Toolkits and resources

We have a wide range of information, guides, and resources available for government agencies and communities regarding the Language Assistance Services programme. Toolkit for community (former refugees, migrants, NGOs, settlement service providers etc.)

Language resources

Find useful information about how to ask for an interpreter and helpful social media tiles in different languages.

Language support is available when accessing many government services. The Ministry for Ethnic Communities has online resources to show people how to ask for an interpreter. This is available in 24 languages.

Image of the Social media tiles for English, Simplified Chinese and Tamil.

These social media tiles feature the following message in a range of languages, "Do you need language support when calling government services? Ask for an interpreter"

Poster and brochure

A printable poster and brochure for people to indicate which language they use.

Which language do you use? - Poster [PDF, 693KB]

Which language do you use? - Brochure [PDF, 664KB]

Wallet card

A printable card that people who may need language assistance services can show to help them use government services. The card has fields where you can write your name and the language you speak, and the MBIE website address for language assistance services.

Language assistance services wallet card [PDF, 154 KB]

Toolkit for government agencies

Language Assistance Services - Operational policy for New Zealand public sector agencies and those they fund

This document is the culmination of a multi-year, multi-agency work programme to increase the quality, quantity and accessibility of Language Assistance Services in Aotearoa New Zealand. It provides an overview of the operational policy requirements as well as best practice guidelines for public sector agencies and the services that they fund.

Language assistance services operational policy [PDF, 1.7 MB]

Language Assistance Services - Handbook for users 2024

This handbook is a practical guide to working with the Language Assistance Services Operational Policy from 1 July 2024 when the NAATI standards were adopted across all public sector agencies and the services they fund. The handbook is organised as a series of information notes for staff, usually on the front line, working with people with limited English proficiency. This handbook explains how the policy from 1 July 2024 works in practice.

Language assistance services handbook [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Online learning modules for public service staff

Inter-cultural capability eLearning

Four modules focussed on understanding what culture is, how it impacts on communication and behaviour and provides tools and methods for improving people’s ability to communicate effectively across cultures.

Inter-Cultural Capability eLearning

Unlocking Language Barriers | Te Whakamahea Tauārai Reo

This guide provides practical advice and information to support government agencies and other organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand to better communicate with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

Unlocking Language Barriers | Te Whakamahea Tauārai Reo