Simultaneous Interpretation in the House to be launched

8 February 2010

Simultaneous interpretation of Te Reo Māori into English will keep debate flowing in the House of Representatives from tomorrow (Tuesday 9 February).

The four interpreters from the Office of the Clerk will work in shifts covering the debates in the House from a specially equipped studio adjacent to the debating chamber. The interpretation will commence when a member begins talking in Te Reo Māori.

The Speaker, Hon Dr Lockwood Smith, who will launch the new service tomorrow (Tuesday), said simultaneous interpretation will enable Te Reo Māori speakers to give full expression to their speeches in the House without the disruption of stopping for interpretation.

”The move reinforces the growing use of Te Reo Māori in political affairs, society and New Zealand culture generally,” he said.

Te Kaiwhakahaere - Ngā Ratonga Reo, Wīremu Haunui, together with Hōhepa MacDougall, and father and son, Rangi McGarvey and Paiheke McGarvey, will be responsible for the interpretation.

Viewers of Parliament TV will have a choice of audio with the live television coverage. ‘English + Māori’ is the default audio stream direct from the House. Choice of ‘English only’ is an audio stream switched to sound from the interpreter’s booth when Te Reo Māori is spoken. On some television screens this will be labelled ‘English – Alt’. However, some decoders may display labels that are less meaningful.

“Choosing an alternative audio stream while watching television will be a new experience for most New Zealanders and because of the range of products and services available, viewers may need to experiment,” the Speaker said.

Using the internet for web–streaming will require a selection to be made before starting the media player.

Radio New Zealand’s AM Network will continue to broadcast live from the floor of the House. There is no additional radio station on which ‘English–only’ can be received.

Members will listen via earpieces provided at their seats. Gallery visitors will have access to a receiver and earpiece on request.

The Speaker said the interpretation does not form part of the official record of House proceedings.

“It is a service provided to the House to facilitate debate and any speeches in Te Reo Māori will be transcribed and translated for publication in Hansard which is the official record of debates in the House,” he said.

The one-off cost of installing the system is about $320,000.