How NannyOra works

Payroll responsibilities depend on the real employment arrangement and current Inland Revenue rules. Regular in-home care at set times often has employee features, but families should not assume the answer from the job title alone. Check the current Employment New Zealand and IRD guidance, then decide whether to run payroll yourself or use a provider that fits the arrangement.

A nanny's primary responsibility is the safety, development, and well-being of your children. Standard duties include planning educational play, preparing children's meals, driving to activities, and keeping child-related areas tidy (e.g., washing the children's dishes, wiping down play surfaces, and handling the children's laundry). A nanny is not a general housekeeper; heavy household cleaning or cooking dinner for the adults should be negotiated separately and paid at a higher rate.

Employees can have statutory holiday and leave entitlements when the relevant eligibility rules are met. Public-holiday payment and alternative-holiday treatment depend on whether the day would otherwise be a working day and whether the employee works. Set the arrangement up correctly and use current Employment New Zealand guidance for the individual circumstances.

A 90-day trial may be possible only when the current legal requirements are met. It needs to be in a written employment agreement that is signed before employment begins, and earlier paid work can affect whether it is valid. Read current Employment New Zealand guidance or seek advice before relying on a trial provision.

Employment status depends on the real working relationship, not simply the label used in an agreement. Regular care in a family home at set times may have employee features, but each arrangement needs to be assessed against current New Zealand legal and tax guidance. Get advice if the status is unclear.

Agree vehicle use, mileage, parking and insurance before the role starts. Keep accurate records of authorised work travel and check current IRD guidance or payroll advice for the appropriate reimbursement and tax treatment.

Privacy expectations should be written into the agreement and discussed before care starts. Families and nannies should agree how photos, social media, household information, messaging and emergency contacts will be handled. Written parent permission is a sensible minimum before sharing identifiable information about a child.

Follow the family’s written emergency and health plan, contact the parent or nominated emergency contact, and seek urgent help through 111 when there is an emergency. Medication should only be administered in line with the family’s clear written instructions and the caregiver’s competence.

Only duties agreed for the role are expected. Child-related meals, snacks and tidying are common in some nanny roles, while general household cooking or cleaning should be explicitly agreed, reflected in the time and pay, and recorded in the written terms.