Thursday, 23 April 2026
6.00 pm - 7.30 pm
10 NAATI Ethics Points
What is it like to interpret in refugee status interviews or asylum-related proceedings? How do interpreters navigate the ethical and emotional intensity of this work while maintaining professional boundaries?
This webinar explores the realities of working alongside lawyers and clients in refugee and immigration contexts, including how the Refugee Status Determination process operates, Immigration and Protection Tribunal hearings, and related court matters. With a strong focus on ethics, the session will examine the unique pressures of these settings, the high stakes for clients, and the professional and ethical responsibilities placed on interpreters.
The webinar will be presented by Deborah Manning, a barrister specialising in refugee, immigration, and human rights law since 1999. She has appeared in landmark cases including the Ahmed Zaoui litigation and works closely with interpreters in refugee and asylum proceedings across Aotearoa.
Drawing on her extensive practice, Deborah will share insights into how interpreters contribute to fairness and access to justice in refugee claims. She will explore the ethical dimensions of working with vulnerable clients, maintaining professional boundaries, managing communication between lawyers and clients, and responding to ethically complex situations in high-stakes environments.
This webinar will be particularly valuable for community interpreters, court interpreters, and those interested in working in refugee and asylum contexts, especially those needing to meet ethics-based NAATI recertification requirements. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of what to expect in the Refugee Status Determination process and refugee-related proceedings, how to approach ethically challenging situations, and how to reflect on their own wellbeing and professional practice.
You can join us live or watch the recording at a later date. Please note: the recording will only be provided to registered participants.
The Zoom link will be sent to registered participants one day before the event. If you have not received the link, please email [email protected] for assistance (during business hours on weekdays only). Please check your spam email first.
This event is eligible for 10 PD points according to the NAATI recertification catalogue, under the Ethics sub-category 2.20
Registration for this event will close at 11.59 pm on Tuesday, 21 April 2026