Nanny vs. Babysitter vs. Au Pair: What’s the Difference in NZ?

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, 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 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. 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.

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)