Here are some of the more frequently asked questions we've had.

How long will it be before our au pair arrives? Why should my family choose an au pair instead of a nanny or daycare?
Is it possible for us to host a male au pair?
Can two families “share” an au pair?
How can we be sure that a particular au pair is the best choice for our family?
Can many au pairs drive?
Is there anything I should do before my au pair arrives?
Can my au pair care for my children when I am out of town?
What happens if it just doesn’t work out?
Do you currently have an au pairs available?

How long will it be before our au pair arrives?
The time it takes to find your au pair will depend on your family’s specific needs and the availability of au pairs with corresponding qualifications.  Generally, Au Pair NZ aims to have your au pair arriving at your home within 10 to 12 weeks of submitting your applications, although if you have urgent childcare needs, we will do our best to accommodate your family.  

Why should my family choose an au pair instead of a nanny or daycare?
Au pair’s provide a competitively priced method of childcare, you are able to customise your au pair’s schedule to best accommodate your family’s specific needs.

With an au pair your family receives more than just high quality, live-in, affordable childcare – you also reap the benefits of cultural exchange.  You and your family can learn about the customs of another country and for many host families, welcoming an au pair into their home is the first step in building a lifelong, culturally enriching friendship.

Is it possible to host a male au pair?
Yes, male au pairs become a positive and energetic “Big Brother” role model for many families.

Can two families “share” an au pair?
No.  Au pairs are required to reside with and provide childcare for only one family during their stay.

How can we be sure that a particular au pair is the best choice for our family?
Au Pair NZ follows a detailed matching process.  We will meet with you to ascertain your family’s interests, lifestyle and childcare needs.  We then use this information to find the most suitable matches for you.  We encourage you to speak with your potential au pair more than once before making this important decision.  We will continue to work with you until you select an au pair with whom you are completely satisfied.

Can many au pairs drive?
The majority of au pairs are fully licensed to drive in their home countries and will arrive holding an international driving license.  We encourage families to arrange for the au pair to receive one or two driving lessons once they arrive; this ensures they are familiar with differences in the driving rules between their home country and New Zealand.

Is there anything I should do before my au pair arrives?
You will need to prepare their living area to ensure that is nice and welcoming for the au pair when they arrive.  We also suggest telling your children a little about the au pair’s home country and to begin using his or her name around them. 

Can my au pair care for my children when I am out of town?
Au Pairs cannot work more than 10 hours per day or 45 hours per week.  These limits would still apply when you are out of town.  You would need to make additional childcare arrangements to cover anytime beyond the au pair’s maximum working hours.

What happens if it just doesn’t work out?
Families should allow for a settling in period of about a month.  Au Pair NZ will be in touch throughout the au pair’s stay especially at the beginning to assist during this settling period. 

If your au pair fails to meet your expectations or there are issues with communication we will provide a mediation process in the first instance and if after that the au pair still fails to meet reasonable expectations then we will replace your au pair and waiver the replacement fee during the first three months of the initial placement.

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