Nanny/Child Carer Kaitiaki Tamariki

Nannies/child carers are responsible for the care, wellbeing and education of infants, toddlers and children in the home.

Nannies/child carers may do some or all of the following:

  • feed, wash and dress children
  • plan and supervise the children's daily activities
  • play and do learning activities with children
  • care for sick children in the home
  • keep records of children's learning and development
  • do everyday household tasks such as cleaning and laundry
  • plan and prepare meals for children and family members
  • drive children to and from early childhood services, school or other activities
  • supervise and help school-aged children with homework.

Physical Requirements

Nannies/child carers need to be reasonably fit and healthy.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for nannies/child carers includes:

  • work with children, such as babysitting
  • nursing work.

Personal Qualities

Nannies/child carers need to be:

  • caring 
  • organised and responsible
  • good at solving problems
  • skilled at communicating and listening
  • creative
  • motivated and patient
  • firm, fair and consistent.

Skills

Nannies/child carers need to have:

  • knowledge of children's learning and development
  • the ability to relate to and care for babies, toddlers and young children
  • the ability to positively guide children's behaviour
  • knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki
  • first aid skills
  • a good knowledge of nutrition, as well as cooking skills.

Conditions

Nannies/child carers:

  • may work part time or full time for one or more families.
  • may work in their own homes, or in the homes of the children they care for. Some may live with the family they work for.
  • spend time working indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions, and often drive babies or children to activities in their local area.

Nanny/Child Carers can earn around $23-$30 per hour.

Pay for nannies/child carers varies depending on their qualifications and experience, and location.

  • Unqualified nannies/child carers with less than one years' experience usually earn minimum wage.
  • Qualified nannies/child carers with more than one years' experience can earn up to $30 an hour.
  • Nannies/child carers who look after newborn babies may earn a higher rate.

Nannies/child carers who live with the families they work for usually receive free accommodation and food, but their wages may be reduced to cover those costs.

Sources: PORSE; Nannies Plus; Rock My Baby, 2022.

Nannies/child carers may progress to work in early childhood centres. They may work as untrained staff members, or complete training to become early childhood teachers.

Nannies/child carers may specialise in working with:

  • newborn babies
  • babies aged four months and above
  • twins and triplet babies
  • young children with disabilities.

Years Of Training

There are no specific entry requirements to become a nanny/child carer. However, most employers prefer you to have a qualification such as a New Zealand Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 3 or 4) or a New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5). 

Nannies/child carers can earn a qualification while working.

Most employers require you to have a full driver's licence.

The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 means that if you have certain serious convictions, you can’t be employed in a role where you are responsible for, or work alone with, children. 

Nanny/Child Carer