Frequently Asked Questions
- What is NZSTI?
- What is the difference between a Translator and an Interpreter?
- Can NZSTI help me find a translator or interpreter?
- How do I use the FIND search facility?
- How do I apply for a job with NZSTI?
- How can I find work as a translator or interpreter?
- Why should I join NZSTI?
- Do I need a licence to become a translator or interpreter in New Zealand?
- What qualifications do I need to be a full Member of NZSTI?
- Where can I find suitable courses to qualify as a translator or interpreter?
- What do I need to send in support of my application to join NZSTI?
- What sort of experience would be considered in support of my application?
- I have experience in translation or interpreting for my community, is this enough to gain Member or Affiliate membership of NZSTI?
- I have a degree in my specialist field, why is this not recognised?
- What are NZSTI's membership fees and when should I pay?
- How do I obtain a Membership Card or Translator Stamp?
- How do I register with organisations such as NZQA, NZTA?
NZSTI stands for the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters. It is an independent body representing professional practising translators and interpreters; this includes freelancers and those who are working as in-house translators and interpreters in the industry.
NZSTI is an organisation whose membership is based on professional qualifications.
NZSTI is NOT an agency or a company.
NZSTI is an organisation whose membership is based on professional qualifications.
NZSTI is NOT an agency or a company.
A translator deals with written languages.
An interpreter deals with spoken languages.
An interpreter deals with spoken languages.
Q: Can NZSTI help me find a translator or an interpreter?
Yes! Our online searchable database of Members and Affiliates enables you to search for the language combination and the skills you require quickly and easily. Please note: we welcome members of the public using the Directory Search but NZSTI does not find the translator/interpreter for you.
Consult our search facility above, in the FIND box.
Yes! Our online searchable database of Members and Affiliates enables you to search for the language combination and the skills you require quickly and easily. Please note: we welcome members of the public using the Directory Search but NZSTI does not find the translator/interpreter for you.
Consult our search facility above, in the FIND box.
Q: How do I use the FIND search facility?
First, select 'Translator' or 'Interpreter' then from the drop-down boxes choose Source Language (that is, the language you wish to translate from) then Target Language (the language you wish to translate to). Click Search. (Note: for an interpreter, it does not matter which way you enter the languages.)
The database will present a list of translators/interpreters with the chosen language pair - assuming NZSTI has any members for that language. Full Member practitioners are presented first.
From the list, select one and click - their contact details, list of languages and specialties will be presented.
First, select 'Translator' or 'Interpreter' then from the drop-down boxes choose Source Language (that is, the language you wish to translate from) then Target Language (the language you wish to translate to). Click Search. (Note: for an interpreter, it does not matter which way you enter the languages.)
The database will present a list of translators/interpreters with the chosen language pair - assuming NZSTI has any members for that language. Full Member practitioners are presented first.
From the list, select one and click - their contact details, list of languages and specialties will be presented.
If you have a specialised project, or need someone in your specific region of New Zealand, in the FIND box click 'advanced search options' which brings up a page in which you can use regional and specialty filters, or search for a known practitioner by name.
Q: How do I apply for a job with NZSTI?
Please do not send job applications. NZSTI is not an agency, we do not employ translators or interpreters or find work for them. NZSTI is a professional organisation for practising translators and interpreters in New Zealand.
Please do not send job applications. NZSTI is not an agency, we do not employ translators or interpreters or find work for them. NZSTI is a professional organisation for practising translators and interpreters in New Zealand.
Q: How can I find work as a translator or interpreter?
Approach agencies directly. Consult the Yellow Pages or search the internet to find these.Consider joining NZSTI, the only national organisation representing practising translators and interpreters in NZ. Our bimonthly meetings facilitate networking with other translators and interpreters, and we have a searchable Online Directory of suitably qualified practitioners.
Approach agencies directly. Consult the Yellow Pages or search the internet to find these.Consider joining NZSTI, the only national organisation representing practising translators and interpreters in NZ. Our bimonthly meetings facilitate networking with other translators and interpreters, and we have a searchable Online Directory of suitably qualified practitioners.
Q: Why should I join NZSTI?
There are three main levels of membership to suit differing levels of qualification: full Member, Affiliate and Observer. See How to Join for a full description of these.
Membership benefits include:
There are three main levels of membership to suit differing levels of qualification: full Member, Affiliate and Observer. See How to Join for a full description of these.
Membership benefits include:
- Professional recognition: membership of NZSTI shows that you hold appropriate qualifications.
- Professional development: NZSTI runs courses regularly to help translators and interpreters improve their skills and prepare for accreditation exams e.g. NAATI.
- Representation at governmental level: NZSTI campaigns on your behalf with relevant government bodies to promote your interests.
- Professional indemnity insurance at reduced rates for Members and Affiliates.
- Guidelines for translation of official documents.
- Code of Ethics.
- Quarterly journal Word for Word available free of charge to all subscribers.
- Forum: an online discussion forum where members may ask questions or air and share topics of interest.
- Conference: an annual conference is held in one of the three main centres.
Q: Do I need a licence to become a translator or interpreter in New Zealand?
At present you do not need a licence, but an increasing number of organisations require Membership of NZSTI or at least specific qualifications in Translating or Interpreting, to register as a translator or interpreter with them.
At present you do not need a licence, but an increasing number of organisations require Membership of NZSTI or at least specific qualifications in Translating or Interpreting, to register as a translator or interpreter with them.
Q: What qualifications do I need to be a full Member of NZSTI?
Please go to How to Join for a full description of the qualifications required for each level of membership.
Please go to How to Join for a full description of the qualifications required for each level of membership.
Q: Where can I find suitable courses to qualify as a translator or interpreter?
Please go to Courses in NZ.
Please go to Courses in NZ.
Q: What do I need to send in support of my application to join NZSTI?
Send certified copies of your qualifications, especially those in TRANSLATION and/or INTERPRETING, with transcripts where required to prove grades achieved in relevant papers (see How to Join).
Unnecessary extra information costs you money to copy and post therefore:
Please DO NOT SEND:
Send certified copies of your qualifications, especially those in TRANSLATION and/or INTERPRETING, with transcripts where required to prove grades achieved in relevant papers (see How to Join).
Unnecessary extra information costs you money to copy and post therefore:
Please DO NOT SEND:
- Originals of qualifications - send certified copies only.
- Your CV - this is not a job application
- Evidence of short courses or experiences unrelated to Translation or Interpreting
- References - NZSTI awards membership based on objective criteria, not character references or previous employment performance
- Bulky folders - please save your money and our filing space
Q: What sort of experience would be considered in support of my application?
In all but rare instances, membership is awarded based on qualifications in TRANSLATION and/or INTERPRETING only. Proof of published work is one area that may be taken into consideration. A few years' experience with no specific qualifications is not sufficient.
In all but rare instances, membership is awarded based on qualifications in TRANSLATION and/or INTERPRETING only. Proof of published work is one area that may be taken into consideration. A few years' experience with no specific qualifications is not sufficient.
Q: I have experience in translation or interpreting for my community, is this enough to gain Member or Affiliate membership of NZSTI?
No. Quite apart from ability in two or more languages, there are many legal and ethical issues which must be studied for a truly professional service to be provided. There are many traps for the unwary. One purpose of NZSTI is to encourage and support a fully professional and ethical approach to Translation and Interpreting in Aotearoa New Zealand.
No. Quite apart from ability in two or more languages, there are many legal and ethical issues which must be studied for a truly professional service to be provided. There are many traps for the unwary. One purpose of NZSTI is to encourage and support a fully professional and ethical approach to Translation and Interpreting in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Q: I have a degree in my specialist field, why is this not recognised?
Qualifications in other fields, even if studied in another language, do not guarantee knowledge of the specific issues relating to Translation and Interpreting. The Online Directory has a field in which you can enter details of these qualifications in order to inform people looking for expertise in specialist areas, and the Search function includes a filter by specialty.
Qualifications in other fields, even if studied in another language, do not guarantee knowledge of the specific issues relating to Translation and Interpreting. The Online Directory has a field in which you can enter details of these qualifications in order to inform people looking for expertise in specialist areas, and the Search function includes a filter by specialty.
Q: What are NZSTI's membership fees and when should I pay?
Payment is not required until a person has been accepted into the appropriate level of membership, then the corresponding invoice is sent and membership is activated upon receipt of payment.
Payment is not required until a person has been accepted into the appropriate level of membership, then the corresponding invoice is sent and membership is activated upon receipt of payment.
- Member:
Entrance Fee $70 plus Annual Fee $70 - Affiliate:
Entrance Fee $60 plus Annual Fee $60 - Observer:
Entrance Fee $50 plus Annual Fee $50
NZSTI's membership year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Where a person joins part way through the year, a pro-rata annual fee is charged.
Q: How do I obtain a Membership Card or Translator Stamp?
Membership cards and stamps are available for those with Full Member status only. Log in to the MEMBERS section of the website and go to Notices > Read all notices - scroll down for the details.
Membership cards and stamps are available for those with Full Member status only. Log in to the MEMBERS section of the website and go to Notices > Read all notices - scroll down for the details.
A. Registration as a Translator with NZQA - FULL MEMBERS ONLY in the direction INTO ENGLISH:
Update April 2011*: As from 1 April 2011 no applications are being accepted for the approved list of translators. This is in line with NZQA's policy to review the list on a periodic basis. At present the coverage of translations services is sufficient for NZQA's needs.
Update April 2011*: As from 1 April 2011 no applications are being accepted for the approved list of translators. This is in line with NZQA's policy to review the list on a periodic basis. At present the coverage of translations services is sufficient for NZQA's needs.
To prepare translations of overseas qualification certificates and other papers submitted with applications to the Qualifications Recognition Services for applicants who do not have official translations from their country of origin. A list of approved translators is located on the NZQA website
Translators are asked to comply with the Service's guidelines for translation of overseas documentation. For further inquiries* and to obtain an application form* please contact:
Manager
Qualifications Recognition Services
PO Box 160
Wellington 6140
Qualifications Recognition Services
PO Box 160
Wellington 6140
Email: qrs@nzqa.govt.nz
B. Driver Licence Translation
The contracts between the existing group of approved translators and the NZTA will expire on 31 December 2011. The NZTA has initiated an approval and renewal process for this group to ensure the continued provision of translation services from 1 January 2012. It is intended that this approval and renewal process will be undertaken, only once, every five years.
Applicants must:
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hold Full MEMBER status with the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI), and/or
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hold accreditation from the Australian National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
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hold suitable translation qualifications
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hold a New Zealand driver licence or provide a current passport or other acceptable photographic evidence of identity
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be a New Zealand resident.
Completed Registrations of Interest must be received by the NZTA by 3.00 pm, 16 September 2011. The Registration of Interest form can be downloaded from the GETS website at http://www.gets.govt.nz.
At the end of the ROI period, application forms will be sent to those who have completed the registration process. Interested parties will be required complete the application form and return it to NZTA together with further information including (but not limited to) a current Ministry of Justice check, evidence of qualifications held, references and details of experience in order to undertake the vetting and approval process.
