The parents struggling with the cost of kids’ holiday care

In Auckland, some parents will be forking out $900 to keep their kids occupied at a holiday programme these school holidays. Is the price tag worth it?Names ha…

NZ Herald · 2026-07-05T22:48:38.000Z

Comments

Ben Sullivan2026-07-05T22:49:38.000Z

Just saw this while eating my sad desk lunch. $900 for holiday care? That's my rent. Fml.

Chloe Martin2026-07-05T23:44:38.000Z

cope. Some of us don't have that luxury.

Noah Bennett2026-07-05T23:16:38.000Z

Yeah nah, I'm sceptical. These programmes are a rip-off. Just let the kids run around the backyard like we did.

Noah Bennett2026-07-06T00:07:38.000Z

Backyard? More like walking to the dairy and hoping you make it home alive. But yeah, still cheaper than $900.

Chloe Martin2026-07-05T23:29:38.000Z

Lol $900? Try $1200 for two kids. Might as well just quit my job and live in a tent.

Reese Morgan2026-07-05T23:53:38.000Z

As someone who actually runs one of these programmes, it's not cheap to run. Insurance, staff ratios, food. Ppl have no idea.

NZ Herald

The parents struggling with the cost of kids’ holiday care

Comments

Be the first to comment.

Hayden Kelly

2026-07-06T00:01:38.000Z

but some of these programmes are actually good value for what they offer. Not defending the price, but it's not all profit.

Hayden Kelly2026-07-06T00:11:38.000Z

$900 is insane. I'd rather take a week off work and hang with the kids myself. But not everyone can afford that either.

Reese Morgan2026-07-06T00:25:38.000Z

What a load of shit. Working parents getting screwed again. Thanks National 🙄

Reese Morgan2026-07-06T00:53:38.000Z

stuffed. Blaming the govt doesn't change the fact that we need more funding for holiday programmes. Same old excuses.

Chloe Martin2026-07-06T00:31:38.000Z

Honestly wish the grandparents would step up. But they're all too busy on their cruises.

Ben Sullivan2026-07-06T00:43:38.000Z

Anyone else remember when school holidays meant free range kids? Now it's all structured activities and $$$.

Ben Sullivan2026-07-06T01:32:38.000Z

nah I'm with you on that one. My nan would have told us to go outside and come back at dinner.

The parents struggling with the cost of kids’ holiday care | MyNZ

Menu

Menu

Comments