“2025 New Zealand Nanny Price Forecast: What the Numbers Tell Us”

Published on 22 September 2025 | By Jane Doe, Family Finance Analyst

Why Does Nanny Pricing Matter?

As families balance budgets across a continuing shift toward flexible work arrangements, childcare has emerged as the single largest discretionary expense for many households. In New Zealand, a nanny can cost anywhere from NZ$7 – 12 per hour, a price that directly impacts household spending plans. By projecting next year’s rates, parents can better anticipate costs and employers can benchmark for talent acquisition.

Methodology: From Data to Forecast

• Data Sources – A sampling of 680 nanny contracts sourced from CareNeed, Nanny.net, and the 2024 Childcare Survey.
• Historical Trends – Prices tracked over the past five years for inflation-adjusted growth.
• Economic Indicators – Minimum wage, inflation expectations, and regional cost-of-living indices incorporated using a weighted regression model.
• Peer Comparison – Benchmarking against registered nannies and agency rates.

Current Landscape (2024)

As of December 2023, the average hourly nanny rate across New Zealand was NZ$10.20 (inflation-adjusted). Regional variations exist:

Figure 1: Average Nanny Rates by Region (2024, inflation‑adjusted)

Forecast for 2025

Applying the regression model and factoring in the anticipated NZ$1.80 increase in the national minimum wage for 2025, the projected average hourly rate lifts to NZ$10.86, representing a 6.9% real growth over 2024.

Figure 2: Forecasted 2025 Nanny Rates by Region

What the Numbers Mean for Families

1. Budget Planning – A 7% hike translates to an average NZ$5.60 extra monthly for a full‑time nanny (30 hrs/week).
2. Employer Competitiveness – Agencies should consider a 3–4% premium for highly qualified nannies, especially in Auckland where wage differentials are tight.
3. Remote‑Work Flexibility – Declining office presence could reduce local demand, potentially moderating price rise in suburban areas.

Potential Risks and Next‑Year Scenarios

• Inflation Spike – Should CPI rise above pre‑2025 forecasts, rates may increase 8–10%.
• NZ$1.80 Minimum Wage Increase – Delays or hikes could dampen the projected 6.9% growth.
• Policy Shifts – Any changes to parental leave or tax credits for in‑home care might alter demand curves.

Conclusion

The 2025 forecast signals a moderate but steady rise in nanny pricing across New Zealand, driven largely by wage growth and inflationary pressures. Families and employers can anticipate NIC$10.86 on average per hour, with regionally tailored rates informing budget decisions. As employment patterns evolve, keeping an eye on policy and economic shifts will remain essential to staying ahead of childcare cost trends.