First-home deposit options

Using Whai Rawa for your first home

Your Whai Rawa savings may help you buy or build a home to live in. Here’s how to bring the withdrawal and your home loan together.

For eligible members, a withdrawal can be up to the full account balance. Whai Rawa can sit alongside other deposit sources, but its approval process is separate from KiwiSaver and your bank.

Check this early

Start with eligibility

Whai Rawa is a managed investment scheme for registered Ngāi Tahu whānui. Its home-ownership withdrawal is generally for a member who does not own a home, intends to live in the property and has not already received a housing withdrawal. Child members cannot use this pathway.

Previous owners may still qualify, but Whai Rawa needs to assess their circumstances. Don’t assume a Kāinga Ora KiwiSaver decision also approves your Whai Rawa withdrawal.

From balance to deposit

Bring the withdrawal into your buying plan

  1. Check your balance and eligibility

    Ask Whai Rawa what you may be able to withdraw. Flag any previous ownership or unusual arrangements early.

  2. Confirm your deposit and borrowing

    I’ll help you bring the deposit sources together and work through the home loan application.

  3. Apply with your purchase agreement

    Use Whai Rawa’s Home Ownership Withdrawal Application Form and gather the supporting documents with your solicitor.

  4. Coordinate approval and payment

    Whai Rawa says it confirms approval once the purchase becomes unconditional. Check the funding arrangements and timing before committing to the purchase.

Your application

What will you need?

Use the current application checklist for your situation. Expect:

  • Identification and proof of address
  • Your signed purchase agreement and settlement details
  • Evidence that you can fund the purchase
  • Your solicitor’s confirmation of the finance arrangements and when the agreement is unconditional

For a build, Whai Rawa also asks for the relevant finance, contracts, land rights and consents.

Separate schemes, one purchase

Using KiwiSaver and whānau support

KiwiSaver as well?

You can be a member of both schemes. Each withdrawal needs its own checks and application; a KiwiSaver balance cannot simply be transferred into Whai Rawa.

Tell your solicitor at the start. I recommend allowing at least 15 working days when KiwiSaver is involved and checking each provider’s requirements before agreeing to a shorter timeframe.

KiwiSaver first-home withdrawals →

Help from whānau

Whānau may be able to transfer funds between Whai Rawa accounts to help with a purchase. Check with Whai Rawa first; an internal account transfer doesn’t count towards the receiving member’s Matched Savings total.

For other family support, make clear whether it is a gift or a loan. Your solicitor can document it, and I can explain what your lender needs.

Gifting versus a family loan →

Useful to know

Common questions

Do I have to leave $1,000 in Whai Rawa?

No. Whai Rawa allows a home-ownership withdrawal of up to the total account balance. The $1,000 retained-balance rule belongs to KiwiSaver.

Will my balance stay the same until settlement?

It can move with investment markets. Keep some room in your plan and ask Whai Rawa about the amount available when the withdrawal is processed.

Who should I contact first?

Whai Rawa confirms the withdrawal; your solicitor handles the legal purchase steps. I can help you work out how the available funds fit with your deposit and home loan.

Written by Duane Aarts, Mortgage Adviser, Canterbury Home Loans. About Duane

Content reviewed 20 October 2026.

Sources: Whai Rawa: home ownership · Whai Rawa: FAQs · Whai Rawa: product disclosure statement

General information to help you plan. Your lender and provider will confirm what applies to your circumstances.