Kuaka Translations is

the trading name of Elizabeth Sekizaki

I am passionate about translating – I love the challenge of creating a translation that sounds natural in English. I am committed to providing high quality translations that are fit for purpose.

I am an English speaker, born in New Zealand but fluent in Japanese after a number of years of study and over five years living in Japan (Sapporo and Kanazawa). I make regular visits to refresh my knowledge of Japanese life and language.

I also regularly attend translation conferences to maintain my skills and keep up-to-date with professional news and developments – for example, the FIT (International Federation of Translators) Congress in Brisbane, Australia (August, 2017) and NZSTI (New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters) Conferences.

Qualifications:

• NAATI Certified Translator, Japanese to English
• BA in Japanese (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Translation Studies (University of Auckland, New Zealand)
• Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Terminology (Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand)
• Member of the New Zealand Society for Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) - Japanese to English
• Member of the Japan Association of Translators (JAT)
• Translations accepted by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Immigration New Zealand
• I have been translating since 2003

My experience includes translating and revising/editing a variety of texts. I have knowledge of what Immigration New Zealand requires and I also have many years’ experience translating medical records and Japanese medical journal articles.

Email info@kuakatranslations.co.nz for a quote for your professional translation requirements.

Background to Kuaka Translations and the Kuaka Logo

Kuaka means bar-tailed godwit in Māori. The godwits are a migratory bird that fly from New Zealand to Alaska to breed, via Asian countries including Japan. This connection between North and South mirrors my Japanese to English translation work.