Our Story

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, understood and are supported every step of the way with exceptional service.

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. 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.

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

Our team have been providing quality home based childcare options to Kiwi Families for over 15 years and we will work with you to create in home childcare solutions based on the ages and stages of your children.

Why Choose Dream?

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 Au Pairs, 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 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.

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. 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 Values