NZSL Interpreter Standards Q&A

Why do we need interpreter standards?

There is large variation in the skills of NZSL interpreters once they graduate, few incentives for interpreters to develop their skills after graduation and limited access to professional development opportunities. 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 very different views about what ‘standards’ are and ‘how’ and ‘who’ should be responsible for the implementation.

Read more about the NZSL Interpreter Standards

What is NAATI?

National Australian Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is an Australian-based organisation that sets and maintains national standards for the translating and interpreting sector in Australia, and now New Zealand. Holding NAATI certification means a certified interpreter meets the minimum standard expected of translators and interpreters in the community, which is generally completing an approved training course and passing a practical test. A NAATI credential gives agencies confidence that interpreters they select have demonstrated the necessary level of skill against a common set of standards and that the interpreter can be held to account if necessary2. 

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

What is being done to increase the number of interpreters (and trilingual interpreters)?

The work around Interpreter Standards only addresses a small part of the issues around access to interpreters. We know that there are lots more issues to be addressed in the system around funding, coordination of bookings, and access to training for interpreters. These are big issues that will need to be prioritised in the action plan that will follow the strategy. 

How will the interpreter standards be implemented?

The NZSL team will develop a project plan for the NZSL Board, that will be guided by a working group of key stakeholders from the NZSL Board, NZSL interpreter booking agencies, Slianz and AUT. This group will provide advice on the details around implementation with a focus on:

• recommending minimum criteria for the credential
• how to provide more professional development opportunities for NZSL interpreters
• developing a complaints system for people using NZSL interpreters. 
• increasing awareness of the Deaf community to their rights around using interpreters and what to do if they can’t get an interpreter or are unhappy with the experience.

Why can’t we set up a separate interpreter standards system for NZSL interpreters?

The cost and time it would take to set up a separate system for NZSL interpreters would mean we would not be able to make any progress for at least 2-3 years.

The NZSL board have taken a lot of time to think about the pros and cons of different options and are committed to improving the quality of interpreting.

If, over the next 3 years there is no evidence that NAATI is helping to improve the quality of NZSL interpreters this will be good evidence that NZSL does need a separate system and the NZSL board will exit the NAATI system.

The NZSL board want to make progress with NAATI as standalone system would take several years to develop. 

How is this decision (2025) different from the decision to progress with NAATI in 2023?

This proposal is very different to what was proposed in 2023: 

• there will be no testing to start with but this could be an option in the longer term.
• only interpreters who have completed the AUT degree (or diploma prior to 2011) or have completed an approved overseas qualification will be eligible to apply for the credential.
• ‘Communicators’ and qualified interpreters who do not have a NAATI credential can still work for government agencies. This is because there is a shortage of NZSL interpreters in some locations, eg in some rural areas. However, the guidelines recommend a NAATI credential as a first choice.

Could someone who has completed a short Auslan Interpreting course in Australia be able to transfer this qualification to New Zealand? 

An approved qualifications policy will be developed with the Implementation Working Group. 

Can the board withdraw from NAATI if they want to in the future?

Yes, the board can choose to no longer endorse NAATI for NZSL interpreters and it will be up to interpreters if they choose to remain on the NAATI registry or not. 

What professional development (PD) will interpreters have to complete to gain re-certification after 3 years?

To gain re-certification after 3 years, NAATI requires 120 points, including a minimum of 30 points in 3 categories: 

1. Skills development and knowledge - formal courses; PD workshops, eg legal, medical; branch meeting/AGM, mentoring; membership with professional association. 1-day PD w/shop around interpreting = 20 points; 2-day conference = 40 points.
2. Industry engagement (30 points must be from ethics subcategory) - presented at a conference, workshop, provided training/supervision, contribute to SLIANZ, eg mentor students 3hrs = 10 points, held a role on SLIANZ committee maximum of 10 points per year.
3. Maintenance of language - w/shops, teaching, going to Deaf club/events etc, eg attending Deaf led networking event = max 10 points/year.

 Under the existing NAATI system, it is not possible to mandate te reo Māori related PD. However, the Implementation Working Group will work with NAATI to consider how they can build into their system a mandatory requirement for te reo Māori related PD.

 If for some reason an interpreter can’t achieve these points due to illness or another reason, there is flexibility in how they can demonstrate they continue to use NZSL on a regular basis.

Why can’t we have a test via NAATI like all the other languages, including testing for health, legal, conference and translations?

The cost to develop the test would need to be covered by either the NZSL board or NZSL interpreters. 

It’s unlikely, at this time, that enough interpreters would be willing to pay the one off testing fee of $1,000 for NAATI to recover their costs. 

If the board decides they want to develop a test in the future, NAATI will work with local NZ based expertise to develop the test, train trainers and do the testing (face-to-face with actors), with NAATI providing the linguistic frameworks/competencies.

How will we know if NAATI is successful?

The Implementation Working Group will agree on measures to monitor and report on progress. This will inform the Board if the NAATI framework is working or not.