Representing translators and interpreters in New Zealand

The New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) is the nationally representative body of translators and interpreters in New Zealand. It provides a networking forum for its associates, as well as it represents their interests. It also promotes its members continuous professional development, quality standards and the profession’s acknowledgment within governmental agencies and the general public.

This translators association has centres throughout the country, wherever “there is a sufficiently large group of professional translators and interpreters to warrant this”. These regional branches are managed by a locally elected executive who works under supervision of the national council.

In addition to regular meetings organised by branches, there is also a NZSTI annual conference, usually at one of the main centres. These events ensure all members are updated with the latest novelties and developments of the profession.

The New Zealand translation association maintains an online directory. Each profile displays information on contact details, working languages and specialities of the corresponding member. It’s aimed at “the main users of interpreting and translation services in both the public and private sectors in New Zealand and overseas”.

People who qualify for NZSTI membership will fit in one of the several categories established by the association: Member (have an approved degree in translation or interpreting, have passed a national examination, have been successful at completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Translation Studies or Masters of Professional Studies from the University of Auckland), Affiliate (will have attended part-time training courses to obtain qualifications in translation and / or interpreting studies, amongst others), Observer (persons who have an interest in the society and profession, without NZSTI approved qualification), Fellow, Retired Member and Honorary member. Each new member receives a certificate upon admission.

To join NZSTI, you must access their application form. Your application must be posted to the address on the form and it must include certified copies of relevant qualifications. All the copies have to be in English.

Applicants for NZSTI membership “must live and work in New Zealand, or retain significant existing links to New Zealand”. After receiving your application, the membership committee will analyse it and decide upon it. Once approved, you will be sent all relevant documentation and an invoice for fees.

The NZSTI is “formally affiliated with The Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ). SLIANZ is a national professional association which aims to represent and advance the field of sign language interpreting”.

Word for Word

The NZSTI publishes an official journal called Word for Word. It is published quarterly and made available to all members.

It features articles about translation and interpreting, reports on the NZSTI’s activities across the country and insight on the nature of the translation and interpreting profession in New Zealand and worldwide. Moreover, it has “a touch of humour”, as well as general information that might interest or benefit the translators association’s members.

Word for Word is available to members in two options: a full colour PDF document to be read online or to be downloaded; by post, as a black and white hard copy.

Keep in mind that although it is commonly thought otherwise, English is not the official language of New Zealand. There are several languages in New Zealand. English is the dominant and a de facto language, but the two official languages are Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. Despite these facts, English is spoken by over 95% of the population, whilst Maori is spoken by less than 5%.

LEXIS INFORMS:
As a member of Lexis, you automatically become a Syntax.pro official provider. Check it out. Lexis – Connections with meaning

Read other news about Translators Associations from Asia-Pacific