Ngā Ratonga Reo

To promote and maintain high standards of Māori language usage the Commission provides the following Māori language services:

• A 'quality checking service' for documents translated into Māori
• Translations of formal written requests
• Referral to highly qualified translators
• Certification of interpreters and translators
• Information on the learning and teaching of Māori

Translation quality checking service

In recent years, the demand for Māori transaltions of English language texts has increased considerably. Texts now being translated include lengthy official documents and school curricula, community newsletters, media reports as well as internal and external signage.

In order to main the appropriate standard of excellence, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori will carry out a quality checking service of translation's submitted to it by external agencies and organisations.

The expectation is that this will not amount to much more than copy-editing, involving the application of the orthographic conventions of Te Taura Whiri, with minimal changes required in terms of grammar and sense. There will normally be a turnaround period of two weeks. A copy of the orthographic conventions can be obtained from our offices or downloaded here.

The quality and accuracy of translations is inevitably dependent on the skills of the translator. To this end the Commission can recommend a choice of highly qualified translators.

The Commission will return, unchecked, any text that requires more serious reformulation, to be worked on again byt he original translator.

Such texts can then be resubmitted for checking once the translator has revised the translation.

Formal written requests for translations

These include new names for organisations, titles for positions, signage as well as the creation of new words in Māori. Detailed information or background to the English language terms is required. There will normally be a turnaround period of two weeks. Lengthy documents may have to be referred to an independent translator.

Fee schedule for checking and translation service

Referral to highly qualified translators

Te Taura Whiri can refer you to experienced, qualified Māori language translators. Click here to see our current Interpreter and Translators Register.

Certification of interpreters and translators

Te Tāūnga Tohu i te Matatau ki te Reo Māori if the official Māori Interpreters and Translators License. Under Section 15 of the Māori Language Act 1987, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori is able to award this qualification to those who pass the written and oral examinations.

If the Māori language is your first language or if you are a very fluent speaker of Māori and have highly developed English language skills you are eligible to apply.

Information on learning and teaching Māori

The Commission is able to provide a range of information and material to help individuals and organisations learn or teach Māori in the home, workplace and in the community.

For further information, contact:
Language Services:
tel: 04 471 0244
fax: 04 471 2768
or use our feedback form here.

ki runga