Senior NZSL Interpreter
Date: 6 Aug 2026
Location: Wellington, NZ
Company: Ministry of Social Development
We’re looking for an experienced NZSL interpreter to join us in a fixed term role until 30 June 2027. This is a full time role, however we are willing to consider part time hours for the right person.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
As a Senior NZSL Interpreter, you’ll provide high-quality, confidential interpretation between NZSL and English across a wide range of internal and external settings. This includes internal meetings, conversations and events, NZSL Board meetings, community engagement, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and recorded or live speeches and announcements.
You’ll support Deaf and hearing kaimahi, leaders, partners and stakeholders to communicate effectively, accurately and respectfully in face-to-face and online contexts. You’ll also manage formal and informal interpretation requests, prepare for meetings and events by reviewing relevant context and materials, and work alongside other interpreters to achieve successful communication outcomes.
You will be part of the Ministerial and Executive Services team so will have the opportunity to improve your knowledge of the machinery of government and related processes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide internal NZSL interpreting services for pre-booked staff meetings, workshops, hui, training sessions and organisational activities.
- Ensure interpreting is delivered to a high professional standard, aligned with NZSL interpreting best practice.
- Be available for pre-scheduled bookings as well as ad-hoc interpreting needs, depending on organisational demand.
- Work collaboratively with Whaikaha staff to ensure communication access needs are met in a timely and culturally appropriate way.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and cultural safety at all times.
- Be based in our Wellington office as part of the benefit for the deaf kamahi to have someone close by for the informal chats.
Mōu | About you
- A recognised NZSL interpreting qualification from AUT or equivalent.
- Membership of the Sign Language Interpreters Association of New Zealand (SLIANZ).
- A deep understanding of Deaf culture and the ability to accurately convey meaning, nuance and intent between Deaf and hearing people.
- Excellent communication skills in NZSL and written and spoken English.
- Experience building strong, collaborative relationships with employees, interpreters, stakeholders and community groups.
- A commitment to confidentiality, impartiality and ethical decision-making.
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
To undertake this role successfully, you will either be a disabled person, tāngata whaikaha Māori, or have lived experience as whānau, or be able to establish credibility and trust with the disability community.
He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga | Position Description
The job description of this advertisement can be found here: Senior NZSL Interpreter
Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $90,701.00 - $109,929.00
Mō mātou | About us:
At Whaikaha, we want an Aotearoa New Zealand where Deaf and disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are thriving.
As a Ministry we are dedicated to this goal, working with government, businesses, and communities to drive real change.
We do this by investing in disability communities, providing strategic and policy advice across government, monitoring how well services are working, and identifying new, exciting opportunities to make a difference.
We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive environment.
Ka kati ngā tono hei te | Applications close: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:
Click the 'Apply' button to complete the online form, or let’s kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application. For example, you may prefer to use video instead of a traditional CV and cover letter, or you might want whānau or a friend to tell us about you.
Contact us about the best way for you to apply by emailing: PeopleandCulture@whaikaha.govt.nz
If you work for Whaikaha please apply through the myHR portal so that your employee profile is visible as an internal candidate.
Please note, MSD applicants should apply as external candidates.