Skills in certain languages or specialist areas can boost chances
It can be challenging for new interpreters to get started because the occupation is small. However, job opportunities for interpreters are expected to continue growing.
Skilled te reo Māori interpreters are in shortage, so demand for them is high.
Other languages that are in relatively high demand are:
- New Zealand Sign Language
- Mandarin and Cantonese
- Pacific Island languages, particularly Samoan and Tongan
- Hindi
- French
- Spanish
- minority languages spoken mainly by refugees such as Nepalese, Farsi and Rohingya.
Knowledge in a specialised area, such as health or law, also increases your chances of finding work as an interpreter.
According to the Census, 528 interpreters worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Increased immigration creates opportunities for interpreters
More migrants from non-English-speaking countries have been coming to New Zealand. Interpreters are sometimes called in to interpret at medical and government agency appointments.
Interpreters work in a range of settings
A few interpreters are full-time employees, but most work part time, on contract.
Interpreters can work for:
- language service providers
- interpreting associations
- Parliament
- government departments such as the Waitangi Tribunal
- schools, universities and community education centres
- hospitals
- the police, prisons and courts
- tourist operators
- companies and non-governmental organisations
- international delegations.
