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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Board Member

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

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.