My wife and I have both retired. We cashed up my KiwiSaver and kept hers open. With the returns of our fixed deposits being so low, as they become available could we put them into her KiwiSaver, then set up a regular monthly withdrawal to help with our household expenses? We think it would be a lot easier to manage with only one investment to control. Or do we engage a financial adviser at a higher management fee?
From a practical point of view, you certainly can put lump sums into your wife's KiwiSaver whenever you wish.
Most providers will allow this through internet banking, either directly into their bank account or via IRD using the KSS payment option (have your wife's IRD number handy as a reference). Or they will have an application form available for lump sum payments.
You can also set up regular withdrawals to help meet your living costs in retirement. You will have discovered from your own experience that the first withdrawal you make after reaching your 'end payment date' takes a bit longer, as the form needs to be signed as a statutory declaration by a JP or similar authorised person.
You need to confirm your identity and bank account details as well as your residence in New Zealand during any years you received Member Tax Credits. These are only available to New Zealand tax residents.