Puri Alvarez Sanchez
Spanish Interpreter
As part of our journey to achieving ISO 21998:2020 certification for Healthcare Interpreting Services, a small sample size of our interpreters were randomly selected as part of the external audit process. One of these interpreters was Puri Alvarez Sanchez, a dedicated Spanish interpreter who has been with Interpreting New Zealand since 2011.
Below is a conversation with Puri on her reflections on what this milestone means from the perspective of an interpreter working on the front line of healthcare communication.
"I was surprised and very happy!"
When Puri learned she had been selected for the audit interview, her first reaction was surprise, followed quickly by pride.
“I was surprised and also very happy for Interpreting New Zealand. My practice won’t change as a result, but it’s reassuring to know that despite any struggles, I am doing well professionally.”
For Puri, the audit confirmed something important: her daily practice already aligns with international standards.
She also sees the certification as a reflection of the wider organisation.
“I take it as a credit to INZ as a whole. What I do is the result of good training, ongoing professional development, fantastic support from Head Office, and the ability to debrief when needed. Being supported and having flexibility makes a real difference.”
A Commitment to Professional Growth
With more than a decade at INZ, Puri continues to prioritise professional development (PD).
“Learning is always exciting. Interpreting has an endless field to cover. PD updates our knowledge daily and gives us the chance to meet colleagues and offload in a confidential environment, talking with people who truly understand the meaning of our work.”
For Puri, professional development is not just about skills, it is about connection, reflection, and staying grounded in professional standards.
Advice for Early-Career Interpreters
Puri encourages newer interpreters to invest in ongoing learning.
“Professional development is a great building block. It adds precise knowledge and allows us to exchange ideas and reflect on our own practice. Hearing others’ experiences opens our eyes to possible situations and challenges, even ones we haven’t faced yet. It helps us stay prepared.”
What ISO 21998 Means on the Front Line
For Puri, the certification brings reassurance.
“It gives reassurance that my work meets international standards and that INZ is on the right path. It’s a collective achievement. It belongs to all of us.”
A Collective Achievement
Our ISO 21998:2020 certification is more than an organisational milestone. It reflects the professionalism, dedication, and integrity of our interpreters and staff across Aotearoa New Zealand.
We thank Puri, for sharing her story.
This is one of several reflections from our ISO journey. We look forward to sharing more voices from our interpreter community in the coming months.