Announcing... the Kidspot New Zealand Au Pair of the Year!
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
The Kidspot New Zealand Au Pair of the Year has been
announced!
Femke Meyer, from Germany, was nominated by her New Zealand Host
Family, the McConnochies, of Ashburton. 2012 marks the first year
the New Zealand Au Pair of the Year award has been run to help
recognise a growing childcare sector in New Zealand.
Of a total 36 nominations, Kidspot's editor, Julie Scanlon,
chose Femke as the winner based on her Host Family's heart-warming
story of dedication to 2 year old Maggie. "Femke was an exceptional
carer for two year old Maggie, guiding her through some major
milestones and imparting some of her culture and sweet nature. She
also became an integral part of her host family, stepping in to
assist with maturity and compassion when a family illness struck
unexpectedly. Femke's musical talent has fostered a love of music
in little Maggie and she even wrote an amazing song for her."
According to the International Au Pair Association (IAPA)
survey, last year New Zealand went from being the 12th to the 8th
most popular country in the world for Au Pairs to go to. Cecilia
Robinson, Au Pair Link's founder and 2012 Her Businesswoman of the
Year, says that the growth is due to the affordability and cultural
experience that Au Pair childcare offers kiwi families.
Femke has won a $500 cash prize (as she has returned back home
to Germany), while the McConnochie family have won a free Au Pair
placement with Au Pair Link, the award's sole sponsor.
Robinson says, "With the growth of Au Pair childcare in New
Zealand, we feel that these awards are a fantastic way to recognise
the amazing contribution that thousands of Au Pairs make to the
everyday lives of kiwi kids and their families."