How we work
Our team of indigenous-language translators and interpreters follow a proven process to ensure quality across a wide range of industries, formats and subject matters. With a network of over 80 professional contractors, we offer specialised expertise in medical, scientific, legal, financial, educational, and technical fields—ensuring your content is translated with precision and cultural relevance.
A proven process
Our translation services are based upon a two stage process:
- Translation from English into any of our 22 Pacific and heritage languages
- Peer review by a second translator to ensure accuracy, clarity, and cultural appropriateness
Each job is assessed based on:
- Word count
- Required turnaround time
- Language(s) requested
Our standard service includes translation, peer review, and an administration processing fee. Jobs under 3,000 words are typically completed within 3–5 business days, while larger projects may take 6–10 days. We also offer a 48-hour express service for urgent requests.
"We do also offer a '48-hour' service for those super-urgent jobs."
Some languages may incur a premium rate due to complexity or limited availability. Urgent turnaround requests also attract an additional fee.
Contact us to discuss the specifics of your job.
Our talented team
Our translators are native speakers and cultural experts—many are educators, radio hosts, and respected orators in their communities. They are trusted providers of urgent health messaging, including COVID-19 updates for Pasifika communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
With over 80 contractors in our network, we match each job with the most suitable translator based on subject matter, language, and audience. This ensures your message is not only linguistically accurate but contextually meaningful.
Quality every time
We pride ourselves on delivering translations that meet the highest standards. Every job undergoes a peer review process before delivery—no exceptions.
Pacific languagesoften require nuanced phrasing to convey meaning. A single English word may translate into a full phrase, which is why a 500-word document may return as 1,200 words. Our translators are deeply familiar with these linguistic dynamics and will advise on the most appropriate terms for community understanding.
We also contribute to the development of ethnic language dictionaries and collaborate with in-country experts to define new terminology—especially in emerging fields like technology, medicine, and law. Where no accepted Pacific word exists, we may use transliteration or retain the English term, guided by what will be most clearly understood by the target audience.
Turnaround times
Delivery timeframes depend on:
- Word count
- Language(s) required
- Text complexity
- Urgency or priority (e.g. COVID messaging may be fast-tracked)
Copyright © 2022 Centre for Pacific Languages
