Nanny / Au Pair Payroll Calculator
Calculate the true cost of hiring a nanny in NZ as an IR56 household employer. Includes PAYE, KiwiSaver 3.5% employer, ACC domestic levy, and holiday pay.
About this calculator
This calculator implements IRD IR56 household employer rules + NZ Nanny Association rates from Pay The Nanny + IRD IR56. Last consulted 18 May 2026. Verify the figures yourself by following the link.
NZ nanny / au pair payroll rules
FY 2026-27 IRD IR56 rules- •Typical nanny hourly rate 2026: $30-35/hr gross
- •Au pair weekly + room/board: $200-300/wk + nohonga
- •Min wage 2026: $23.95/hr (must pay above)
- •Household employer ACC CU: 22120 (~0.29% work levy)
- •Employer KiwiSaver (if opted in): 3.5% on top of wages
- •Holiday pay accrual: 8% of gross
- •PAYE filing frequency (IR56): Twice monthly
Source: IRD — IR56 household employer
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results should not be relied upon as professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax rates and thresholds are based on publicly available IRD data and may change. Always consult a qualified tax agent or financial adviser for advice specific to your circumstances.
How NZ nanny payroll cost is calculated
IR56 household employer: pay wages + employer KS + ACC domestic levy + holiday pay accrual.
- 1
Annual gross wages
Gross = hourly × hours_per_week × 52
Must be above min wage $23.95/hr.
- 2
Employee deductions
Net_to_nanny = gross − PAYE − ACC_earner_1.75% − KiwiSaver_3%
You deduct and pay to IRD twice monthly.
- 3
Employer obligations
Employer_costs = gross × 3.5% (KS) + gross × 0.29% (ACC domestic CU 22120)
Plus 8% holiday pay accrual on top.
- 4
True total cost
Total = gross + employer_KS + employer_ACC + holiday_pay_accrual
Effective hourly = total ÷ (hours × 52).
Worked example
Inputs: $32/hr × 40hr/wk, opted in KS, 4wk leave
Result: Gross $66.6k. Employer KS $2.3k + ACC $193. Total $69.1k. Effective $33.23/hr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a household employer if I hire a nanny?
What's the typical NZ nanny rate?
How this calculator works
This nanny / au pair payroll calculator uses the latest data from official New Zealand government sources to provide accurate results. All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
All calculations are performed in your browser — your data never leaves your device. Results are for general guidance only and should not be considered professional financial advice.
Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.
Last reviewed: