Childcare in New Zealand - Dream Childcare

Looking for Childcare in New Zealand?

We believe that personal relationships and genuine connections with others determine success. Our team go above and beyond every day to ensure that our Au Pairs, Nannies, Educators and our Families feel valued, and supported every step of the way with exceptional service.

Dream Childcare is now New Zealand's one stop shop for all your home-based childcare solutions, specializing in childcare in New Zealand. We match Au Pairs, Nannies and home-based Educators with Kiwi Families.

The Dream Vision is to "make family life easier" by offering tailored personalised childcare advice and solutions to Kiwi families.

Our team has been providing quality home-based childcare options to Kiwi Families for over 15 years, dedicated to childcare in New Zealand. We will work with you to create in-home childcare solutions based on the ages and stages of your children.

Let us help you find the perfect childcare in New Zealand today!

Our Story

Dream Childcare launched in 2006 as New Zealand's first ever Au Pair agency, Dream Au Pair.

Tanya, a new mum to twin boys Jack and Fred, and three-year-old Isabel was searching for flexible and affordable childcare options when she discovered that New Zealand didn't have an Au Pair Agency. Her research showed that most Au Pairs come from Germany so she contacted a German Au Pair agency and asked them if they’d be interested in sending Au Pairs to New Zealand. She then called all her friends asking "who wants an Au Pair?" which is how it all began.

Dream Au Pair continued to grow and subsequently became licensed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. In 2017, Tanya purchased a Nanny agency, and in 2019, a Home-Based Educator agency, solidifying Dream Childcare's position as a leading provider of childcare in New Zealand.

Dream Childcare in New Zealand services

Handpicked

We understand how important it is to find the right fit. Our friendly team takes the time to understand your unique needs so we can match Families with the best Au Pair, Nanny or Educator. We take into account personalities, lifestyles and individual expectations.

We hire only the Best

The quality of our Families, Au Pairs, Nannies and Educators is what makes our service so unique and we are proud of our high standards and reputation. We are committed to looking after our Au Pairs, Nannies and Educators and in return, they choose to stay with us throughout their careers.

Committed to Early Education

Our Dream Education Programme provides home-based teaching support for our Nannies and Educators to maximise each child's growth and development. We are also proud members of the Home-Based Childcare Association.

Regular Social Events and Classes

We organise monthly events and run weekly classes where children, Au Pairs, Nannies and Educators have the opportunity to create genuine relationships and friendships.

Ongoing Support

Our friendly team will help with any questions about childcare in New Zealand you have along the way. You can always count on us to help you out. We take care of all of your legal employment documents and administer payroll on your behalf.

Check out our Social media to see more Facebook and Instagram to see more about how we provide Childcare in New Zealand

Tanya
General Manager

Tanya is passionate about providing home-based childcare solutions to Kiwi families. Starting in 2006 with Dream Au Pair (with a toddler and baby twin boys), she expanded in 2017 by purchasing KiwiOz Nannies (now Dream Nanny) and in 2019 added a Home-Based Educator agency. Tanya is also a Chartered Accountant with extensive corporate experience in human resources and recruitment. Her passion for exploration extends beyond the business realm, as she is also an avid sailor and seasoned traveler.

Jill
Placement Manager

Jill arrived in New Zealand in December 2014 and has been a valuable part of the Dream family ever since. Originally from South Africa, she boasts over 20 years of experience in Recruitment, with a definite passion for the Au Pair and Nanny industry. Jill enjoys working closely with families, Au Pairs, and Nannies to ensure everyone has the best possible experience. She has a wonderfully big, blended family which also includes many Au Pairs over the years.

Lana
Placement Consultant

Born in the Netherlands with German, Greek, and Eastern European roots, Lana has spent most of her life in New Zealand. With 8 years of experience, she most recently worked as an Administrator and Assistant at an orthodontic practice. Outside of work, Lana enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter (and cat Chelsea!), engaging in road trips, going on walks, and gaming.

Currently on Maternity Leave.

Isabel
Placement Consultant

Isabel has a passion for people and is thrilled to jump into the role of Nanny Placement Consultant. Isabel is eager to help Families find their Dream Nanny and support Nannies in their careers. She has also grown up with Au Pairs in her household so is passionate about how amazing having an Au Pair can be. She enjoys spending her free time with her friends playing many intense rounds of Articulate and Monopoly, along with coffee outings with her Mum, Nana and beloved dog.

Emily
Events, Social Media, and Admin Coordinator

Meet Emily, the youngest member at Dream, who seamlessly transitioned from intern to the role of Events, Social Media, and Admin Coordinator. Beyond crafting unforgettable events for the Au Pairs, Emily is dedicated to enhancing Dream’s online presence. During her days off, you can find her exploring new destinations and playing with her beloved canine companion.

Lynette
Education Manager

Lynette has been working in the early childhood sector for over 30 years, dedicating the last 15 years to the Home-Based sector. During earlier years, she excelled in managing early childhood centers and worked as a Nanny while raising her children. Holding a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, full teacher’s registration, and a current first aid certificate. Passionate about supporting children and caregivers, she dedicates herself to planning and organizing events. She finds joy in sharing her knowledge and witnessing the wonder of children exploring their environment. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling overseas and exploring more of the world with her husband.

Mell
Visiting Teacher

Hi, I’m Mell. I have been working in the Early Childhood Education sector since 2009, gaining experience with all age groups of children under six years old. As a fully qualified and registered Early Childhood Teacher, I take pleasure in exploring music and movement, Te Ao Maori, the natural environment, and storytelling with children. I love working with children, their Au Pairs, Nannies, and Educators, and find particular enjoyment in my role as a Visiting Teacher. Originally from West Auckland, I cherish spending days at West Coast beaches or bushwalking through the Waitakere ranges with my son.

Andrea
Visiting Teacher

Andrea has been working in the Early Childhood sector for over 28 years. Initially starting as a Nanny before transitioning to roles in Childcare Centres as a Teacher and Centre Manager. She even contributed to setting up a brand-new Centre from scratch. Over the past 8 years, Andrea has excelled as a Visiting Teacher, enjoying the varied responsibilities and expressing a particular fondness for baby cuddles and engaging conversations with inquisitive 3-5 year-olds. Residing in Cockle Bay with her husband Dale and son Jack. Andrea cherishes time spent with her 4 energetic nephews. Beyond work, Andrea finds joy in family and friend gatherings, travels in their caravan, indulges in baking, and has a passion for watching cricket!

Sue
Visiting Teacher

Sue is passionate about Early Childhood Education and partnering with families in their child’s learning journey. Pursuing her lifelong dream by training as an ECE teacher. Over the last 37 years, she has played a central role in raising her family (husband, 3 children, 2 dogs, 5 cats, 2 lovebirds and a multitude of rabbits). With a wealth of experience, Sue has managed Early Childhood Centres and home-based providers. Additionally, she loves mentoring families as a Family worker and tutoring Nannies in the Diploma of Early Childhood Care and Education. Her primary goal in life is to create a positive impact on young children, young adults, Early Childhood Teachers, or families. Making a difference in the lives of others with a sprinkle of world wide travel thrown in.

Martin
Finance Manager

Martin has managed the financials for Dream Childcare for over 8 years. In his role, he oversees general accounting functions and serves as the payroll expert. Additionally, Martin manages Dream Education enrolments and timesheets, along with handling 20 hours ECE and WINZ subsidies. Originally from Canton, China, Martin has been residing in New Zealand for over 10 years with his wife and two children. He is here to assist you with the financial aspects of employing a Nanny, Au Pair, or Educator.

Lauren
Nanny Payroll and Accounts

Lauren was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to New Zealand at the age of 16. Coming from a background in hospitality, she transitioned from working front of house to accounts payable, then admin manager, and finally to payroll coordinator for one of the biggest bar and restaurant groups before joining her role at Dream. Despite having two cheeky little boys who keep her on her feet, Lauren wouldn’t have it any other way.

Rosie
Dream Office Mascot

Rosie, our office dog, is an integral part of the team, brightening up everyone’s day. Always ready to play or curl up on your lap and take a nap, Rosie is cherished by the team. On her days off, you’ll find her at the beach with mum Tanya.

Thank you Sarah for being so professional and supportive while l look for positions. It’s made the world of difference 🙏

Dream Nanny

"Thanks Shiree, Hannah is doing THE most phenomenal job and is such a valued member of our family. We are incredibly fortunate to have her and I’m not sure how we will survive when it comes time for her to head home. The learning experiences planned for Rico are so engaging and I love hearing them laugh together. Thanks for taking the time to Skype and hope you are well, Rochelle"

Dream Au Pair Family

Tanya, I want to thank you for the excellent communication you have maintained throughout lockdown and as we have emerged. We appreciate your work and communication and it has certainly given me a greater understanding of the work you do. Many thanks

Dream Au Pair Family

We really appreciated the rational number of easy-to-read profiles you sent through and how smooth the process was once we were ready to make an offer.

Dream Nanny Family

Hi Jill, Thank you so so much! You guys at Dream are so amazing with your communication!

Dream Nanny

Dream Au Pair has supported me during my journey and we keep in touch all the time. Sometimes it’s nice to know that you have someone to talk to even if you have a great relationship with your Host Family. Dream Au Pair also helps you with the matching process to find the perfect kiwi Host Family for you, they also send you a contact list of other Au Pairs in your area once you have placed.

Dream Au Pair

Absolutely great agency! I have received amazing support by all the staff, always available and incredibly friendly, and lots of organised free activities for the little ones along. Faye and Verity are absolutely delightful to work with and I am so pleased to have chosen this agency amongst many. Truly, a gem.

Dream Nanny

The staff at Dream are some of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have met. Not only did the find us the most amazing nanny for our precious little boy, but have continued to support our family over the last 2 challenging years for us. Couldn't recommend them enough!

Dream Nanny Family

Dream are amazing! The staff are all super friendly, helpful and lovely ladies! They offer a huge range of weekly fun events for the children and nannies to attend and cater for all ages. Would highly recommend!

Dream Nanny

Fantastic agency with lots of age appropriate activities on offer! Supportive staff who actually listen to you. Fantastic 😊

Dream Nanny

The team were helpful, friendly and answered all my questions. Our Nanny is amazing. I would definitely recommend Dream Nanny.

Dream Nanny Family

Best agency EVER! Highly recommend them if you are after amazing child care services!

Dream Nanny

I had a good experience with this agency. Very effective communication. I needed to find a nanny urgently (within a week) and they helped me to find a great temporary nanny for my 8 month old daughter.

Dream Nanny Family

Amazing company to work for. Definitely recommend

Dream Nanny

Efficient and friendly service from the company who found us a brilliant temporary nanny. Would highly recommend.

Dream Nanny Family

I appreciate the work you are doing to increase the possibility of families getting au pairs again and to provide alternative options in the meantime. Our family really misses the childcare we had with au pairs who formed strong connections with our children. The interim solutions you are providing have reinvigorated the value I place on nannies who form a strong connection with the children in their care. Now more than ever children need that, don’t they?

Dream Au Pair Family

Dream provides such rich learning experiences for the children and the Educators are very tentative, caring and exceptional at looking after your child. We have found many positives to choosing home-based care and our decision was made easy once we met our wonderful Educator. Our daughter settled so well into home care and has thrived since starting from an early age. We have found her language skills developed quickly and she has learned how to develop her social skills due to more one on one support. We have been very happy with Dream and wouldn’t think of moving her anytime soon.

Dream Educator Family

She was really great and the kids have just loved her. She listened so carefully to what they showed interest in and really engaged with them around that, and brought a big box of cool new toys, books and bits and pieces to explore. They've been on loads of walks, explored all over the place, done lots of baking and artwork and learned new things. It was lovely, especially for our younger one who got some nice dedicated time and attention! Thanks again we will definitely use your services if we need them again in future.

Dream Nanny Family

I just wanted to say I am so grateful for the extremely professional and quick way that situation over the weekend was dealt with by the agency. I am so thankful to work for an agency that provides the service and support it advertises as its key values as opposed to a “look good” operation (which sadly I have encountered in childcare to often).I absolutely hope to continue on with the agency post my July contract ending. Thank you for wanting to continue to support me in my future childcare!

Dream Nanny

I work as a nanny for Dream and I am incredibly grateful for the effort they put into ensuring us Nannie’s are supported, encouraged and given incredible opportunities. I have personally greatly appreciated Jill’s hard work going above and beyond to ensure that I get the best outcomes with new contracts (she’s amazing! And so lovely to talk with!) Professional Assistance and Guidance I also am so thankful that anytime an issue has come up with my work or I have concerns, Tanya has always answered her phone (even after hours) and has been incredibly professional and helpful. She has offered at times advice and encouragement when I have needed it most. Lauren from Pay roll has always been amazing and so understanding of my busy work life (especially because I’m always getting changes to pay roll in late/last minute) And every Visiting Teacher I have had has offered me their time, understanding and wisdom (Lynette who supported me through the very first contract I had with the agency and helped me become confident in my ability and skills as a nanny. Mel who always answers the phone). Thank you Dream I have always felt my professional career as a nanny has been truly well looked after and respected through the agency and I throughly enjoy the work I do in homes with the gorgeous kiddos I work with! The agency offers incredible opportunities to grow and expand and I recommend the agency to anyone looking into nannying or any family looking for a nanny!

Dream Nanny

Tanya and team are amazing . They have supported my family through the whole process and found us a great nanny. I am also very grateful for the support while I was dealing with WINZ home help support . Dream team paid our nanny while I was sorting this out ! They are defiantly a dream team to work with !

Dream Nanny Family

Dream Childcare is an amazing Nanny Agency. They have an awesome team of consultants that get back to you promptly with what you need to know. At all times they are professional & easy to talk to. Kylie in particular is exceptional .She is reassuring, positive, genuine & informative. If she doesn't have the information you want, she will find it out for you, employment advice, especially for Nannies is on point!!

Dream Nanny

Dream have been fantastic to work with - got a call back within a day of signing up and they were very proactive in placing the ad for us. We had high quality candidates to choose from which suited our families needs. Communication has been speedy and professional. Couldn’t recommend more highly.

Dream Nanny Family

Jill at Dream Nanny was fantastic in finding us our third Nanny this month. We are very pleased to be welcoming an Au Pair this time from Germany. The Dream Education programme is great with support from the teaching staff and social groups for Nannies. Payrolling is also an easy process we don't have to worry about. Thanks Dream team! Sindy

Dream Nanny Family

I have just been placed with a nannying job through Dream Childcare and have been blown away by the effort and time they put in to helping you find the perfect role. Dreams consultants were accommodating and efficient in helping me find a job and are a testament to the agency. They are kind, friendly and professional. It was a great comfort having the support from them whilst choosing a job and going through the interviewing process. My expectations have truly been exceeded and I would recommend using Dream in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a nannying position.

Dream Nanny

Dream Childcare have gone above and beyond all expectations to help me find the right nanny role. All of the team, from the top down are, professional and passionate, and listen to your needs with caring, kindness and great support. They don't give up to help one achieve their dream role!

Dream Nanny

I’m genuinely blown away by how great Dream is and feel privileged to be becoming a nanny for you.

Dream Nanny

Hi Tanya, been meaning to thank you so much for all you do for us and keeping us informed with the rapid changes in these challenging times. So feel for you with all you have to see to. So appreciate all your great kindness, caring, empathy and constant support for us all. You are truly an amazing inspiring leader, encouraging many and your awesome team around you. Appreciate you heaps!

Dream Nanny

Making family life easier

At Dream we go above and beyond every day and our number one focus is making family life easier.

Defining and articulating our values was a team effort. We spent time together to brainstorm our 'Dream' Values which was surprisingly easy as every one of us agreed wholeheartedly on our values below.

We have all committed to living the 'Dream' Values every day so we have incorporated our values into every aspect of the business. They are proudly displayed on our office walls, incorporated into all our documentation and every month in our company meeting we start with shout outs to those team members who have demonstrated these values.

We partner with Au Pairs, Nannies, Educators, Families and overseas sending partners who share our 'Dream' Values.

Dream Childcare