Interpreting New Zealand

Interpreting New Zealand We train, employ and provide professional community interpreters in some 70 languages.

Interpreting New Zealand was established in 1993 as the first comprehensive interpreting service in New Zealand. We initially provided onsite interpreters and in 1997 expanded our services to include the provision of telephone interpreters. In response to increased demand, we expanded our services in Wellington, to include a permanent Christchurch branch in Canterbury. We provide and train profess

ional community interpreters, and advocate for the rights and needs of interpreters and speakers of languages other than English.

Creativity and culture came together beautifully as we closed Ping Mabbett's Art Exhibition, part of Interpreting New Ze...
18/06/2026

Creativity and culture came together beautifully as we closed Ping Mabbett's Art Exhibition, part of Interpreting New Zealand's 33rd anniversary celebrations.

It was a special opportunity to hear Ping share the stories and cultural symbolism behind her paintings, bringing together traditions from her Chinese heritage with New Zealand's multicultural community.

A heartfelt thank you to Helen Mainwaring, one of our Request Coordinators and a published author, for facilitating a thoughtful creative writing session inspired by the exhibition. Through her enthusiasm for storytelling and writing, participants were encouraged to let their creativity take flight and create poems and reflections inspired by Ping's work.

One participant, D**g Zhang, Mandarin Interpreter, captured the beauty of Ping's peony painting:
"The spring breeze warming up the flowers' competition, but the peony overpowering them all..."

Another reflection inspired by China in Thaw celebrated dreams, freedom, and openness:
"When the doors open, dreams have a chance… That life should flow, like the rivers go."

At Interpreting New Zealand, our mission is to remove language barriers, while also celebrating the creativity, cultures, and stories that enrich our communities.

Thank you to Ping, Helen, and everyone who joined us for such a meaningful way to bring the exhibition to a close.

Empowering Future Doctors Through Language AccessRecently, our Canterbury team at Interpreting New Zealand had the priv...
15/06/2026

Empowering Future Doctors Through Language Access

Recently, our Canterbury team at Interpreting New Zealand had the privilege of delivering a workshop for fifth-year medical students at the University of Otago, Christchurch, focused on effectively working with trained interpreters in healthcare settings.

The session explored how healthcare professionals can access interpreting services and the different ways interpreters can support communication with patients, including telephone, video, and onsite interpreting.

By equipping future doctors with the knowledge and confidence to work alongside professional interpreters, we are helping build a healthcare system where language is never a barrier to understanding, dignity, or quality care.

A big thank you to the University of Otago Medical Education team for their partnership and commitment to equitable, patient-centred healthcare.

Together, we're creating a more inclusive Aotearoa.

Connecting with Community at Ladies Health DayIt was a pleasure for the team at Interpreting New Zealand to be part of t...
09/06/2026

Connecting with Community at Ladies Health Day

It was a pleasure for the team at Interpreting New Zealand to be part of the Ladies Health Day, hosted by Christchurch Resettlement Services, supporting women from refugee and migrant backgrounds to connect with a range of local health, safety, and wellbeing services.

We were proud to host an information table, share details about our interpreting services, and meet members of our diverse communities face to face.

Events like this are a powerful reminder of the importance of accessibility, connection, and working together to ensure everyone can access the services they need.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a conversation and helped make the day such a positive and welcoming community event.

Celebrating 33 Years of Interpreting New Zealand in CanterburyOver three wonderful days in Canterbury, we came together ...
05/06/2026

Celebrating 33 Years of Interpreting New Zealand in Canterbury

Over three wonderful days in Canterbury, we came together with clients, supporters, funders, interpreters, staff, and guests to celebrate 33 years of Interpreting New Zealand — a journey grounded in connection, service, and removing language barriers across Aotearoa.

It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our mahi, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the people and partnerships that continue to shape our work.

One of the highlights was our new CEO sharing the future vision for Interpreting New Zealand on Plains Media, connecting with our wider community partners and outlining the journey ahead.

We were also warmly welcomed by Whaea Sally Pitama of Ngāi Tahu, who received our new CE and guests as we gathered to share kai, stories, laughter, and genuine connection. The celebrations continued into the evening with an insightful kōrero and time spent with our interpreters, reflecting on our shared purpose.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to support our mahi.

Here’s to many more years of connection, impact, and community.

A big thank you to Plains Media for the opportunity to share an important kōrero about the vital role of interpreters ac...
28/05/2026

A big thank you to Plains Media for the opportunity to share an important kōrero about the vital role of interpreters across Aotearoa.

We are proud to see our CEO Dr Susan Knox and our Christchurch–Canterbury Regional Manager and Tagalog Interpreter, Rhodora Sagles, featured in this meaningful conversation discussing language access, inclusion, and the impact interpreters make across healthcare, justice, education, and community services.

At Interpreting New Zealand, we remain committed to building stronger, more connected communities by helping remove language barriers every day.

Thank you again to Plains Media for the opportunity, collaboration, and networking support.

Listen interview here:
https://plains.org.nz/programme/PlainsMediaFeatures

Celebrating 33 years and honouring those who shaped our journeyLast Tuesday, we proudly celebrated 33 years of Interpret...
25/05/2026

Celebrating 33 years and honouring those who shaped our journey

Last Tuesday, we proudly celebrated 33 years of Interpreting New Zealand at our Wellington office. An important milestone in our journey of removing language barriers across Aotearoa.

It was wonderful to come together with interpreters, supporters of our organisation, staff, and community members to celebrate and reflect on the people who have shaped our story over the years.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we were also honoured to open a special exhibition featuring the work and journey of Ping Mabbett — interpreter, journalist, artist, teacher, and one of our longest serving interpreters, celebrating an incredible 33 years with Interpreting New Zealand.

We were also delighted to celebrate alongside our communities in Christchurch, Nelson, and Dunedin, making this anniversary week even more special across our regions.

Our Wellington exhibition remains open until 12 June during office hours. Feel free to come and visit us and enjoy a cup of tea.

Here's to another 33 years of connection and communication.

Inside Our ISO 21998 Journey: Henrique’s PerspectiveAs part of our ISO 21998:2020 certification process at Interpreting ...
06/05/2026

Inside Our ISO 21998 Journey: Henrique’s Perspective

As part of our ISO 21998:2020 certification process at Interpreting New Zealand (INZ), three interpreters were randomly selected for audit. Henrique Sauer Rupp, one of our Portuguese interpreters based in Ōtautahi Christchurch and with INZ since 2009, was one of them.

Henrique reflects on his experience and what the certification means for his practice and the wider profession.

“I was slightly surprised, in a positive sense. Becoming familiar with ISO 21998 more recently, I see this certification as a strong validation of the quality work we have been doing over the years as INZ interpreters. It strengthens the recognition and credibility of our profession across all interpreting settings.”

For Henrique, healthcare interpreting is a field where continuous learning is essential:

“Life is a continuous learning process. In healthcare interpreting especially, medical knowledge evolves quickly. We need to keep learning, ideally every day, even in small ways—reflecting, improving, and staying curious. Our work can have a direct impact on people’s health and lives.”

On building confidence in the profession, he highlights consistency and curiosity:
“Confidence comes with time and practice. Staying in regular contact with languages through reading, listening, and engaging with people helps build readiness for any assignment.”

Reflecting on the certification, Henrique shares:
“For me, ISO 21998 is both a validation of the quality of work I’ve been doing for 16 years and a motivation to keep improving my interpreting skills.”

Henrique’s story is one of three interpreter reflections from our ISO audit process, each highlighting the professionalism and commitment behind everyday interpreting work.

More stories from our ISO journey will be shared soon.

Meet Our Interpreters: Andrea Murillo JimenezAt Interpreting New Zealand, we’re proud to work alongside incredible inter...
29/03/2026

Meet Our Interpreters: Andrea Murillo Jimenez

At Interpreting New Zealand, we’re proud to work alongside incredible interpreters who help break down language barriers every day. Today, we’d love you to meet Andrea Murillo Jimenez, one of our dedicated Spanish Interpreters, who has been part of our community since 2016.

From Chef to Interpreter. A journey of connection and purpose.
Andrea’s story is one of passion, resilience, and genuine care for people. With 17 years as a professional chef, she made a bold career shift after moving to New Zealand, and chose a path focused on community and connection.

While working with the Red Cross, Andrea discovered Interpreting New Zealand. That spark of curiosity quickly turned into commitment. Even while visiting Colombia, she was waking up at 1am to attend our in-house Applied Community Interpreting training, which prepares interpreters with the skills and standards required to work with Interpreting New Zealand. She brings that level of dedication to everything she does.

Today, Andrea continues her work as both an interpreter and Settlement Case Worker, supporting people as they navigate life in a new country.

For Andrea, interpreting goes far beyond words. It’s about bridging cultures, building understanding, and ensuring people feel heard.
She recalls a simple but powerful moment during a hospital appointment, where a small cultural misunderstanding could have caused confusion. By recognising the difference and gently clarifying, Andrea helped both sides connect. Turning a potentially frustrating situation into a moment of understanding. These are the everyday moments where interpreters make a real difference.

In 2024, Andrea achieved her NAATI certification, further strengthening her ability to support communities across New Zealand and Australia. We’re incredibly proud to have Andrea as part of our team.

Our interpreters play a vital role in delivering high-quality, professional services. Ensuring everyone, regardless of language, can access the support they need.

Let’s celebrate the amazing work they do.

Inside Our ISO 21998 Journey: Edwin’s PerspectiveAs part of our ISO journey series, Edwin Reverol, Senior Office Adminis...
17/03/2026

Inside Our ISO 21998 Journey: Edwin’s Perspective

As part of our ISO journey series, Edwin Reverol, Senior Office Administrator at Interpreting New Zealand, reflects on the experience, the challenges involved, and what the certification means for the organisation.

Why was achieving ISO 21998 important for Interpreting New Zealand?
"From the start, I was motivated by the challenge. Our former CEO at the time, Peter McLellan, encouraged us to pursue the certification, and stepping up to coordinate parts of the process with the team became a great opportunity to contribute. While INZ already had high standards, this certification provides third-party validation and recognises the work we’ve been doing for over 30 years."

What challenges did you face?
"Many policies, procedures, and records already existed across different areas of the organisation. The task was to review, tidy, and consolidate everything in one place, while also developing new procedures where updates were needed. It was very much a team effort, and I really enjoyed working with colleagues and the discussions we had as we strengthened our processes together."

What did you discover about INZ and our interpreters?
"I was impressed by how seriously our interpreters take their professional development. Many invest heavily in improving their skills, knowledge, and ethical practice. That commitment sits at the heart of the quality services we provide every day."

What does achieving ISO 21998 certification mean to you?
"It’s more than a credential. It recognises the high standards that have long been part of INZ and opens new opportunities to strengthen resources, systems, and support for our interpreters, staff, and clients."
Any final reflections?

"Coordinating this project with the team and seeing the second audit conclude successfully was a proud moment. It confirmed what we already knew. That INZ delivers exceptional interpreting services. I’m proud to have contributed to this milestone alongside such a dedicated team."

Edwin’s story is a reminder that quality isn’t just measured at audits. It’s woven into daily practice, one assignment at a time.

More stories from our ISO journey will be shared soon.

Inside Our ISO 21998 Journey – Mariko Hummel-JibikiAs part of our journey towards achieving ISO 21998 Healthcare Interpr...
17/03/2026

Inside Our ISO 21998 Journey – Mariko Hummel-Jibiki

As part of our journey towards achieving ISO 21998 Healthcare Interpreting, we asked Mariko, INZ Operations Lead, to reflect on her experience during the certification process and the audit. Here is what she shared.

How did going through this certification process make you consider the needs of interpreters?
“As an interpreter myself, I naturally consider the interpreter’s perspective in all aspects of our work. However, going through this certification process reinforced just how important it is for interpreters to receive clear and sufficient information about their assignments so they can prepare adequately, ensuring both their safety and the quality of the service.
It also reminded us that providing this level of information is not always straightforward, given operational pressures and privacy considerations, but it is something we must continue to work towards.
Feedback from interpreters has been an important part of this process, and we have been taking practical steps to improve how information is shared so that interpreters feel supported and well prepared for their work.”

What challenges did you face taking the auditor through the lifecycle of an interpreter, from employing them to ensuring their work is achieved?
“I had never experienced a multi-day auditing process before, and it took some time to fully understand what the auditor was looking for. At moments, I wished I had an interpreter for myself!
What I did have, however, was an incredible team I could rely on. Colleagues contributed insights I might have missed, clarified points when I was unsure, and were able to answer questions when I needed to redirect. Other colleagues were also on standby if needed.

Knowing we had such a strong, dependable team inside and outside the meeting room allowed me to confidently address questions and ensure that every aspect of the interpreter lifecycle was covered. Teamwork and mutual support were key to successfully navigating the audit.”

What would you recommend to other organisations aiming to achieve this ISO standard?
“If we have confidence in, and take pride in what we are doing, it needs to be reflected in clear processes, consistent practices, and systems that everyone can rely on.
Supporting staff through guidance, training, and open communication makes a big difference.
Achieving the standard isn’t the end point — what matters most is continuing to improve, adapt, and work together across the organisation.”

Thank you, Mariko, for sharing your reflections and for your leadership throughout this process.

More stories from our ISO journey will be shared soon.

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Level 1, 72 Abel Smith Street
Wellington
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