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The Secret Life of a Nanny’s Payslip

By Mark Hudson · 26 September, 2025
The Secret Life of a Nanny’s Payslip

The Secret Life of a Nanny’s Payslip

Hello there. I’m your nanny’s payslip. You might not notice me much - I arrive quietly a few days before payday, tucked away in an inbox. But I have a lot to say.

Every week, fortnight, or month, I tell the story of your nanny’s work. I track their hours, rewards, and the all-important details that keep payroll in New Zealand compliant. Here’s what’s really going on behind my neat little lines and numbers.

PAYE: My First Deduction

One of my biggest jobs is handling PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax. I make sure part of your nanny’s gross pay goes straight to Inland Revenue. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Without PAYE, families could face penalties, and nannies might end up with a nasty surprise at tax time.

Think of me as the friendly tax courier. I take what needs to be paid, deliver it to IRD, and keep your nanny’s income neat and tidy.

==> Learn more about PAYE for employees from business.govt.nz.

KiwiSaver: Helping Nannies Save for the Future

If your nanny is enrolled in KiwiSaver, you’ll see another line on me. Contributions usually sit at 3% of gross pay, and as the employer, you’re required to contribute at least 3% too.

I like to think of this part as future-you giving present-you a high five. It’s small now, but over years, these savings grow into a handy retirement cushion.

There’s a few changes coming to Kiwisaver in the next few years and we’ll be updating customers around those in due course.

==> More about KiwiSaver rules with IRD.

Holidays and Leave: I Keep the Balance

Nannies work hard, and time off matters. That’s why I also track annual leave. In New Zealand, employees are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave after 12 months of work, plus public holidays. Some families agree to pay 8% “holiday pay as you go” instead.

If your nanny takes a day off to recharge, I’m the one who makes sure it’s covered fairly and correctly.

==> See the Holidays Act 2003 guide for more details.

ACC Levies: A Safety Net

I also chip in to keep everyone safe. The ACC levy comes out of your nanny’s paye line at a small percentage. This funds New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme, giving your nanny peace of mind if something unexpected happens.

Both employers and employees are required to pay ACC but each pay it slightly different. It’s one of those invisible but important lines that make our system work.

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==> For the current earner’s (paid by employee) levy rates check these out here.

Net Pay: The Best Part of Me

After I’ve handled all the deductions, contributions, and calculations, I proudly present the net pay. This is what lands in your nanny’s bank account - the money they’ve worked hard for.

It might be used for groceries, rent, or maybe just a well-earned coffee after a long day of keeping little ones entertained.

Why I Matter

I’m more than just a slip of paper or a PDF. I show transparency, build trust, and make sure your nanny knows exactly what they’re being paid and why.

Families who get me right avoid stress, stay compliant, and keep their nanny happy. And with services like Pay The Nanny, I can always be accurate, timely, and stress-free.

Closing Thought

So next time you open me, give me a smile. I might look plain, but inside, I’m carrying the story of fair pay, compliance, and care. And isn’t that what good nannying, and good parenting, is all about?

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