If you are looking to work as an Au Pair in New Zealand then there are a few different ways you can find a job. Whether you want to find a host family on your own or work with a placement agency, there are multiple resources you can use. Being an Au Pair in New Zealand can be a great experience if you enjoy working with kids and want to spend some time living in the country. To learn more about how to work as an Au Pair in New Zealand, check out the guide below.
Photo Credit: Lucas Gruwez
Table of Contents
What to Know About Working as an Au Pair in New Zealand
Requirements to Work as an Au Pair in New Zealand
To legally work as an Au Pair in New Zealand you need to obtain a working holiday VISA. The qualifications for this VISA are as follows; be between the ages of 18-30, be unmarried with no dependents, speak English proficiently, have $4,200 NZD in your bank account, and be from one of the 40 eligible countries on the New Zealand Immigration list.
How Much Money Do Au Pairs Make in New Zealand
There is no set working wage for Au Pairs in New Zealand because room and board are included in your compensation and this rate varies. The money you make will also depend on your agreement with the family and how many hours you work per week. Generally, Au Pairs in New Zealand usually take home $245-$425 NZD per week.
How Many Hours Will You Work
Usually Au Pairs in New Zealand work between 30-40hrs/week, 5-days/week. Legally, they can not work more than 45 hrs/week. However, your work schedule, hours per week, and days off, will completely depend on your agreement with your host family. This, along with your tasks and duties, should be discussed and agreed upon before you sign a contract and agree to work for a family.
How to Find Work as an Au Pair in New Zealand
To be an Au Pair in New Zealand you can find a host family on your own or use a placement agency. The sections below will provide detailed information on these topics.
Perks of Working as an Au Pair in New Zealand
An Au Pair job will allow you to work and live in New Zealand for up to 12 months. Depending on how you budget, you can save some money or use the money you make to travel around the country on your days off. Since you will be living with a New Zealand family, you get to experience cultural norms that you may not be able to experience by visiting the country as a tourist.
Photo Credit: Micah Hallahan
Finding an Au Pair Job in New Zealand on Your Own
Where to Find an Au Pair job in New Zealand
There are a few different websites you can use to search for and connect with host families;
Au Pair Specific Websites
You can create an Au Pair profile and search for host families on Au Pair websites. I personally recommend using Au Pair World. There are also, these 9 Au Pair websites you can use to find a host family on your own.
New Zealand Specific Websites
You can search for Au Pair jobs via New Zealand job boards and classified ads like; Backpacker Jobs Board, Seek NZ, or Trade Me.
Work Exchange Websites
Lastly, you can search for paid Au Pair jobs on help exchange websites like Workaway or one of these 10 work exchange websites.
How to Apply for an Au Pair job in New Zealand on Your Own
To apply to become an Au Pair, you will create an account on one of these websites and make a profile. You will search for host families in New Zealand who are looking for an Au Pair during the dates you are available. Then, you can reach out to the families you think would be a good match for you. Be sure to have lengthly conversations, including at least two facetime interviews, to make sure you both agree to the role(s) you will play as their Au Pair, meet the children, know what your living situation will be, how much you will be compensated, and more. Once you have found a family, make an agreement/contract. Then, obtain the proper VISA and head to New Zealand!
For more detailed assistance with the application process, see the How to Find a Job as an Au Pair on Your Own section of; How to Find a Job as an Au Pair Abroad.
Pros and Cons of Finding a Host Family on Your Own
Finding an Au Pair job on your own can be easier than you think. Finding a host family on your own means you do not need to pay a fee for job search assistance, but it can also mean more effort on your part and no one to have your back if you arrive in the country and you and the host family do not get on well.
Photo Credit: Dan Freeman
Using a Placement Agency to Get an Au Pair Job in New Zealand
If you want assistance finding an Au Pair job in New Zealand, then there are various placement agencies you can use. Each agency offers different programs or packages for perspective Au Pairs. Some are free for Au Pairs but most do charge program fees. These fees can include VISA assistance, host family vetting, profile assistance, family matching, etc... To view and compare these agencies, scroll to the Au Pair Placement Agencies section below.
Agency Fees and What is Provided
Agency fees vary depending on what they provide their Au Pairs. Most fees do not usually include things such as; flights, VISA costs, background checks, international drivers licenses, health insurance, other traveling costs, etc... It is important to understand the breakdown of the fees you will need to pay and what is included or excluded in those fees.
How to Know if an Au Pair Agency is Legitimate
To make sure and Au Pair agency is legitimate you need to do your research. Read past Au Pair reviews on third party websites, find out if they are certified, see if they have legitimate partner agencies, and check if they are a member of accredited Au Pair associations such as the International Au Pair Association.
Pros and Cons of Using an Au Pair Placement Agency
Safety, support, and assistance with transitioning abroad are some of the reasons you may want to use a placement agency. Agencies do the bulk of the work for you by helping you find a family they think will be a good match. They walk you though what you need to know, how to obtain your VISA, provide assistance while abroad, and more. They also make sure you receive proper payment and the agreed upon benefits of the job. However, placement agencies require you to pay fees and it may be easier and faster to find a New Zealand host family on your own for free.
22 Au Pair Placement Agencies in New Zealand
The placement agencies below offer Au Pair programs and job placements in New Zealand. Each agency has different placement fees, packages, and perks. Always do your research before accepting a job with these companies to make sure it is the right one for you.
Au Pair Link offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand but fees are not explicitly stated.
The Campbell Institute offers a Demi Au Pair program for both work and study in New Zealand. Program fees depend on classes you are looking to take.
Dream Au Pair offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with placement fees of $895 NZD.
Au Pair International offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with placement fees of $495.
Au Pair Butrfly offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand. It is free to sign up and connect with families on your own. A certified profile is €49 and the assistance package is €345.
AFJ Au Pair offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with a management fee of €150 plus €300 for placement.
Au Pair Care offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with program fees of €990.
Go 4 Au Pair offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with program fees of €650.
The Cultural Exchange Project offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with program fees of $789.
International Au Pair offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with program fees of €390 for a short stay and €490 for a longer stay.
Club RCI offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand but fees are not explicitly stated.
Zubke offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with program fees of €380.
APITU GO EXPLORE offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with a registration fee of €120 and a placement fee of €250. They offer a 'gold' placement for €600.
A.I.S. offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with a registration fee of €122 and a placement fee of €340.
JCR Au Pairs and Nannies offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with placement fees of $600.
Pipelettes Agency offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand with a registration fee of €200 and a placement fee of €250.
Roma Au Pair offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand. Must inquire for fees.
Anixi offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand. Program fees are SEK 6,700 (about $630 USD).
AIFS offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand for EU citizens only. Program fees start at €1,190.
Active Abroad offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand for German citizens only. Program fees are €499.
Au Pair Japanese Connection offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand for Japanese citizens only. Program fees are 10,2750 yen.
Adanac Au Pair offers Au Pair placements in New Zealand for Canadian citizens only. Program fees are unknown.
Conclusion
Becoming an Au Pair in New Zealand is a great way to live like a local and explore the country. You can find a host family on your own or use one of the multiple placement agencies. If you have worked as an Au Pair in New Zealand, please share your experience in the comments below!!
Comments