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About Us

Our Mission

The National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing is an established and trusted charity who advocate for hearing wellbeing. The Foundation focuses on supporting and improving the lives of the 880,000+ New Zealanders who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and on raising awareness of risks of preventable hearing loss.

What we believe

We believe that experience of hearing loss should be visible and understood in New Zealand.

We believe that everyone with a hearing loss should have access to communications technologies, tools and services that enable them to communicate and connect with others.

We believe no one should be at risk of losing their hearing due to noise exposure or other preventable causes, and that every New Zealander should know the risks.

What we do

We advocate for vital services and support for people living with a hearing loss.

We connect people by sharing their unique stories and experiences.

We educate people about their hearing health.

We rehabilitate by helping people to access testing, information, technology and support.

NFDHH Goals 2021 12.01.21 Moveable purpl

In 2021,

NFDHH aim to

Raise awareness for the increasing levels of hearing loss around the world

and the World Health Organization’s call for “Hearing Care for All”.

March the 3rd is World Hearing Day and marks the launch of the World Report on Hearing and the start of Hearing Awareness Month.

NFDHH will be co-hosting an event at Parliament with Carmel Sepuloni (Minister for Disability Issues) and Hon. Andrew Little (Minister of Health). The event will support the World Health Organization’s launch of the World Report on Hearing and will be a massive call to action for policy makers and the public alike to prioritise hearing health.

Help New Zealanders who need hearing aids

to access them through the Hearing Aid Fund.

NFDHH aim to provide 100 grants in 2021 to support hard of hearing Kiwis to access the hearing aids they need to thrive. We do this by helping to bridge the financial gap through our Hearing Aid Fund.

Provide early detection and intervention through our

Hearing Screening Programme in secondary schools.

NFDHH aim to grow our Hearing Screening Programme in secondary schools from 8 to 20 schools across New Zealand in 2021.

Hearing screenings for adolescents are essential for ensuring young people receive a timely diagnosis and the hearing health care they need. The data collated will also be used to highlight the rising rates of youth hearing loss in New Zealand to the Government and the need for a national adolescent hearing screening programme.

Bring the Deaf and hard of hearing community together

and foster support and connection.

NFDHH aim to continue to grow and nurture our vibrant and thriving online community, where Deaf and hard of hearing Kiwis can find support and share their stories.

Advocate for a more inclusive society that recognises the challenges

that affect Deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders.

NFDHH will continue to advocate for universal access for all Deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders to vital services, technology, communication tools and support. We also aim to double our efforts to raise awareness for the experiences of being Deaf or hard of hearing in New Zealand and encourage everyone to be more aware.

Transform New Zealand workplaces into places that are

supportive of Deaf and hard of hearing employees.

NFDHH will continue our efforts to make New Zealand workplaces hearing loss aware by signing on more employers to our Hearing Accredited Workplace Programme and by delivering educational workshops and hearing screenings to businesses across the country.

Combat Youth Hearing Loss by educating kids about how to Make Listening Safe:

NFDHH aim to educate 20,000 young New Zealanders about the importance of caring for their hearing for life in 2021. The Make Listening Safe programme, teaches kids to be more aware of safe levels of noise in their day to day lives, particularly digital media and music. This programme is delivered to selected schools across the country.

Support Deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders wanting to learn more about

New Zealand Sign Language to take the first step on their journey.

NFDHH aim to support our community by offering free online beginner classes in New Zealand Sign Language. NZSL is a beautiful language and can really help those who are feeling isolated by their hearing loss to connect. Our classes aim to offer a first step towards learning more about this amazing language.

Our Team

NATASHA GALLARDO

Chief Executive

Diagnosed with hearing loss as a teenager, Natasha has first hand experience with hearing loss. In 2018, after 15 years working in senior executive positions in Melbourne, Natasha brings her wealth of experience to NFDHH.

LISA TALBOT

Donor Relations Manager

Lisa loves talking and people so who better than to look after all of our wonderful supporters. She is also the lady to talk to about leaving the Foundation a gift in your will. Lisa also manages our donor relations team.

SHIRLEY RIPPEY

HR Administrator

Shirley is NFDHH's well organised HR Administrator with broad HR and recruitment experience gained with a range of aviation, construction and infrastructure industry leaders. She proactively builds strong relationships in our workplace and wider community.

HELLEN ROBINSON

Digital & Communications Manager

Hellen manages NFDHH's communication and digital activities. She worked for many organisations leading key design and communication projects.

GABRIELLA CASCANTE

Projects & Digital Executive

Gabriella has previously worked in marketing for agencies and multi-national organisations. She delivers NFDHH's digital and print design projects.

FERNANDA CAMPOS

Multi-Media Designer

Fernanda has a background in animation and multimedia. Perfect for our Comms Team, Fernanda delivers high quality design work on all her projects.

LORIEN DOHERTY

Community & Corporate Partnerships Manager

Lorien has worked in the not-for-profit and corporate sector for over 15 years in New Zealand and overseas. She has a well rounded experience in fundraising, marketing, community development, events and management.

YVONNE SINCLAIR

Community Partnership Administrator

Yvonne helps to support NFDHH’S Youth and Employment programmes. She liaises with the Youth Advisory Group, Schools and Business Organisations to ensure that Deaf and hard of hearing youths are supported and empowered to navigate their journey from school into employment.

RITAMBHARA BHATTARAI

Grants Executive

Ritam looks after NFDHH's grant applications. She secures funding for our fabulous upcoming projects and provides administrative support.

KIMMY WEST

Communications & Content Executive

Kimmy has a background in writing copy for digital start-ups and not-for-profits. She manages NFDHH's social media channels and is the writer for our blog and Hearing Matters.

NICOLE KEENAN

Graphic Designer

Nicole delivers NFDHH's digital and print design projects. Coming from a Landscape Architecture background, Nicole strives to reveal narrative and enhance community experience and connection through her designs.

Our Board

PETER NEILSON

Chair

Peter is an economic consultant and Managing Director of Thoroughbred Consulting Ltd.

He is a former CEO of two business NGOs, he is also a former MP and Cabinet Minister.

STEVE SMITH

Board Member

Steve is a professional company director for private and public companies and joined the Foundation’s board in March 2014.

SARAH NEILSON

Board Member

Sarah is an audiologist and Sales Director at Bay Audiology. She has experience in the public and private audiology sectors, has served as president of the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS), and represented the NZAS as a Foundation council member from 2017-2019.

LYNETTE MURRAY (MinstD)

Board Member

Lynette is a professional director with over 15 years’ governance experience as a Director, Executive Manager and Consultant working with Boards providing stewardship to a range of private, public and non-profit entities. She has been a Director of the National Foundation for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing since 2016 and former interim CEO. Read More

ANNE FITISEMANU

Board Member

Anne has a significant background in Pacific health, not-for-profit, advocacy and leadership; she has worked across numerous district health boards and NGOs.