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Employing an au pair in New Zealand

Employment Relations Act + Holidays Act

Last reviewed

This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Employment law changes, varies by region and depends on your exact arrangement. Figures below are researched from official sources but go out of date — always confirm the current position with the official body linked on this page, or with a qualified labour adviser, before you rely on it.

In New Zealand every employee — including a nanny — must have a written employment agreement by law, and the Holidays Act sets leave. Confirm details with Employment New Zealand.

Pay floor

NZ$23.95 per hour

Verify — the New Zealand adult minimum wage is reviewed on 1 April each year and may be outdated.

What to get right

1

Written agreement (required)

A written employment agreement is a legal requirement — not providing one carries a penalty. Use the contract template in the NannyTank app as a starting point.

2

Minimum wage

The adult minimum wage applies to all employees, including casual and part-time. It is reviewed on 1 April each year — confirm the current rate.

3

PAYE & KiwiSaver

Register with Inland Revenue (IRD), deduct PAYE, and handle KiwiSaver (including employer contributions) where the employee is enrolled.

4

Leave (Holidays Act)

At least 4 weeks’ paid annual leave after 12 months, paid public holidays, and 10 days’ sick leave after 6 months.

Official sources

Check these for the current position — they are the authority, this page is not.

An editable contract template for New Zealand

NannyTank includes a downloadable employment contract template that references Employment Relations Act + Holidays Act — you fill in the agreed pay and hours. Available in the app, along with hours, overtime and claim tracking.

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Other countries

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NannyTank is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page is a starting point to help you know what to look into; it may be incomplete or out of date, and it does not account for your specific circumstances. Confirm anything you rely on with the official bodies above or a qualified adviser.