Questions

How do I organise my flights, visa and insurance for my travel to New Zealand?

To book your flights and travel insurance, please download our travel booking form, complete the required fields and email the form to travel@aupairlink.co.nz.

You will then be sent an email from the team at Au Pair Link with a secure link to make an online payment for your flights and insurance along with some instructions on how to apply and pay for your working holiday visa. For information on our travel package pricing and whats included, please visit the What does it cost? page in this section of our website.

Au Pair Link will assist you in applying for a Working Holiday Visa, however this process must be completed by you.  Before you can fill out an application form, you must register for the Department's "Online Services".  To do this, click here.  Please note, payment is made directly to the New Zealand Department of Immigration, at a cost of $140.00 (NZD).

Who picks me up from the airport in Auckland, New Zealand?

Orientation is located at the Auckland Airport Holiday Inn - only a short 5 minute trip from the airport. The address of the hotel is 2 Ascot Road, Airport Oaks, Auckland. You will be requested to take an airport shuttle to the Auckland Airport Holiday Inn - the cost of which is charged back to Au Pair Link. You will be provided with more information about this prior to your departure to New Zealand. For further information please email aupair@aupairlink.co.nz . Please note in some instances your Host Family may meet you at the Airport - particularly if you arrive in New Zealand days or weeks before Orientation begins.

What happens during orientation?

Orientation is conducted over 3 days. You will be provided with all meals and accommodation at the Auckland Airport Holiday Inn. For more information go to the Orientation and Training page of our website.

I am nervous about driving in New Zealand, can you recommend anything to make me feel better?

Prior to driving in New Zealand on your own, it is important for you to drive with your Host Family at first to help you become familiar with the local driving conditions and rules. We also encourage you to buy the New Zealand Road Code if you will be driving regularly as part of your Au Pair job. Au Pair Link also has a professional driving instructor provide theoretical training during orientation (including New Zealand road rules and safety tips).

If you are still nervous about driving on the left hand side of the road we suggest that you take a practical driving lesson (see www.passrite.co.nz). For more information on driving in New Zealand please contact us or visit the New Zealand Transport Agency website www.nzta.govt.nz

How do I know what family is most suitable for me?

We will present your profile to Host Families that we feel suit your requirements and skill-set based on your application. We recommend you to be open-minded about location and ages of the children - the most important thing is that you relate well to the Host Family. You will also get to email, Skype and speak with each Host Family during the matching process to help ensure that you choose the right Host Family. Remember to prepare in advance and make a list of questions that you would like to ask. If you feel that a Host Family is not suitable for you after speaking with them - please contact Au Pair Link (or your local representative) and advise us/them of why the Host Family is not suitable for you.

Why do I have to complete so much paper work?

As an Au Pair you will be caring for a Host Family's children - so it is very important that we screen all Au Pairs thoroughly e.g. police and medical records. It is also important that we understand your background and requirements as it will help ensure that you are placed in a suitable Host Family e.g. if you have no experience caring for infants and babies you will not be placed in a Host Family will children under 2 years of age (in a sole charge position). Completing our documentation also shows that you are committed and serious about becoming an Au Pair in New Zealand.

I don’t think you have a partner in my country, how can I become an Au Pair in New Zealand?
If you want to become an Au Pair in New Zealand but there is no partner agency in your country then please contact us to discuss the options. As long as you qualify for our Au Pair programmes and meet New Zealand visa requirements - we should be able to help you become an Au Pair in New Zealand.
I have already completed a CPR course, why do I have to do a second one in New Zealand?
It is compulsory for all Au Pairs to complete a recognised New Zealand CPR and first aid course (this is a New Zealand Ministry of Education requirement).
Can my friends and family come and visit me in New Zealand?
Absolutely! We do recommend, however, that your family only comes and visits you once you have been in New Zealand for more than 6 months. The reason for this is because it is quite common that Au Pairs become homesick when their family leaves. You will also need to talk with your Host Family about your family coming to visit to ensure that you can have time off etc.
Is it possible for me to explore New Zealand during my term as an Au Pair?
Yes absolutely, we recommend that you read about New Zealand before you come out so that you know what things that you would like to see and do while you are in the country. Each week you will have 2 days off and we recommend that you explore your local area and the country during these days. If you work 1 full year you are entitled to 4 weeks annual leave - a great opportunity for you to really explore New Zealand. Au Pair Link even organises special travel discounts for our Au Pairs with New Zealand's legendary Kiwi Experience bus tours.
Can I take any English lessons while I am in New Zealand?

Yes!  Au Pair Link runs a weekly course (held on Sundays) in conjunction with the New Zealand Language Centres.  These courses currently operate in Auckland.  The course is designed to guide students into Cambridge University FCE and CAE exams, recognised internationally as the premier certificate in English language proficiency, however sitting the exam is not a course requirement.
 
The course has been designed to fit in with our Au Pairs’ busy schedules - running over 5 consecutive Sundays, with the opportunity to extend to a full 10 week course if desired. We do recommend students who wish to the sit the Cambridge exam take the full 10 week course, however our course coordinators are well-experienced in assessing the relative skills of each student, and are able to tailor study to each individual’s needs.

To enrol for the course, or for more information, please email us.

I don’t have enough experience caring for children, how can I become an Au Pair?
You do need to have a minimum 100 hours of documented childcare experience from when you have been caring for children. The reason for this is because it is a hard job and it is important for us to know that you will be fit for the challenge. If you don’t have enough experience working with children we recommend that you volunteer at a local day care to gain extra experience.
Why do you only receive candidates between the ages 18 – 30?
The age limitations are due to the Working Holiday Visa scheme in New Zealand, therefore we can only work with Au Pair candidates between the ages of 18 – 30.
I want to become an Au Pair in about 1 year, can I still apply now?

Yes! Start preparing your paper work now. If you want to gain some more experience before you start your year as an Au Pair – now is an excellent opportunity! A lot of our Host Families begin looking for an Au Pair 6 months in advance.

Can Au Pair Link provide me with a certificate or reference when I have completed my term as an Au Pair in New Zealand?
We will provide all Au Pairs that have completed their full Placement Term with their Host Family with an Au Pair Link certificate. For any personal references regarding your daily duties we recommend that you speak to your Host Family about this.
If I have a problem or concern will there be someone that I can speak with in New Zealand?
Yes absolutely! In your area you will have a local Programme Manager (a qualified Early Childhood Education teacher) who will be your contact person. They will be available 24/7 if you require any help or support. You can also call our head office toll-free on 0800 AU PAIR (287 247). For more information please see the Ongoing Support page of our website.
Why do I have to provide you with my police record, medical certificate, birth certificate etc?

It is important that we make sure all Au Pair applicants are suitable to be caring for children. If there are any problems with your background, for example if you have a criminal record we will review your record and see if we are still able to place you in a Host Family. If we can’t place you in a Host Family or decide that you are not suitable for placement  -  we will reject your application to be an Au Pair in New Zealand (which is a final decision that cannot be appealed). All such information will be kept private and confidential in accordance with our terms and conditions and the Privacy Act.

I have completed my year as an Au Pair in New Zealand (and loved it) can I become an Au Pair again?
Yes! But unfortunately you cannot continue your year as an Au Pair in New Zealand. We are happy to make arrangements to place you in one of our partner countries, for example Australia, the USA, China or France.
How long does it take to match with a Host Family?
It can take anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks before you get matched with a Host Family. The time taken for a match depends on the number of Host Families looking for an Au Pair, the time of year, your preferred arrival date, your childcare experience etc.
I’m scared that I won’t have any friends!

As an Au Pair in New Zealand with Au Pair Link you will:

  • Meet other Au Pairs at orientation when you arrive
  • Be part of a large cluster of other Au Pairs (in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Wellington and Christchurch)
  • Be provided with a contact list for all other local Au Pairs
  • Have 24/7 support from a local Programme Manager (who is a qualified teacher)
  • Participate in monthly outings and activities run by Au Pair Link
  • Have access to weekly playgroups to meet other local Au Pairs and their children
  • And so much more!

So making friends won't be a problem! However, we thoroughly encourage you to make friends outside of your Au Pair network and really interact with Kiwis! This is a great opportunity for you to start a new sport or take some extra classes and study. It takes a special person to become an Au Pair in New Zealand; you need to be brave and outgoing. Fortunately, Kiwi’s have a reputation for being some of the friendliest and welcoming people on earth!

What are my responsibilities as an Au Pair in New Zealand?

The primary duty of an Au Pair is to care for the child or children of your Host Family. Au Pairs enrolled in our Au Pair 123, Au Pair Assist and Au Pair Whiz programmes must fully participate in the implementation of our educational curriculum. This includes using our Child Portfolios to track and record the development and yearly accomplishments of each child as well attending playgroups and monthly activities.

Other Au Pair responsibilities can 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 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. Note: This does not apply to the Au Pair Assist programme where domestic assistance e.g. ironing and washing is acceptable.

Why should I become an Au Pair in New Zealand?
New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The people are kind, loving and easy going. New Zealand is the “adventure capital” of the world (home of the bungy jump) and has some of the most breathtaking and diverse scenery including pristine beaches! There is so much to do and see in New Zealand that you need at least a year here (and probably more). For more information about New Zealand go to www.newzealand.com
Can I contact my "real" family back home when I am in New Zealand?
Becoming an Au Pair in New Zealand does not mean that you can’t stay in touch with your family and friends back home. Most Host Families have internet access and you can usually email your parents or even speak to them on Skype. If you do use your Host Family's home phone to call overseas, make sure that you consult with them prior to making any international phone calls or just purchase a phone card.
What happens if I feel uncomfortable with my Host Family?

The best way to ensure a successful year with your Host Family is to foster open communication. You are also able to speak with your local Au Pair Link Programme Manager if you are having any problems with your Host Family. We are able to facilitate a mediation session to help resolve any serious problems, however, most issues can be resolved through open communication directly with your Host Family. If all else fails, we offer a re-match service free of charge (guaranteeing your Au Pair placement). So if things don’t work out, you will be placed in accommodation (for up to 5 days free of charge) until we find a new Host Family for you here in New Zealand.

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