Rebecca Peri
Graduate Interpreter, Deaf Aotearoa
Bachelor of Arts in New Zealand Sign Language – English Interpreting
She had wanted to be a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter for as long as she can remember, says Rebecca Peri who studied the Bachelor of Arts in New Zealand Sign Language – English Interpreting.
“I’m a CODA – a child of Deaf adults – and I’m Māori, so being able to step into not two worlds but three has been a challenging journey. I’ve watched interpreters all my life and felt in awe of their talent and skills, and wondered what it would be like to be in their shoes. I wanted to be able to give back to the Deaf community that has given me this gift. We need Māori interpreters who are fluent in te reo. There’s a huge demand for trilingual interpreters – there are more Māori Deaf than Māori interpreters, and the community needs them to access their marae and te ao Maori.”
After graduating from AUT in 2024, she has now fulfilled her dream and works as a graduate interpreter for Deaf Aotearoa.
“It’s a two-year contract, and this internship has enabled me to travel throughout New Zealand, including Northland and the Auckland region, providing access for the Deaf community as well as interpreting community events. I’m now in my second year of this programme. My plan for next year is to base myself in Northland due to the shortage of interpreters in the region, while travelling to other regions around New Zealand. I enjoy meeting different people every day and love the diversity of work, from health, education to public service. This job is challenging, but rewarding as well.”
Inspired to help Māori Deaf
Her degree helped her perfect her own skills, Rebecca says.
“I enjoyed learning new things about the Deaf community’s history and the linguistic side of New Zealand Sign Language and English. One of my strongest memories is from my first year at AUT, when I was in my Deaf Studies class. We were learning about how the childhood of Māori Deaf is often rough as they’re being kept away from their families. I came up with many ways to help this community and its future. In my future, I see myself setting up an interpreting service organisation for Māori Deaf to improve access for Māori Deaf and connect them back to their whenua.”
Her studies weren’t without ups and downs, she admits.
“My biggest challenge was doubting myself and thinking I wasn’t good enough to pass or succeed. AUT has amazing support services, and the interpreting classes offered advice and skills on how to improve during my time here and prepare myself for my future endeavours.”
Advice for other students
Rebecca has some great advice for other students.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new and different.”
She also has some specific advice for people who want to learn more about New Zealand Sign Language and Deaf culture.
“Come to AUT, and if you want to take it up a notch, do the interpreting degree when you feel ready.”
