NAATI at NZSTI & ANC 2026

NAATI was proud to sponsor and participate in two important industry events in September and October: the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) Conference 2026 in Christchurch and the ASLITA National Conference (ANC) 2026 in Geelong, Victoria.

Strengthening connections at NZSTI 2026

As platinum sponsor of the NZSTI Conference in Christchurch, the NAATI team had the opportunity to connect with translators, interpreters and industry colleagues from across New Zealand.

During the conference, Michael Nemarich, Chief Operating Officer, spoke about the recertification changes and what they mean for practitioners, providing an overview of the updated requirements and available support resources. Lee Yacoumis, Strategic Engagement Manager, shared insights into NAATI’s recent public awareness campaign, which highlights the vital role of NAATI-certified interpreters in delivering trusted language services.

It was a pleasure to learn about the many innovative initiatives being progressed across New Zealand and to engage in valuable discussions about the future of the profession. We thank NZSTI and the University of Canterbury for their warm hospitality and for bringing the sector together.

Industry perspectives at ANC 2026

NAATI was glad to be the Interpreting Partner a the ASLITA National Conference (ANC) 2026 in Geelong, held on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. Under the theme Coast to Country: Creating Ripples, Making Waves, the conference brought together Auslan interpreters and translators from across Australia to share knowledge, explore emerging research and practice, and celebrate the important role practitioners play in supporting accessible communication.

Two sessions at the conference had a strong connection to NAATI’s work. Building the Wave: Designing and Delivering an Auslan CPI Test Preparation Pilot explored the nine-week program supporting recent graduates on their pathway to certification. NAATI’s Fatih Karakas, Jacob Wray and Sarah Strong were joined by certified interpreter and interpreter trainer Nicole Clark and Auslan Services CEO Ryan Gook to share perspectives and learnings from the pilot, which has seen 17 of the 20 participants who have sat their test so far pass.

Monash University’s Jim Hlavac, Meredith Bartlett and Heather Lawson also presented Designing and Delivering a Deafblind Interpreting Course: Perspectives of Trainers and Trainees, exploring the specialist training that underpins NAATI’s RPI Deafblind credential. The development of specialised training helped create this pathway and supported NAATI’s introduction of the credential.

ANC 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to listen, learn and connect with the Deaf and Auslan interpreting community. Thank you to ASLITA, the presenters, volunteers and everyone who made the conference possible.

NAATI delegates attending NZSTI Conference

Lee Yacoumis, NAATI Strategic Engagement Manager, presenting at NZSTI

NAATI table at NZSTI Conference

Michael Nemarich, NAATI COO, spoke about the recertification changes

NAATI delegates at NZSTI Conference

ANC 2026

NAATI & Deaf Connect

NAATI at ASLITA National Conference 2026

NAATI panel at ANC2026

ASLITA Conference photographs taken by Helen O’Malley.