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Our Mission
National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing draws the community together to prevent hearing loss and improve the lives and futures of people who are deaf or hearing impaired.
We advocate for vital services and support for people living with a hearing loss.
We connect people by sharing their diverse stories and experiences with hearing loss and by building a supportive community.
We listen to New Zealanders and undertake research. This vital information forms the basis of our new programmes, initiatives and advocacy work.
We educate people on the risks of hearing loss and how to protect their precious hearing.
We collaborate by working together with organisations who share our purpose - to improve the lives of people who have a hearing loss or a hearing disorder.
We guide. We offer guidance to workplaces and schools to ensure people with hearing loss are recognised and supported and have access to the tools and services they require.
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NATASHA GALLARDO
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
Lisa loves talking and people so who better than to look after all of our wonderful supporters throughout New Zealand. She is also the lady to talk to about leaving the Foundation a gift in your will. Lisa also manages our donor relations team.
YOGI RUPA
Finance & Payroll Administrator
Yogi is responsible for managing NFDHH's accounts and donor database.
HELLEN ROBINSON
Digital & Communications Manager
Hellen manages NFDHH's communication and digital activities. She worked for many organisations leading key design and communication projects.
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.
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.
RITAMBHARA BHATTARAI
Grants & Fundraising Executive
Ritam looks after NFDHH's grant applications. She secures funding for our fabulous upcoming projects and provides administrative support.
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JEAN NEL
Jean has worked in administration and accounts for over 15 years in New Zealand and overseas. She is originally from South Africa but has made New Zealand her home since 2007.
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.
NICOLE KEENAN
Nicole delivers NFDHH's digital and print design projects.
PETER NEILSON
Peter is an economic consultant and Managing Director of Thoroughbred Consulting Limited.
He is a former CEO of two business NGOs, he is also a former MP and Cabinet Minister.
STEVE SMITH
Steve is a professional company director for private and public companies and joined the Foundation’s board in March 2014.
JEMINI PATEL
As an audiologist, she sees the impact of hearing loss on people and their families on a routine basis, and having a family member with a hearing loss makes the impact much more personal.
LYNETTE MURRAY
Lynette brings a working knowledge of the Foundation having stepped aside from her board role in April 2017 to take up the position of interim Chief Executive while fellow directors recruited for the permanent Chief Executive.
ANNE FITISEMANU
Anne has a significant background in Pacific health, not-for-profit, advocacy and leadership; she has worked across numerous district health boards and NGOs.
