Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is NZSTI?
A: 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.
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Q: Can NZSTI help me find a translator or an interpreter?
A: Yes! Our on-line searchable database of members and affiliates enables you to search for the language combination and the skills you require quickly and easily.
Consult our Search facility above.
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Q: How do I apply for a job with NZSTI?
A: Please do not send job applications. NZSTI is not an agency, we do not employ translators or interpreters. NZSTI is a professional organisation for practising translators and interpreters in New Zealand.
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Q: How can I find work as a translator or interpreter?
A: Consider joining NZSTI, the only national organisation representing practising translators and interpreters in NZ. Our bimonthly meetings facilitate networking with other translators and interpreters.
Approach agencies directly. Consult the Yellow Pages or search the internet to find these.
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Q: Why should I join NZSTI?
A: 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:
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Professional recognition: membership of NZSTI shows that you hold appropriate qualifications
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Professional development: NZSTI runs courses regularly to help translators and interpreters improve their skills and prepare for accreditation exams e.g. NAATI.
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Representation at governmental level: NZSTI campaigns on your behalf with relevant government bodies to promote your interests.
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Professional indemnity insurance at reduced rates for Members and Affiliates
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Guidelines for translation of official documents
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Code of Ethics
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Quarterly journal Word for Word available free of charge to all subscribers
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Forum: an online discussion forum where members may ask questions or air and share topics of interest.
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Conference: an annual conference is held in one of the three main centres.
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Q: Do I need a licence to become a translator or interpreter in New Zealand?
A: 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.
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Q: What qualifications do I need to be a full Member of NZSTI?
A: Please go to How to Join for a full description of the qualifications required for each level of membership.
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Q: What do I need to send in support of my application to join NZSTI?
A: Send certified copies of your qualifications, especially those in TRANSLATION and/or INTERPRETING, with transcripts where required to prove grades achieved in relevant papers if applicable. (See How to Join). Unnecessary extra information costs you money to copy and post therefore:
Please do not send:
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Your CV - this is not a job application
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Evidence of short courses or experiences unrelated to Translation or Interpreting.
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References - NZSTI awards membership based on objective criteria, not character references or previous employment performance.
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Bulky folders - please save your money and our filing space.
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Q: What sort of experience would be considered in support of my application?
A: 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.
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Q: I have experience in translation or interpreting for my community, is this enough to gain Member or Affiliate membership of NZSTI?
A: 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.
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Q: I have a degree in my specialist field, why is this not recognised?
A: 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.
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Q: What are NZSTI’s membership fees and when should I pay?
A: 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.
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Member |
Entrance Fee $70 plus Annual Fee $70 |
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Affiliate |
Entrance Fee $60 plus Annual Fee $60 |
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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.
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Q: How do I obtain a Membership Card or Translator Stamp?
A: Membership cards and stamps are available for Full Members only. Login to the MEMBERS section of the website and go to Notices > Read all Notices - scroll down for the details.
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Q: How do I register with organisations such as NZQA, NZTA?
A: Registration as a Translator with NZQA: FULL MEMBERS ONLY:
If you want to be a NZQA approved translator you must be qualified to translate INTO English. You can register by posting a certified copy of your NZSTI membership certificate to the Verification Service of NZQA (PO Box 160, Wellington, New Zealand). You need to inform them of the languages for which you are a FULL member, and the direction. For further details please contact NZQA.
B: Driver Licence Translation:
The following is a communication from NZTA - June 2009:
NZTA intends to next review the accreditation situation in 2011, when most of the current contracts with approved translators are due to expire. At that time NZTA may again seek expressions of interest by posting advice on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website. As was done in 2006 the NZTA intends to again notify NZSTI.
NZTA do not intend to undertake any further accreditations before 2011 but will seek and process registrations of interest in bulk at the time of the review.
Anyone making enquiries in the interim period will be advised of the 2011 review and invited to make further contact with us at that time.
It is anticipated that at that time advice will be posted on the (GETS) website inviting interested parties to complete a Registration of Interest. NZTA also intends to contact the NZSTI directly at the same time to advise that a review is being undertaken so that members can be informed.
