About 78% of New Zealanders support making KiwiSaver compulsory and 73% support an increase in contribution rates, according to a survey commissioned by the Financial Services Council.
The council, whose members are KiwiSaver providers, said the survey of 2,000 people was conducted by CoreData.
"As an additional indicator of support, over 75% of respondents thought they were getting value for money for the KiwiSaver fees they pay," said FSC chief executive Richard Klipin.
"The research also found that New Zealanders are deeply worried about not having enough savings for their retirement," Klipin said.
The average KiwiSaver balance of just over $25,000 means "there's a yawning gap between what New Zealanders have in their KiwiSaver and what they need to save. That means most Kiwis will fall short of being able to fund a modest retirement, let alone a comfortable one", he said.
About 17% of New Zealanders are not contributing to KiwiSaver at all and more than 30% of those who are contributing pay in the minimum 3% of earnings.
All New Zealanders over age 65 are entitled to government superannuation which is currently $506.64 a week before tax for a single person and $768.92 for a couple.