the Simplicity Foundation, which distributes donations to New Zealand charities. As of mid-2026, the Foundation has donated over $13 million to dozens of charities. For members, this doesn't change what you pay, but it means the fees you're charged contribute more than just keeping the lights on.

Quick summary: Simplicity fees and the 2026 MoneyHub Award

• Simplicity has been named Favourite Low-Fee Fund Manager at the MoneyHub 2026 Editor's Choice Awards

• MoneyHub's awards are based on independent research, not surveys or sponsorship

• Simplicity charges 0.24% per year across all KiwiSaver funds, with no membership or performance fee

• That's $24 per year per $10,000 invested - significantly below industry averages within each fund category

• Simplicity is a nonprofit; fees cover running costs, with 15% going to the Simplicity Foundation

• Fees add up over time, meaning the total fees saved between low-fee and high-fee providers grows the longer you save

The information provided and opinions expressed in this post are intended for general guidance only and not personalised to you. These materials do not take into account your particular financial situation or goals and are not financial advice or a recommendation. This post is not intended to convey any guarantees as to the future performance of any of the investment products, asset classes, or capital markets mentioned. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Information is current at the time of posting, and subject to change without notice. Simplicity NZ Ltd is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver Scheme and Investment Funds. For Product Disclosure Statements, please visit our website simplicity.kiwi.