To become an interpreter you must be highly fluent in two or more languages. Most interpreters have at least a bachelor’s degree.

If you want to become a Māori-English or English-Māori interpreter, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) recommends

To become a sign language interpreter, you need:

The Ministry of Education offers sign language interpreting scholarships to students who intend to work with children in the education sector.

Sign language interpreters may also attend courses on educational interpreting, deaf/blind interpreting, and minimal language skill interpreting (signing for deaf people with few sign language skills).

The New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) provides a list of courses available in New Zealand.

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include English, languages and te reo Māori.

Interpreters need to be able to: 

Interpreters also need to have a good memory and good comprehension skills.

Useful experience for interpreters includes:

Interpreters need to have good hearing. They also need stamina, as they often have to work long and irregular hours.

Interpreters can register with the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI).