Programmes Available

Programmes are for a minimum of 6 months to a maximum 12 month period. There is also provide a mandatory orientation programme for all Au Pairs upon their arrival in New Zealand (both Au Pair 123 and Au Pair Mate programmes). The orientation programme is a 3 day training course.

There are two different programmes for Au Pairs to select and participate in:

Au Pair 123

Au Pair 123 Programme is tailored for Au Pairs that would like to care for children under age 5. A New Zealand government approved curriculum (educational programme) that is tailored for Au Pairs who care for children under age 5 is provided. During your year you will help implement this curriculum together with your host family to ensure that the children are developing and learning properly! This is a fantastic opportunity for Au Pairs to learn professional childcare techniques and to make a difference in the lives of each child – through helping them to develop their own unique skills and personalities.

The benefits for Au Pairs that join the Au Pair 123 programme include:

• The opportunity to develop a lasting bond with a young baby or child and help shape their future
• Outings and activities conducted by the local au pair agency for you and your Host Family’s children (e.g. going to the beach, zoo or museum)
• Salary ($180.00 NZD – $220.00 NZD per/week after tax) depending on hours.
• A completion bonus paid upon completing your placement term.
• Hours are 20 to 45 hours per week plus some evening babysitting.
• Generally you will get 2 days off per week with at least one weekend off per month. During that free time you will be able to socialise with your friends or visit some of the numerous attractions in New Zealand.

Au Pair Mate

The Au Pair Mate programme is designed for Au Pairs that would like to care for children who are older and typically go to school i.e. older than 5 years of age. Usual Au Pair Mate duties include; babysitting, dropping off and picking up children from school, homework help, afterschool activities and so much more.

The benefits of being an Au Pair Mate include:

• Generally less working hours during the week to explore New Zealand
• The opportunity to study in your spare time
• Caring for school age children and therefore sharing different learning experiences with them
• A completion bonus paid upon completing your placement term.
• Salary: $120.00 NZD to $200.00 NZD per week depending on hours.
• Hours are 20 to 45 hours per week plus some evening babysitting.
• Generally you will get 2 days off per week with at least one weekend off per month. During that free time you will be able to socialise with your friends or visit some of the numerous attractions in New Zealand.

General Au Pair Duties

The primary duty of an Au Pair is to care for the child or children of your Host Family. Typical duties include:

• Waking the children in the morning and helping them to get dressed
• Preparing meals for the children
• Helping the children take care of their belongings and tidy their room
• Cleaning general communal areas such as the kitchen, living room, hall way, play room, children’s room and bathroom
• Taking the children to school and other activities such as sport
• Playing, reading and encouraging the children with their homework as well as maintaining family rules (such as limited TV watching, bedtimes etc)
• Babysitting in the evenings
• Helping with the household grocery shopping
• Washing and organising the child’s clothes and bedding.

As an Au Pair you are not responsible for housework that does not normally relate to the children or communal living areas (that are kept tidy by all family members). Your primary duty is to take care of the children in the home of your Host Family and help with light housework relating to the children.

Accommodations

As an Au Pair in New Zealand you will be living with a host family in their home and you will have your own bedroom. Living with a family in their own country gives you an amazing insight into that country’s culture, values and people. It opens up your mind to how other families function and gives you the opportunity to learn from them and to also teach them about your own cultures values and traditions.

Holidays

You will be entitled to 4 weeks holiday for a 12 month placement term. Many host families also ask their Au Pairs to join them as part of their family holidays. This is a great opportunity for you to explore New Zealand with real Kiwis!

Requirements to apply:

• Be between 18 – 30 years old
• Have a clean police record
• Have minimum experience of 100 hours caring for children (Au pair Mate) or 200 hours for Au pair 123

You will be required to provide us with the following documentation as part of your full application to become an Au Pair in New Zealand:

• Complete our online application form
• A personal letter
• Pictures/photos
• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your current drivers license (if you have one)
• A copy of your school leaving certificate
• A medical examination/clearance form (request from Scotia Personnel Ltd)
• A copy of your police record
• A minimum of 2 child care references (request form from Scotia Personnel Ltd)

If you are interested in becoming an Au Pair in New Zealand, please contact Scotia Personnel Ltd for further details.