Employer Responsibilities

When an au pair joins your family you become their employer for the length of their placement term (or fixed term employment). Becoming an employer brings up a range of new responsibilities to think about.  At Au Pair Link, we understand that tax and other regulations aren't everyone's cup of tea - that's why we take the time to understand your needs and ensure you're feeling comfortable (and excited!) about your au pair's arrival.

Au pairs enjoy the same rights and benefits as any other employee under New Zealand employment law. Luckily for you, you don't need to become an employment expert to get an au pair - we're here to make the process easy for you and ensure you feel well-supported. 

Your au pair will be entitled to holiday pay, public holidays, sick leave and annual leave while they are employed by you. We provide all our host families with an industry-leading Individual Fixed Term Employment Agreement and can supply you with fact sheets regarding wage calculations, taxation and employment legislation.

PayLink Payroll

Our PayLink Payroll service takes the hassle out of becoming an employer. PayLink is available to all of our host families and we do all the hard work to ensure you're on track with PAYE tax, annual leave, sick days and childcare subsidies. For only $11.00 a week (or $9.00 if we become your PAYE Intermediary) we take care of the details so you can enjoy more quality time with your little ones.

ACC Levies

ACC work levies are a contribution made by all employers for injury cover funded by the ACC scheme.  Levies are calculated on your au pair's gross income for the year and the payment is generally around $200 - $400 for a full year (12 months) depending on the level of earning and current rate set by ACC.  The levy is payable by the Host Family and are generally billed around August each year.

Your tax obligations

As an employee, your au pair's gross wage is based on the current adult minimum wage (supplemented by the board and lodging you provide). Board or lodging must be included as part of the total gross package provided to your au pair - on which PAYE tax is calculated.

Please contact us to discuss any queries that you may have about becoming an employer. Alternatively, you can contact the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment toll free on 0800 20 90 20 or visit their website at www.mbie.govt.nz. You can also call the Inland Revenue Department on 0800 227 774, or visit www.ird.govt.nz.