Learner driver materials set to be translated into Pacific languages - NZTA

Learning resources for obtaining a driver's licence in Aotearoa New Zealand will soon be available in the Vosa-Vakaviti Fijian, Gagana Sāmoa, and Faka Tonga languages.

Community Licensing Officer at the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi, Jodi Mitchell, told PMN News there are plans to translate more resources to assist learner drivers.

“We are getting additional resources along those lines that will help them go about the process of obtaining a licence,” Mitchell says.

“These include how to read our road signs and how to help your learner if you've got a child that you're teaching to drive.

“They will all be getting translated into Sāmoan, Tongan and Fijian.”

Waka Kotahi aims to improve road safety outcomes and foster greater accessibility through an inclusive licensing system.

NZTA says disseminating information in various languages ensures a broader comprehension of their regulations. Photo/ Canva AI

Mitchell says this is achieved by providing information in multiple languages, thereby ensuring a wider understanding of regulations.

“We are working to make driver licensing more accessible to everyone who needs a driver's licence in New Zealand,” she says. “That includes those who don't have English as their first language.

“It reflects our dedication to serving the needs of our very multicultural society and fostering a driving environment that is safe and accessible for everyone.”

Currently, Mitchell says NZTA is translating several driver training resources into Fijian, as there has been a high demand from community driver licensing providers.

“We are getting a lot of the community driver licensing providers that we've been working with saying they're seeing an increasing number of Fijians coming to New Zealand for work,” she says.

“They've shared with us how much easier it would be to support Fijians in New Zealand to get their driver's licence by making this available in their own language.

NZTA Waka Kotahi is making licensing system more accessible and inclusive for Pasifika people. Photo/NZTA

“Once they become available, they'll be published on our drive website and shared with community driver licensing providers.”

Mitchell says disseminating information in various languages ensures a broader comprehension of NZTA regulations.

A total of $500,000 was allocated under Budget22 funding to make driver licensing resources more accessible for people who speak different languages.

“We have a list that we're doing this year, and there'll be more coming,” Mitchell says. “The purpose is, of course, to help them learn our road rules and how to drive safely on New Zealand roads.

NZTA is currently translating several driver training resources into Vosa-Vakaviti/Fijian language following a high demand from community driver licensing providers. Photo/PMN News

“We are just looking forward to more people getting their licence and being able to drive on our roads safely, as well as obviously improving their quality of life here in New Zealand, allowing them to become employed, access education, participate in our community and have that independence and wellbeing they deserve to have.”

Theory test questions for obtaining a driver's licence are already available in Fijian, Tongan and Sāmoan.