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Useful experience for translators includes:

• work with people from different cultures such as new migrants
• work in professional sectors such as law enforcement and scientific, legal, technical or medical environments
• living and working overseas – for example, going on a student exchange programme
• language study.

Translators may do some or all of the following:

• read material from the source language and rewrite it in the required (target) language
• check that the original meaning and feeling of the text is not lost
• ensure that technical terms are correctly translated
• proofread and edit other translators' work
• discuss clients' translation requirements and give quotes for services
• research the meaning of words and terminology using dictionaries and the internet
• use computer-aided translation tools.

Opportunities best for translators with specialist skills

Opportunities are best for experienced translators who:

• have specialist or technical knowledge in areas such as information technology, law, marketing, medicine or health
• have full membership with the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters
• have the business and networking skills to build up their client base in New Zealand and overseas
• can translate from English into Māori, Pacific Island languages, Mandarin, or languages used by New Zealand's main trading partners.

According to the Census, 441 translators worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Graduates can find work through agencies

Opportunities for new translators are poor because few full-time translator jobs are advertised, and it can take a year to build up enough clients if you set up your own translation business.

Graduates can improve their chances of securing a job by:

• completing professional development workshops
• joining professional organisations such as the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters, or the National Accreditation Authority of Translators and Interpreters
• registering with translation agencies and taking on jobs with quick deadlines, or in holiday periods.

Increased immigration creates some opportunities for translators

More migrants from non-English-speaking countries have been coming to New Zealand, which creates some opportunities for translators. They are sometimes called in to help migrants resettle, which can involve translating documents such as birth and medical certificates, and other legal documents.

Self-employment common among translators

Most translators in New Zealand are self-employed, and work with a range of clients and agencies.

Translators may contract their services out to, or be permanently employed by:

• private companies that offer translation services
• the Department of Internal Affairs and other government departments
• courts or hospitals
• businesses that export goods
• foreign embassies and consulates.

Translators may also work for overseas clients, via email, because the time difference between New Zealand and Europe allows work to be delivered in time for the European working day.

Māori Language Commission

(04) 471 0244 - tereo@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz - www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz

NZ Society of Translators and Interpreters Inc (NZSTI)

(09) 529 1138 - info@nzsti.org - www.nzsti.org

Translators may get experience at a government department or commercial service, then move on to set up their own businesses or agencies.

With further training, translators may also become interpreters (translating the spoken word).

• Interpreter job information

Translators need to be:

• adaptable and motivated
• able to keep information confidential
• able to work efficiently under pressure
• able to concentrate for long periods
• able to negotiate and solve problems
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• curious and creative
• skilled at writing and research
• organised, with good administration skills.