Does a Wellington business cover the Hutt and Kapiti?
Many do, but the further ends of the region carry travel time and it shows in the quote. NovaPay asks businesses covering your end first — the Kapiti Coast in particular is served by its own trades rather than by the city.
Why do Wellington quotes ask about access and steps?
Because they are most of the labour. Carrying materials up sixty steps or working off a boundary with no parking is genuinely a different job to the same work on a flat Hamilton section, and a quote that ignores it is the one that gets revised on the day.
What funding is available?
Twenty Hours ECE covers a set number of hours a week for eligible three to five year olds at participating services, and Work and Income childcare subsidies may apply depending on income and hours. Ask each provider what you would actually pay after both.
How do I check a provider is licensed?
Licensed early childhood services are listed publicly and have Education Review Office reports you can read. For a nanny or in-home carer, ask about police vetting, first aid and references, and follow the references up.
How long are the waitlists?
In parts of Auckland and Wellington, months, particularly for under-twos. Ask several at once and ask where you would sit on the list rather than whether there is one.
Centre or home-based?
Centres offer structure and more children; home-based means smaller groups and one educator. Neither is better in general, and most people decide on their own child rather than on the model.