Nanny vs. Babysitter vs. Au Pair: What’s the Difference in NZ? | Pay The Nanny [ ![Pay the nanny logo](https://assets.paythenanny.nz/images/logo-white.png) ](/) [Parents](https://paythenanny.nz/For-Families) [Nannies](https://paythenanny.nz/For-Nannies) [Agencies](https://paythenanny.nz/for-agencies) [Pricing](https://paythenanny.nz/pricing) [Contact](https://paythenanny.nz/contact) [Sign Up](https://paythenanny.nz/signup) [Log In](https://paythenanny.nz/app/login) Article ------- Nanny vs. Babysitter vs. Au Pair: What’s the Difference in NZ? ============================================================== By Mark Hudson · 09 October, 2025 Looking for childcare and weighing up between a nanny, babysitter, or au pair? Each offers different levels of care, cost, and commitment. Here’s how to tell which one best suits your family’s needs in New Zealand. ![Nanny vs. Babysitter vs. Au Pair: What’s the Difference in NZ?](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2308/conversions/q4P3GpFcUU5FViHJE9cU-webp-featured.webp) Understanding Your Childcare Options in New Zealand --------------------------------------------------- When it comes to in-home childcare in New Zealand, parents often find themselves asking: what’s the difference between a nanny, a babysitter, and an au pair? Although the roles overlap in some areas, each type of care arrangement comes with different expectations, responsibilities, and legal obligations. Knowing these differences can help you choose the right fit for your family, budget, and lifestyle - and make sure everything is handled correctly from an employment point of view. 1. What is a Nanny? ------------------- A **nanny** is a professional childcare worker employed to care for children in the family’s home, usually on a regular, ongoing basis. Nannies often work part-time or full-time hours and may also assist with related household tasks such as preparing meals, organising activities, or managing routines. In New Zealand,[**nannies are employees**](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/should-your-nanny-be-a-contractor-or-an-employee), not contractors. This means the family (as the employer) must handle PAYE tax, KiwiSaver, ACC levies, annual leave, and sick leave. - Typical pay: $27–$35 per hour depending on experience and duties - Common arrangement: Long-term, regular hours (e.g., 25–40 hours per week) - Legal status: Employee (covered by the Employment Relations Act 2000) Nannies are ideal for families wanting consistent, personalised care from someone who becomes part of the household routine. If you employ a nanny, services like [Pay The Nanny](https://paythenanny.nz/) can take care of all the payroll, taxes, and compliance so you can focus on your family instead of paperwork. If you are looking for the current hourly rate guidance, you can check out the [breakdown here](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/nanny-pay-rates). We’ll be releasing the most up to date pay guide in the next few months. 2. What is a Babysitter? ------------------------ A babysitter provides occasional or short-term childcare, usually during evenings or weekends. Babysitters are often students, neighbours, or part-time carers who supervise children while parents are out. Babysitters generally don’t have the same level of responsibility or ongoing involvement as a nanny. Their main role is to keep children safe and settled for a few hours rather than manage their development or daily routine. - Typical pay: $25–$30 per hour (often paid per evening or session) - Common arrangement: Casual, irregular, short-term - Legal status: Can be treated as a casual employee or contractor (depending on frequency and arrangement) While many babysitters are paid in cash, families should still be mindful of the rules. If the babysitting is regular or ongoing, it may count as employment, and PAYE tax may need to be deducted. If you are unsure around whether they should be a contractor employee, check out our guide [here](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/should-your-nanny-be-a-contractor-or-an-employee). 3. What is an Au Pair? ---------------------- An **au pair** is typically a young person from overseas who lives with a host family and provides childcare in exchange for accommodation, meals, and pocket money. The arrangement offers a cultural exchange experience rather than a traditional employment relationship - but in New Zealand, it is still covered by local employment law. - Typical pay (pocket money): Around $250–$300 per week (after board and lodging deductions) - Common arrangement: Fixed term (6 - 12 months), live-in role - Legal status: Employee (with certain deductions allowed for board and lodgings) Au pairs usually work around 25–35 hours per week, helping with childcare, school drop-offs, and light household tasks. They must be given a proper employment agreement, paid holidays, and fair working conditions. You can learn more about au pair arrangements from Immigration New Zealand and Employment NZ or read our [Au Pair Hiring Guide here.](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/au-pair-pay-rates) 4. Key Differences at a Glance ------------------------------ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2307/4sXbcOCpjUUSXMWKS8up.png)5. Which One is Right for Your Family? -------------------------------------- The right option depends on what you need most: - Consistency and structure: A nanny is best for routine-based, ongoing childcare. - Flexibility: A babysitter suits families needing occasional help. - Cultural exchange and affordability: An au pair can provide great support at a lower cost if you have space at home. If you’re employing a nanny or au pair, it’s important to handle payroll correctly. This includes PAYE, KiwiSaver, holiday pay, and public holidays - all of which can get complicated fast. That’s where **P**[ay The Nanny ](https://paythenanny.nz/contact)can help. We take care of everything from payslips to IRD filings, ensuring your family stays compliant and your carer gets paid correctly and on time. Final Thoughts -------------- Whether you hire a nanny, babysitter, or au pair, each plays an important role in supporting Kiwi families. Understanding the differences will help you make a confident, informed choice - and ensure everyone is treated fairly. If you’re setting up a nanny or au pair arrangement and want to make sure it’s all handled properly, [get in touch with Pay The Nanny](https://paythenanny.nz/) for expert payroll support and guidance. [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2061/conversions/JiWgcx5NRZ7ayo3fA2S3-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/nanny-vs-au-pair-vs-babysitter-nz)By Mark Hudson · 19 June, 2025 ### [Nanny vs Au Pair vs Babysitter](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/nanny-vs-au-pair-vs-babysitter-nz) Not sure if you’ve hired a nanny, au pair, or just a babysitter? You're not alone. Here's a quick guide to help Kiwi families understand the key differences and who needs to be paid through payroll. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/nanny-vs-au-pair-vs-babysitter-nz) [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/562/conversions/Cafa8S1zQsvmknTRX31L-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/payroll-for-au-pairs)By Mark Hudson · 11 July, 2022 ### [Payroll for Au Pairs | Pay The Nanny](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/payroll-for-au-pairs) Hiring an au pair in New Zealand? From pay rates to tax obligations, this guide covers everything you need to know about au pair payroll. Discover how Pay The Nanny can simplify compliance, save time, and take the stress out of paying your new household employee. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/payroll-for-au-pairs) [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/575/conversions/YF4MydaSwLesSas3sI6W-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/8-tips-for-getting-childcare-sorted-in-2022)By Mark Hudson · 06 January, 2022 ### [8 Tips for Getting Childcare Sorted in 2022](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/8-tips-for-getting-childcare-sorted-in-2022) From nannies to daycare, choosing the right childcare can be overwhelming. This guide helps busy parents compare the best options—nanny, au pair, daycare, and more plus how to stay on top of admin with Pay The Nanny’s help. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/8-tips-for-getting-childcare-sorted-in-2022) [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/554/conversions/Y3xKmIolesl7oAcgWZaz-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/your-guide-to-the-benefits-of-hiring-an-au-pair-in-new-zealand)By Mark Hudson · 29 January, 2023 ### [Benefits of Hiring an Au Pair in New Zealand](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/your-guide-to-the-benefits-of-hiring-an-au-pair-in-new-zealand) Thinking of hiring an au pair in New Zealand? This guide covers the benefits, expected duties, costs, and legal obligations plus how Pay The Nanny makes au pair payroll simple, compliant, and stress-free for busy families. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/your-guide-to-the-benefits-of-hiring-an-au-pair-in-new-zealand) [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2499/conversions/Abg1QAOByGxj5bOE0Nrc-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/hiring-a-nanny-in-new-zealand-in-2026)By Mark Hudson · 28 April, 2026 ### [Hiring a Nanny in New Zealand: A Practical 2026 Guide](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/hiring-a-nanny-in-new-zealand-in-2026) Hiring a nanny in New Zealand in 2026 is one of the most flexible and personalised childcare options available. Whether you are considering a nanny, babysitter, or au pair, understanding costs, pay, and compliance is essential to making the right decision for your family. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/hiring-a-nanny-in-new-zealand-in-2026) ![Pay the nanny](https://paythenanny.nz/images/logo-white.png)Join Our Community Stay in the loop! 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