Interpreters and language support

Support available

Tell the court if you need an interpreter. If you come to the court and need to speak to staff at the counter, and you can’t communicate fluently in English or understand what the person is saying, staff can contact a telephone based interpreter to make it easier for you to talk to us. If you find it hard to follow what people are saying in the courtroom, or to speak English, the court can arrange for an interpreter to sit beside you. The interpreter will translate what you say into English, and translate what other people say into your language.

You’ll need to tell the court at least 10 working days before your court date. This will give the court time to get an interpreter.

To ask for an interpreter, fill in this form and give it to the court:

Request for an interpreter [PDF, 161 KB]

You can also call 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787) or you can visit your local court. Have your case reference number handy when you talk to us.

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Te Reo Māori & New Zealand Sign Language

You have the right to speak Te Reo Māori or use New Zealand Sign Language in court. It’s free if the court arranges an interpreter for you to do this.

Speak te reo Māori

If you wish to speak te reo Māori, you’ll need to fill in a form and give it to the court and the other people in your case at least 10 working days before you need to be at court. This gives the court time to get an interpreter.

To ask for an interpreter, fill in this form:

Notice of intention to speak Māori [PDF, 233 KB]

Use New Zealand Sign Language

You’ll need to tell the court at least 10 working days before your court date. This will give them time to get an interpreter. To arrange an interpreter, contact the court in person, by phone or by email.

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