Nanny vs Au Pair vs Babysitter | 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 Au Pair vs Babysitter ============================== By Mark Hudson · 19 June, 2025 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. ![Nanny vs Au Pair vs Babysitter](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2061/conversions/JiWgcx5NRZ7ayo3fA2S3-webp-featured.webp) Nanny vs Au Pair vs Babysitter: What’s the Difference (and Who Needs to Be on Payroll?) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring help to care for your children is a big decision. But in New Zealand, it’s also one that comes with legal and financial responsibilities, especially when it comes to paying tax, KiwiSaver, and complying with employment law. Whether you’ve found someone through a friend, a platform like [Caresies](https://caresies.co.nz/), or a formal agency, understanding the difference between a **nanny**, an **au pair**, and a **babysitter**is essential to making sure you’re meeting your obligations. Let’s break it down. What is a Nanny? ---------------- A **nanny** is a paid childcare worker who provides regular, often daily, in-home care. Nannies may be full-time or part-time and are usually employed directly by the family. **Common characteristics:** - Works fixed or regular hours (e.g. 8am–5pm) - Provides structured care including meals, learning activities, and outings - Often has childcare qualifications or prior experience - May assist with household duties like laundry or meal prep **Do you need to put your nanny on payroll?** **Yes.** In New Zealand, a [nanny is an **employee**](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/should-your-nanny-be-a-contractor-or-an-employee), not a contractor. That means you need to: - Register as an employer with IRD or sign up with a service like Pay The Nanny - Pay income tax, KiwiSaver contributions, ACC and annual leave entitlements - Provide payslips and keep employment records This is where services like [Pay The Nanny](https://paythenanny.nz) make things easy by handling payroll, tax filings, and compliance for you. They can also help with providing an [employment contract template](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/employment-contract-for-nannies) for your nanny. What is an Au Pair? ------------------- An **[au pair](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/au-pair-pay-rates)** is typically a young person (often from overseas) who lives with your family in exchange for childcare support, cultural exchange, and a weekly allowance (called a stipend or pocket money allowance). **Common characteristics:** - Lives in your home (room and board provided) - Works between 20 – 45 hours per week - Receives a weekly allowance (e.g. $200–$425/week) - Usually here on a Working Holiday Visa **Do you need to put your au pair on payroll?** **Yes, usually.** It’s a common misconception that because your au pair is on a cultural exchange, they don’t need to be on the payroll. According to IRD guidance, if your au pair performs work duties and receives regular payments, they’re likely to be an **employee**, not a volunteer. You’ll need to: - Deduct PAYE tax - Pay KiwiSaver (if eligible) - Meet minimum wage and leave requirements It might seem a grey area but in almost all real-world scenarios, au pairs should be treated as employees under NZ law. What is a Babysitter? --------------------- A babysitter is someone who looks after your children on an occasional or casual basis typically in the evenings or weekends. They are usually hired informally on an ad-hoc basis. **Common characteristics:** - Works irregular hours (e.g. date nights, emergencies) - No formal qualifications required - Paid per hour or per job - Not involved in long-term childcare arrangements **Do you need to put your babysitter on payroll?** Probably not. If you’re hiring someone casually, for fewer than say 10 hours/month, and they’re setting their own availability and rate, they may be treated as a self-employed contractor. That said, if a babysitter works regular hours or becomes a core part of your childcare routine, they may legally be considered an employee. As Employment NZ notes, “it’s not about what the agreement says - it’s about the real nature of the relationship.” If you are unsure, [get in touch](https://paythenanny.nz/contact) with our team and we’ll happily help out. So Who Actually Needs to Be on Payroll? --------------------------------------- ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2060/SxVUDhNVg220mSAGx77H.png)How Pay The Nanny Can Help -------------------------- If you're not sure how to classify your carer or want to make sure you're meeting your legal obligations, Pay The Nanny makes it simple. We: - Handle tax, KiwiSaver and leave calculations - Provide payslips and summaries for your records - Keep you fully compliant with IRD and Employment rules - Support both regular and short-term nanny arrangements Peace of mind for you. Fair pay and entitlements for your nanny. [Get started today at paythenanny.nz](https://paythenanny.nz) [ ![](https://assets.caresies.io/articles/2308/conversions/q4P3GpFcUU5FViHJE9cU-webp-featured.webp) ](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/nanny-babysitter-au-pair)By Mark Hudson · 09 October, 2025 ### [Nanny vs. Babysitter vs. Au Pair: What’s the Difference in NZ?](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/nanny-babysitter-au-pair) 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. [Read more...](https://paythenanny.nz/articles/nanny-babysitter-au-pair) [ ![](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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