Build a regular income stream from NZX dividend stocks. Learn which NZ investments pay dividends most frequently.
Unlike US stocks that often pay quarterly, most NZ companies pay dividends semi-annually (twice per year). True monthly dividend stocks are rare on the NZX. However, you can build a monthly income stream by diversifying across stocks with different payment schedules.
While individual NZ stocks typically pay twice yearly, you can create a monthly income stream by strategically selecting stocks with staggered payment schedules. Here's how:
Different companies pay dividends in different months. By owning 6+ dividend stocks with varied schedules, you can receive payments across most months of the year.
Some NZ investments pay more frequently than semi-annually. REITs and certain ETFs may pay quarterly distributions.
See exactly when each NZ stock pays dividends with our interactive calendar.
These stocks offer the highest dividend yields on the NZX - combine several for regular income
Tower Limited
12.63%
Dividend Yield
Livestock Improvement Corporation Limited
12.10%
Dividend Yield
Spark New Zealand Limited
11.16%
Dividend Yield
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
9.48%
Dividend Yield
NZME Limited
7.86%
Dividend Yield
Fonterra Shareholders Fund
7.17%
Dividend Yield
SKY Network Television Limited
6.77%
Dividend Yield
My Food Bag Group Limited
6.53%
Dividend Yield
Stride Property Group
6.43%
Dividend Yield
Chorus Limited
6.02%
Dividend Yield
New Zealand companies traditionally pay dividends semi-annually (interim and final dividends) aligned with their half-year and full-year financial reporting periods. This differs from the US market where quarterly dividends are standard. The semi-annual approach reduces administrative costs and aligns with NZ accounting practices.
Paid after the half-year results, typically in March-April or September-October.
Paid after annual results, usually 6 months after the interim dividend.
One-off payments when companies have excess cash, not part of regular schedule.
True monthly dividend stocks are extremely rare on the NZX. Most NZ companies pay semi-annually. However, some property trusts (REITs) and ETFs pay quarterly, which is the most frequent payment schedule commonly available in New Zealand.
Build a diversified portfolio of 6-12 dividend stocks with staggered payment schedules. By selecting stocks that pay in different months, you can create a reliable monthly income stream even though individual stocks pay semi-annually.
REITs like Goodman Property Trust, Kiwi Property, and Precinct Properties often pay quarterly distributions. Some Smartshares ETFs also distribute quarterly. Most other NZX stocks pay semi-annually (twice per year).
The total annual return matters more than payment frequency. Semi-annual payments can actually be more tax-efficient and have lower administrative costs for companies. Focus on total yield and dividend sustainability rather than payment frequency alone.
See the highest dividend yields on the NZX
Calculate your expected dividend income
Learn how to build a dividend income portfolio