New Zealand prides itself on being an egalitarian country with a strong DIY, or do-it-yourself, ethic. Therefore, live in help is not common in New Zealand. However, as Auckland has many foreign residents, as well as many wealthy ones, live-in help is possible to find. When families employ live-in help, that help is usually in the form of a nanny or au pair who takes care of the children as well as the house. Live-out housekeepers are more common, and part time housekeepers who come a few days a week are the most common.
The following agencies specialize in housekeepers. All charge a placement fee of approximately a week’s salary plus GST.
Absolute Domestics – http://www.absolutedomestics.co.nz 0800-663-987
Cleaning, tidying, laundry and ironing. Day service only.
$18-$37 per hour
Green Acres Home Cleaning — http://www.greenacres.co.nz/ 09-376 6599
Part-time cleaning, plus other household chores including gardening, carpet care, plumbing and more.
$18-$25 per hour
Meticulous Maids — http://www.meticulous.co.nz/ 0800 662 437
Part time cleaners, oven cleaning, spring cleaning
$18-$25 per hour
Since live-in housekeepers can be hard to find, it can be better to check message boards at the local grocery store or school, or by word of mouth. You can also advertise for your position or look through listings in publications like:
Be sure to check references on anyone who is not referred by an agency.