What Makes Au Pairing in New Zealand So Special?

3 minute read

All of the InterExchange Au Pair programs connect you with a child care role, a private room, meals and a stipend with a welcoming host family. All of our Au Pair programs allow you to become a member of an international family and gain insight into a new culture both through working with your host kids and exploring a new country.

Te Whāriki supports families, children, and au pairs through subsidies and the support of qualified teachers.

For families with at least one child under five, the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s early childhood curriculum policy (Te Whāriki) subsidizes the program for families, and provides guidance for the au pair. A qualified teacher visits the home each month, helping the au pair to plan an educational program for the child or children, with a focus on learning through play.

This is a strong career stepping-stone for some. “We think that Early Childhood Development professionals can offer and gain the most professional insight during the experience,” said James Bridge, our Working Abroad Program Manager. “However, we would be open to most young adults with interest in child development, as well as some experience.”

“The New Zealand Ministry of Education recognizes that au pairs can be an important part of early childhood development. So the program provides for a visiting teacher in order to help keep the learning on track,” James explained. “It’s really nice for the au pair’s professional development. They get the chance to consult with a professional each month. They also get to go to weekly play groups, which are a good chance to interact with other au pairs while their host kids are getting social time.”

Participants feel supported on the program - and have a lot of fun!

InterExchange is there to help participants every step of the way!

“InterExchange has been extremely helpful with this whole experience,” said Kyelaya R. “Thanks to the help of InterExchange, I feel that I was fully prepared before I started my program. Any questions I had were answered in full and in a timely manner. Going to another country is a bit scary but InterExchange really helped me feel at ease. I looked into a lot of other programs and am glad that I decided on this one.”

Participants have plenty of free time to explore New Zealand, as well. “New Zealand is a beautiful country and anyone who does this program will have plenty of time to explore it,” James explained. “The Working Holiday Visa is good for one year, so when programs finish au pairs can use up the rest of their visa validity to travel.”

The depth and support of the program is impressive!

“I think that it’s great that the government of New Zealand recognizes the inherent value of one-on-one care provided by a dedicated and qualified caregiver,” said Michael McHugh, Vice President of Au Pair USA. “It’s wonderful that families are given a choice as to their childcare options, and that families who choose the au pair program are given support.”