Our Story

"Personal relationships and genuine connections with others determine success." Additionally, the team consistently surpasses expectations, working tirelessly to ensure our Au Pairs and Families not only feel valued and understood but also receive unwavering support throughout their journey with Dream.

Tanya, a new mom to twin boys Jack and Fred, and three-year-old Isabel, sought flexible and affordable childcare. Upon discovering New Zealand lacked an Au Pair Agency, she embarked on creating one. Research showed that most Au Pairs come from Germany. She contacted a German Au Pair agency and asked them if they’d be interested in sending Au Pairs to New Zealand. Following this, she called all her friends, asking "who wants an Au Pair?"—and from that, Dream Au Pair was born and continued to grow.

Growing Dream Au Pair

In 2017, Tanya made strategic moves, first acquiring a Nanny agency and later, in 2019, a Home-Based Educator agency. Consequently, Dream Au Pairs underwent a transformation, being renamed Dream Childcare. Dream Childcare is now New Zealand's one stop shop for all your Home-Based childcare solutions. We match Au Pairs, Nannies and Home-Based Educators with Kiwi Families.

Dream is licensed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, solidifying its commitment to delivering quality childcare solutions.

With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated team excels in providing personalized, in-home childcare experiences. Specializing in crafting personalized in-home childcare experiences, highlighted by the introduction of Au Pairs. Our Au Pairs provide a unique cultural experience for Kiwi children.

Since the beginning Dream has been dedicated to supporting Kiwi families and provide quality childcare solutions. When it was time to develop a Vision it was easy: Making family life easier

Why Choose Dream?

How does Dream help you?

Dream Au Pair - 3 people standing Handpicked

​Understanding how important it is to find the right fit for both the Au Pair and Families . Our friendly team takes the time to understand your unique needs so we can match Families with the best Au Pair. Looking into personalities, lifestyles and individual expectations helps us match Au Pairs to Families.

 

Dream Au Pair application photoWe 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 Dream Au Pairs.

 

Dream Au Pair - Children playingRegular Social Events and Classes

Monthly events are planned and hosted by our Events Coordinator to create connections among our Dream Au Pairs. These events offer Au Pairs the chance to participate in Kiwi activities, such as visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set. Additionally, they can take scenic walks on local islands, immersing themselves in the unique nature of New Zealand.

Dream Au Pair - Getting help from support team
Ongoing Support

Our friendly team will help with any questions you have along the way, you can always count on us to help you out. Taking care of all of your legal employment documents and administer payroll on your behalf.

 

Check out the FAQs for more information.

Meet Our Team

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.

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.

What Others Say

Our Vision and Values

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. Brainstorming our 'Dream' Values together was easy as we all wholeheartedly agreed on the chosen values.

Committed to embodying the 'Dream' Values daily, we have seamlessly integrated them into every facet of our business. They are incorporated into all our documentation. 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 Au Pair what it means to be Dream