Tips for a successful booking
Check the Deaf person's requirements before you book
You may need to book a NZSL interpreter of a particular gender, or one who has specific language skills or experience in working with a particular group of Deaf people (for example, a Deafblind person or a Māori Deaf person).
Book well in advance (where possible)
Book at least two weeks in advance. There is a relatively short supply of qualified NZSL interpreters, especially outside of Auckland, and you may find it difficult to book a NZSL interpreter at shorter notice.
Plan ahead for events that require more than two interpreters
Make a booking as soon as possible (such as one to two months in advance of the event) if more than two NZSL interpreters will be required, or if you have special requirements (such as an experienced conference interpreter or a Māori-speaking NZSL interpreter).
Gather all details before you proceed with a booking
At first contact, the booking agency or NZSL interpreter will need to know:
- organisation billing address – who is paying?
- contact person – who is organising the meeting/event
- date, time and location of meeting/event
- name(s) of Deaf people involved (where possible)
- description of the meeting/event – what is going to happen?
- description of information about the meeting/event that will be provided to the NZSL interpreter in advance.
This information allows the NZSL interpreter(s) to make an assessment of their competency to interpret the assignment successfully and, if so, to accept the booking.
Confirm who will pay and check terms and conditions
Be clear on who is responsible for paying for the NZSL interpreter, and read the NZSL interpreter’s terms and conditions (such as what happens if a booking is cancelled).
Keep everyone informed about the booking
Let the Deaf person and any other professionals or agencies who will be involved know that a NZSL interpreter has been booked. Where possible, give the Deaf person the name of the NZSL interpreter(s) booked. If there is a change of date, time or venue, inform everyone (including the NZSL interpreter).
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