Removing the Language Barriers

As Minister for Ethnic Affairs I am committed to ensuring that ethnic New Zealanders have access to the services they are entitled to.

That is why I am pleased that the Office of Ethnic Affairs' Language Line seems to be going from strength to strength with more than 60 agencies using it to assist ethnic New Zealanders in addressing their concerns and issues.

Language Line is a free service provided by the Office of Ethnic Affairs that allows ethnic communities to communicate easily with a range of agencies in the language they are most comfortable speaking - including most District Health Boards, the IRD, Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Education.

It is a telephone interpreting service which allows ethnic New Zealanders to deal with various agencies through the help of an interpreter, making government agencies more accessible to all New Zealanders.

Language Line is able to be able to provide an interpreter in 40 different languages.

Anyone wanting an interpreter simply has to visit or call the relevant agency and - provided the department has access to the Language Line - the official will arrange for an interpreter to be on the phone to translate the conversation.

This is an effective tool for all ethnic New Zealanders, but it is particularly helpful for new migrants and refugees during the settlement process.

Having been through the settlement process myself, I know firsthand the barriers felt by members of our ethnic community upon arriving to New Zealand. One of the hardest barriers to overcome is often that of language.

However, Language Line is a bridge over this barrier because it ensures that ethnic New Zealanders can communicate confidently with government departments and agencies.

Many of the major government agencies have access to Language Line - including ACC, Police, the Courts, the Human Rights Commission and the Department of Labour.

As Minister for Ethnic Affairs I am committed to expanding the networks that can access Language Line to ensure that all New Zealanders - including those from within our ethnic communities - have access to the services they are entitled to.

Already this year we have expanded Language Line to include the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Internal Affairs - as well as some District Councils and Community Law Offices.

This is a sign of the National-led Government's commitment to ensure that our ethnic communities have a voice and they are able to have that voice heard.

For more information on Language Line, please visit http://www.languageline.govt.nz/ or phone 0800 656 656.