Recruitment

Interpreters are carefully recruited and vetted

1. In New Zealand, we would expect an interpreter to:

• be a New Zealand citizen or resident, or have an appropriate NZ work visa;

• have been living in New Zealand for at least 18 months (this ensures competency in English as it is spoken in New Zealand);

• be proficient in more than one language, including English.

2. Proficiency in English and another language is a given, and should be tested prior to training:

• English test for non-native English speakers. This is to evaluate everyday English as used and spoken in New Zealand as well as some commonly-used medical and legal terminology.

• Language Other than English (LOTE) test for native English speakers or applicants who arrived in New Zealand young, or who have been in the country for more than 10 years.

3. Further vetting measures require applicants to:

• attend an interview to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English and suitability to work as an interpreter;

• provide proof of ID, and either two written references or the names of two referees (following public service guidelines prior to Police vetting);

• give permission for the Quality Interpreting agency to have them Police vetted.