--- title: "Checklist: Starting your own caregiving business in New Zealand" description: Step-by-step guide to start and grow your own caregiving business in New Zealand, covering business setup, finding work, managing bookings, and professional development. image: https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20serene%20home%20office%20space%20bathed%20in%20soft%20natural%20light%20streaming%20through%20a%20large%20window%20A%20wooden%20desk%20is%20neatly%20organized%20showcasing%20a%20laptop%20open%20to%20a%20vibrant%20webpage%20titled%20Caregiving%20Business%20Checklist%20Beside%20the%20laptop%20a%20notepa-1.jpeg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/checklist-starting-your-own-caregiving-business-in-new-zealand#main-content) [![mycare-logo](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/mycare-logo@2x.png?width=200&height=50&name=mycare-logo@2x.png "mycare-logo")](https://www.mycare.co.nz/) [![mycare\_logo](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/mycare-logo@2x.png?width=588&height=164&name=mycare-logo@2x.png "mycare_logo")](https://www.mycare.co.nz/) - [Find a Carer](https://www.mycare.co.nz/find-a-carer) - [Aged Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/aged-care) - [Disability Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/disability-care) - [Respite Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/respite-care) - [Injury Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/injury-care) - [Become a Carer](https://www.mycare.co.nz/become-a-care-worker) - [How We Work](https://www.mycare.co.nz/how-we-work) - [Pricing](https://www.mycare.co.nz/pricing) - About Us - [About Us](https://www.mycare.co.nz/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.mycare.co.nz/contact-us) - Resources - [Help Centre](https://info.mycare.co.nz/) - [Blog](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community) - [Looking for Care](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-looking-for-care#main-content) - [Getting started](https://info.mycare.co.nz/what-is-mycare-and-how-do-i-find-care) - [How it works](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-to-find-care-on-mycare) - [Account & profile](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-can-i-reset-my-password) - [Disability support](https://info.mycare.co.nz/can-i-use-my-government-funding-on-mycare) - [Trust & safety](https://info.mycare.co.nz/trust-and-safety) - [Becoming a Care worker](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-available-for-work) - [Getting started](https://info.mycare.co.nz/can-i-be-a-worker-on-mycare) - [How it works](https://info.mycare.co.nz/your-responsibilities-as-a-worker-on-mycare) - [Account & profile](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-can-i-reset-my-password) - [Trust & safety](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-available-for-work#worker-trust-safety) - [Education & training](https://info.mycare.co.nz/training-for-workers) [![Log In](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44370477/d22054f1-a2b9-484d-982f-d2490f17e4cc.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44370477/d22054f1-a2b9-484d-982f-d2490f17e4cc) Sign up Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [![Log In](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/44370477/d22054f1-a2b9-484d-982f-d2490f17e4cc.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/44370477/d22054f1-a2b9-484d-982f-d2490f17e4cc) Sign up - [Find a Carer](https://www.mycare.co.nz/find-a-carer) - [Aged Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/aged-care) - [Disability Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/disability-care) - [Respite Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/respite-care) - [Injury Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/injury-care) - [Become a Carer](https://www.mycare.co.nz/become-a-care-worker) - [How We Work](https://www.mycare.co.nz/how-we-work) - [Pricing](https://www.mycare.co.nz/pricing) - About Us - [About Us](https://www.mycare.co.nz/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.mycare.co.nz/contact-us) - Resources - [Help Centre](https://info.mycare.co.nz/) - [Blog](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community) - [Looking for Care](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-looking-for-care#main-content) - [Getting started](https://info.mycare.co.nz/what-is-mycare-and-how-do-i-find-care) - [How it works](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-to-find-care-on-mycare) - [Account & profile](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-can-i-reset-my-password) - [Disability support](https://info.mycare.co.nz/can-i-use-my-government-funding-on-mycare) - [Trust & safety](https://info.mycare.co.nz/trust-and-safety) - [Becoming a Care worker](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-available-for-work) - [Getting started](https://info.mycare.co.nz/can-i-be-a-worker-on-mycare) - [How it works](https://info.mycare.co.nz/your-responsibilities-as-a-worker-on-mycare) - [Account & profile](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-can-i-reset-my-password) - [Trust & safety](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-available-for-work#worker-trust-safety) - [Education & training](https://info.mycare.co.nz/training-for-workers) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MycareNewZealand/) ##### LEARN - [Help Centre](https://info.mycare.co.nz/) - [Articles & Advice](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community) ##### [LOOKING FOR CARE](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-looking-for-care) - [Getting started](https://info.mycare.co.nz/what-is-mycare-and-how-do-i-find-care) - [How it works](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-to-find-care-on-mycare) - [Account & profile](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-can-i-reset-my-password) - [Disability support](https://info.mycare.co.nz/can-i-use-my-government-funding-on-mycare) - [Trust & safety](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-someone-looking-for-care#trust-and-safety) ##### [BECOMING A CARE WORKER](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-available-for-work) - [Getting started](https://info.mycare.co.nz/can-i-be-a-worker-on-mycare) - [How it works](https://info.mycare.co.nz/your-responsibilities-as-a-worker-on-mycare) - [Account & profile](https://info.mycare.co.nz/how-can-i-reset-my-password) - [Trust & safety](https://info.mycare.co.nz/im-available-for-work#worker-trust-safety) - [Training & education](https://info.mycare.co.nz/training-for-workers) 1 min read # Checklist: Starting your own caregiving business in New Zealand [![Picture of The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/images/logos/Mycare-just%20logo.png) The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/author/the-mycare-team) : 11 June 2025 [Care Workers](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/care-workers) [Building a Care Business](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/building-a-care-business) [Checklist](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/checklist) ![Checklist: Starting your own caregiving business in New Zealand](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20serene%20home%20office%20space%20bathed%20in%20soft%20natural%20light%20streaming%20through%20a%20large%20window%20A%20wooden%20desk%20is%20neatly%20organized%20showcasing%20a%20laptop%20open%20to%20a%20vibrant%20webpage%20titled%20Caregiving%20Business%20Checklist%20Beside%20the%20laptop%20a%20notepa-1.jpeg) Use this step-by-step guide to help you set up and grow your self-employed caregiving career. 1. ##### **Set up your business basics** - Apply for an **IRD number** (if you don’t already have one) - Learn about **your tax obligations** (annual tax returns, possible provisional tax) - Decide if you need to **register for GST** (required if earning over $60,000) - Understand **ACC cover and levies** - Set up a **business bank account** (optional but helpful) - Look into **public liability insurance** (recommended)   1. ##### **Find caregiving work** - Let friends, whānau, and neighbours know you’re available - Post or check **community noticeboards** and **Facebook groups** - Reach out to local support organisations or community centres - Create a profile on platforms like **Mycare** to find clients and build your business   1. ##### **Create a professional profile** - Choose a **clear, friendly profile photo** - Write a short, honest **bio** that shares who you are and what you offer - List the **services you provide** (e.g. personal care, transport, companionship) - Clearly state your **availability** and **working hours** - Ask clients for **reviews** once you've worked together   1. ##### **Set your rates and manage bookings** - Decide on an **hourly rate** that reflects your skills, time, and travel - Be upfront about **any additional charges** (like mileage) - Keep your availability updated so clients know when you’re free - Use tools like **Mycare’s scheduling and invoicing system** to stay organised   1. ##### **Stay professional** - Communicate clearly and kindly with clients - Respect boundaries and only take on work that feels like a good fit - Be reliable, punctual, and consistent - Log your hours and send invoices regularly   1. ##### **Manage your money** - **Set aside 20–30% of your earnings** for tax - Use a separate **bank account or budget tool** to track business income - Keep **receipts and records** for any business-related expenses - Plan ahead for things like holidays, quiet periods, or ACC levies   1. ##### **Keep learning and growing** - Complete a **first aid course** - Look into **NZQA Health & Wellbeing** courses (Levels 2–4) - Connect with other caregivers through **online forums or Facebook groups** - Ask for feedback and reflect on what you enjoy most in your work - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Starting Your Caregiving Business: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Employment in NZ](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20showcases%20a%20serene%20home%20office%20environment%20embodying%20the%20spirit%20of%20selfemployment%20in%20caregiving%20A%20wooden%20desk%20is%20adorned%20with%20a%20laptop%20open%20to%20a%20caregiving%20website%20surrounded%20by%20neatly%20stacked%20papers%20a%20notepad%20and%20a%20coffee%20mug%20filled%20with%20a.jpeg)](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/starting-your-caregiving-business-a-beginners-guide-to-self-employment-in-nz) #### [Starting Your Caregiving Business: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Employment in NZ](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/starting-your-caregiving-business-a-beginners-guide-to-self-employment-in-nz) ![Picture of The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/Mycare-just%20logo.png?width=30&name=Mycare-just%20logo.png) [The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/author/the-mycare-team) : 11 June 2025 Thinking about turning your caring nature into a rewarding career? You’re not alone — more and more Kiwis are stepping into care work to earn income,... [Care Workers](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/care-workers) [Building a Care Business](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/building-a-care-business) [Read More](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/starting-your-caregiving-business-a-beginners-guide-to-self-employment-in-nz) [![Care work, your way: how to become a carer with Mycare](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/Mycare%20Website%202025/aged-care-slider.jpg)](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/care-work-your-way-how-to-become-a-carer-with-mycare) #### [Care work, your way: how to become a carer with Mycare](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/care-work-your-way-how-to-become-a-carer-with-mycare) ![Picture of The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/Mycare-just%20logo.png?width=30&name=Mycare-just%20logo.png) [The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/author/the-mycare-team) : 9 September 2026 Meaningful work, real flexibility, and the chance to be your own boss. Here is what care work involves and how to get started. [Care Workers](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/care-workers) [Read More](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/care-work-your-way-how-to-become-a-carer-with-mycare) [![Your Guide to Individualised Funding in New Zealand](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/IF%20for%20Blog.jpg)](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/your-guide-to-individualised-funding-in-new-zealand) #### [Your Guide to Individualised Funding in New Zealand](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/your-guide-to-individualised-funding-in-new-zealand) ![Picture of The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/Mycare-just%20logo.png?width=30&name=Mycare-just%20logo.png) [The Mycare Team](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/author/the-mycare-team) : 8 June 2026 Individualised Funding in New Zealand A plain-English guide for people with disability, older adults and their families [News](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/news) [Finding Support](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/finding-support) [Care Workers](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/tag/care-workers) [Read More](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/your-guide-to-individualised-funding-in-new-zealand) ##### Quick Links Quick Links - [Become a Care Worker](https://www.mycare.co.nz/become-a-care-worker) - [How Mycare Works](https://www.mycare.co.nz/how-we-work) - [Pricing](https://www.mycare.co.nz/pricing) - [Trust and Safety](https://www.mycare.co.nz/trust-and-safety) ##### Services Services - [Aged Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/aged-care) - [Disability Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/disability-care) - [Respite Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/respite-care) - [Injury Care](https://www.mycare.co.nz/injury-care) ##### Support Support - [About Us](https://www.mycare.co.nz/about-us) - [Help Centre](https://info.mycare.co.nz/) - [Contact Us](https://www.mycare.co.nz/contact-us) - [Articles & Advice](https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community) ##### Stay Connected Stay Connected ![mycare-logo-white](https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/Mycare%20Website%202025/mycare-logo-white.svg) © 2026 Mycare all rights reserved [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MycareNewZealand/) - [Terms of Service](https://www.mycare.co.nz/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.mycare.co.nz/privacy-policy) - [Code of Conduct](https://www.mycare.co.nz/code-of-conduct) Return to top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "The Mycare Team", "url" : "https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/author/the-mycare-team" }, "dateModified" : "2025-06-18T21:58:45.664Z", "datePublished" : "2025-06-11T03:49:17.000Z", "headline" : "Checklist: Starting your own caregiving business in New Zealand", "image" : [ "https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20serene%20home%20office%20space%20bathed%20in%20soft%20natural%20light%20streaming%20through%20a%20large%20window%20A%20wooden%20desk%20is%20neatly%20organized%20showcasing%20a%20laptop%20open%20to%20a%20vibrant%20webpage%20titled%20Caregiving%20Business%20Checklist%20Beside%20the%20laptop%20a%20notepa-1.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.mycare.co.nz/caring-community/checklist-starting-your-own-caregiving-business-in-new-zealand", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.mycare.co.nz/hubfs/images/logos/mycare-logo@2x.png" }, "name" : "Mycare" } } ```