What an interpreter does

An interpreter interprets for an individual person participating in a hearing, for example:

a party to a case – this may be an applicant, plaintiff, defendant, respondent or appellant
a witness giving evidence in a case.

The interpreter’s work also helps the understanding of other people in a court or tribunal hearing, such as:

the presiding officer of the court or tribunal who will make the decision in a case – this may be a judge, chair or referee
lawyers or representatives appearing for the Crown or prosecuting authority or parties to a case
the jury, if the case is a jury trial
victims, for example in a criminal case
media reporting the hearing
the public, if it’s an open hearing.

An interpreter may need to attend a court or tribunal hearing in person or by teleconference.

Conduct expected from interpreters

Our Guidelines for interpreters set out the conduct we expect of all Ministry-appointed interpreters in a hearing. They also explain court protocol.

Interpreters must adhere to the expectations set out in these Guidelines or they could be subject to our Ministry’s complaints process.

Read the Ministry of Justice Guidelines for interpreters

Become an interpreter for courts or tribunals

To be eligible to become an interpreter for the Ministry of Justice, you must have undertaken a criminal check within the last six months and notified us of any convictions.

Request a copy of your criminal record

You can register your interest in becoming an interpreter by giving a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to your nearest court.

Find your local court

To become an interpreter for the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, contact the Refugee Status Branch of Immigration New Zealand (MBIE)(external link).