Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003

Principles and general duties

14: Interpreters to be provided

You could also call this:

"You have the right to an interpreter if you need help understanding English when dealing with the court or authorities."

Illustration for Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003

If you are dealing with a court or someone who has power under this Act, they must get an interpreter for you if you need one. You might need an interpreter if your first language is Maori or another language that is not English, or if you have a disability that stops you from understanding English. You might also need an interpreter if you can understand some things, but only if someone explains them to you in a way that makes sense.

The court or person must make sure it is possible to get an interpreter before they arrange for one. When they choose an interpreter, they should think about what you want and what you think is best. You can look at the Intellectual Disability (Compulsory Care and Rehabilitation) Act 2003 for more information about this.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM225189.

Topics:
Crime and justice > Courts and legal helpRights and equality > Anti-discrimination
Previous

13: Powers to be exercised with proper respect for cultural identity and personal beliefs, or

"Respect people's culture and beliefs when helping those with intellectual disabilities."

Next

15: Needs assessments required for certain care recipients, or

"Some people must have their needs checked so they get the right care."

Part 2Principles and general duties

14Interpreters to be provided

  1. This section applies to—

  2. a court or person exercising a power under this Act in respect of a care recipient; and
    1. a court conducting proceedings under this Act in respect of a care recipient; and
      1. a person discharging a duty under this Act—
        1. to provide information or advice to a care recipient; or
          1. to ascertain the wishes of the care recipient.

          2. The court or person must ensure that the services of an interpreter are provided for the care recipient if—

          3. one of the following applies:
            1. the first or preferred language of the care recipient is Maori or another language other than English; or
              1. the care recipient is unable, because of physical or intellectual disability, to understand English; or
                1. the care recipient is able to understand the substance of the matter in issue, but only if it is interpreted by an interpreter; and
                2. it is practicable to provide the services of an interpreter.

                  1. In selecting or approving an interpreter for the purposes of this section, the court or person must have regard to any views that the care recipient concerned has on the matter.

                  Compare
                  • 1992 No 46 s 6