Interpreter services are available in most areas of New Zealand for hospital and primary care visits. This page provides an overview and links to key services.
Official languages
New Zealand has three official languages: English, Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.
Most common languages in NZ
According to the NZ Census 2013 data, the most widely spoken languages in New Zealand are:
- English
- Te Reo Māori
- Samoan and
- Hindi.
Interpreter services
A number of District Health Boards fund local Interpreter Services for hospital and primary care visits. Others link into Language Line - a telephone interpreter service provided by the Government through the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs.
Known local services include:
- Auckland DHB Interpreter Service
- The service is open from 8am to 4.30pm.
- For all enquires and bookings please contact (09) 6236453, fax (09) 6234695, or email PHIP@adhb.govt.nz.
- To access telephone interpreting, please call 0800 559 555.
- Counties Manukau DHB - Interpreting and Translation Service
Call Centre: 0800 47 00 22, Fax (09) 276 0198 or e-mail: its@cmdhb.org.nz - Waitemata Auckland Translation & Interpreting Services
- Other DHBs Check your local DHB websites for details
- Intepreting NZ 04 384 2849
Language Line
To find a hospital or medical service near you who has access to Language Line, view the list below.
- 44 languages are available - view pdfs explaining the service in each language
| Region | District Health Board | Phone number |
|---|---|---|
|
Northland |
09 430 4100 |
|
|
Auckland |
09 367 0000 |
|
|
0800 809 342 |
||
|
Waikato |
07 839 8899 |
|
|
Waikato District Health Board - Screening Services |
07 834 3631 |
|
|
Taranaki |
06 753 6139 |
|
|
Manawatu |
06 356 9169 |
|
|
Wellington |
04 385 5999 |
|
|
|
04 384 2849 |
|
|
Nelson / Marlborough |
03 546 1800 |
|
|
Christchurch |
04 384 2849 |
|
|
Otago / Southland |
03 474 7930 |
|
|
03 218 1949 |
Other Health Providers
| Provider | Phone number |
|---|---|
| 111 | |
|
BreastScreen Aotearoa Akld, Wgtn, Blen, Chch, Nelson and Timaru Regions only |
0800 270 200 |
| Local clinic | |
| 0800 611 116 | |
|
Mary Potter Hospice |
04 389 5017 |
|
National Poisons Centre |
0800 764 766 |
|
Northern Southland Medical Trust Lumsden Maternity Care |
03 248 7050 |
| 0800 933 922 | |
|
SAMCL Limited Maternity Care |
09 263 4012 |