This section explains what a sign language interpreter does, and provides guidelines to ensure that you hire a competent, qualified sign language interpreter.

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• Sign language interpreters convert what is said by a person using a spoken language and a person using sign language.
• Interpreting can be simultaneous or consecutive.
• Regular breaks are needed to ensure an interpreter is able to effectively do their job and prevent injury. 
• More than one interpreter is needed for interpreting that lasts more than one hour.

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An interpreter facilitates communication between people who do not share a language in common. The interpreter converts the messages said or signed by one person into the language of the other person (and vice versa).

Sign language interpreters in New Zealand are trained to interpret between spoken languages (mainly English and/or Maori) and New Zealand Sign Language.

They may also carry out 'sight translation' where the interpreter translates on the spot from a written document (such as a consent form, application form or a letter) into New Zealand Sign Language.

Sign language interpreters often interpret simultaneously. This means that they start signing the message while you are still speaking, or that they start speaking very shortly after the deaf person starts signing. There will be a slight time lag while the interpreter processes the information being said and converts it appropriately into the other language.

Simultaneous interpreting requires a good deal of mental processing. Either appropriate breaks should be given, or interpreters should work in teams to support each other and share interpreting during the meeting.

In some cases the interpretation happens consecutively, allowing a person to speak, or sign several sentences, or take a whole turn in the conversation before this is interpreted. This may be especially appropriate in face-to-face meetings between two people or small groups.

Although consecutive interpreting requires more time than simultaneous interpreting, the end result is often clearer communication. This is because the interpreter can take the time to listen and fully understand what the speaker is saying, which helps make a more coherent translation into the other language.