Childcare costs ...

[sazliz]

.... are pretty expensive ! We sent our 2 kids aged 2.5 and 4 to a centre, and got to pay like $345 per week. As much as we pay for our rental in Hillsboro !

Anyone know a cheap (and good) childcare in Auckland ? What about au pairs, anybody can share some experience with 'em ?

Would I be able to get tax credit on childcare expenses ?

Thanks.

[Familyofmonkeys]

That seems pretty reasonable for two kids to me, especially in Auckland. I used to pay more than that for one child per week in the UK, and not for an expensive nursery or in an expensive area either.

How many hours was that for?

[Natalia79]

I think the cost seems reasonable to me from my own research into the subject.

Are this full rates? You might already be aware of this but the government offers up to 20 hours free early childhood education to all three and four-year-olds enrolled in an early childhood education service. It is available for up to six hours a day. The service is free, but parents can be asked for donations. It is for all families and it is not based on how much parents earn.

Work and Income provides an early childhood education subsidy for eligible parents or caregivers of young children. You need to be a permanent New Zealand resident or citizen to be eligible for this support. The subsidy is based on the number and age of the children needing care, the parents' pre-tax earnings, and the children being enrolled in a licensed and chartered childcare centre.

Not all childcare centres offer this but it is worth looking into the ones that do.

[sazliz]

Hi,

Thanks for the information given. Kind of a relief to hear that the rates that I pay are normal ...

The 345 pw is for a full 5 days, 7:30am to 6:00pm, for both of my children. My 1st kid is above 4 so he qualifies for the 20-hr ECE. 2nd kid will be 4 next April. Can't wait for him to turn 4 then !!! Sent them to a Kidicorp centre in Mt Roskill.

Next step ... maybe PR application .. since I'm on Work Permit currently