Community Connections
Wed Jun 03 2026
Hearing Auckland have been making community connections to support people with hearing loss for over 90 years.
From our very beginnings in the 1930’s with public talks and conversation groups, to today in 2026 when we have established connections with a number of community partners to deliver accessible and culturally appropriate hearing services.
Our mission is to ensure all kiwis can access good hearing. To make this happen we are always striving to build community connections to increase access to hearing services.
What do we do?
Hearing Auckland works with our community partners to make it easier for a diverse range of people to access hearing services. We know that across Aotearoa, our Maori and Pasifika kaumatua face greater barriers to accessing hearing services. We also know that people living rurally or away from major centres face challenges. Our goal is to reduce these barriers and there are 2 ways we do this. Firstly, we attend community events such as Hauora days or Kaumatua days to provide hearing screenings on-site. You might see us in your local area at the marae or community centre. The second thing we do is establish ongoing relationships with community partners to make it easier for community members to access our services. Many audiology and ear nurse services such as full diagnostic hearing tests, tinnitus counselling, and ear wax micro-suction can only be done on-site where we have the appropriate equipment and facilities.
Who do we work with?
We are proud to have ongoing community connections with a number of ropu (groups) and are always looking to make more. We work with these groups to make it easier for their community members to access our services:
- Te Hiku Hauora – Maori health clinic in Kaitaia
- Ngāti Tamaoho Trust – Maori health organisation
- And more!
If you see a familiar name above, and are looking for hearing services, please get in touch with us! If we are already working with your iwi, marae or healthcare provider we may have additional support we can offer you for your appointment.
If you work for a community organisation and you’re concerned about the hearing health of your community, get in touch with us!
How does hearing loss relate to community?
We advocate for community connections in hearing care not just because it’s more accessible and culturally informed. We also know that hearing is a big part of community. Being able to korero with our friends and loved ones is an important part of everyday community connections. Untreated hearing loss can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. It is also frustrating both for the affected person and for the people around them to be unable to communicate. Many people with untreated hearing loss may end up withdrawing from social events, whanau functions and other aspects of community life. Being able to communicate with others helps us to stay healthy and connected to the world around us. There is also a growing body of research suggesting untreated hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of mate wareware (dementia).
Building new connections
If you think your community would benefit from connecting with us, please get in touch.
All of our community partnerships began with a korero, a phone call, an email, a hui, or an introduction at an event. If you’re worried about people in your community not being able to access hearing care, or having low awareness of hearing loss, please get in touch! We would love to talk about your concerns and how we can help. Building ongoing community connections is one of the key ways we can help all kiwis to access better hearing. Send us an email or give us a phone call if you’d like to make a connection.
hearing carecommunitykaumatuakaumatua supportmaori healthcarepasifika healthcaremate warewaredementia caredementia preventionhearing screeningnew zealand charityhearing losshearing aid subsidy
Share This:
More Blog Posts:
Wed Apr 08 2026
Thu Jan 22 2026
Wed Nov 26 2025