NZSL Interpreter Standards

The NAATI framework was adopted by the New Zealand Government in 2018 for all language interpreters working in the public sector.

The NZSL Board will trial the NAATI non-testing credential. This requires an interpreter to meet minimum interpreter standards and appear on the NAATI public registry. The NZSL Board will also be working on: 

• providing more professional development opportunities for NZSL interpreters

• developing a complaints system for people using NZSL interpreters. 

The trial is a first step towards establishing stronger standards for NZSL interpreters.

The decision to start small is because of previous strong negative reaction from the Deaf community and stakeholders to a 2023 proposal to introduce the full NAATI framework.

The trial is very different to what was proposed in 2023, e.g. there will be no ‘test’ for interpreters to pass and the AUT interpreter qualification (or overseas equivalent) is a minimum requirement.

The NZSL Board intends to use the next three years to review progress and consider the next steps to further strengthen standards, such as implementing testing or other tools.

The trial will not address other systemic issues that exist e.g. limited access to trilingual (NZSL, English and Te Reo Māori) interpreters. However, the NZSL Board is committed to making progress on large systemic issues once the refreshed NZSL strategy is agreed later in the year. 

Next Steps 

A project implementation plan is currently being developed and will be approved by the Board in June 2025.

The Implementation Working Group will be advising on: 

• working through the details of: 

• the non-testing credential

• more professional development opportunities

• a complaints and feedback system.

• reviewing progress and advising on the future direction that will involve:

• agreeing on measures to track progress 

• regularly reviewing progress and making recommendations on possible changes.

Members of the Implementation Working Group will be made up of key sector stakeholders and be paid to attend meetings. 

Background and Context 

In 2014 Cabinet approved the creation of the NZSL Board and recommended it develop a system of interpreter standards in New Zealand.

Interpreter standards are a set of minimum requirements interpreters are required to meet. Once met, a credential is awarded and the interpreter is identified on a public registry.

There is large variation in the skills of NZSL interpreters once they graduate. This is because there are few incentives or opportunities for interpreters to develop their skills after graduation. The lack of standards likely affects Deaf people’s access to services and information in NZSL. 

Over the last 10 years, many reports and engagements were completed and indicate strong support across stakeholders and the community for interpreter standards. However, there are different views about what ‘standards’ are and ‘how’ and ‘who’ should be responsible for the implementation.

Questions and Concerns  

If you want to discuss this information further please reach out to NZSL@whaikaha.govt.nz and we are happy to talk you through the update and clarify any questions you may have.

We also have a Q&A page answering questions you may have.