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Roadmap 2026
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, DHHF is able to deliver life‑changing support, advocacy and programmes that improve hearing health for thousands of New Zealanders every year.
The following priorities outline the key initiatives your support will help bring to life this year—expanding access to hearing care, strengthening inclusion, and empowering people of all ages to thrive. Your support ensures we can continue creating meaningful, measurable impact across Aotearoa.
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1. Advocate for Equitable Hearing Health and an Inclusive Society
DHHF will continue working alongside partner organisations to advocate for a comprehensive Public Health Programme that ensures equitable access for all New Zealanders.
Guided by the World Health Organization’s World Report on Hearing, we will champion early intervention, prevention and systemic reforms. Our focus is on collaborating with health agencies, industry leaders and community partners to shape a national programme that is strategic, robust and responsive.
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2. Support New Zealanders in Need Through the Hearing Aid Fund
Many people still face financial barriers to accessing hearing aids—devices that can dramatically improve communication, confidence and wellbeing. With donor and partner support, we will expand the Hearing Aid Fund (HAF), increasing the number of grants available. We will also share real impact stories that show the life‑changing difference your generosity makes.
3. Establish a Youth Advisory Group (YAG)
We will launch a Youth Advisory Group to embed authentic youth voice in our work. This group will co‑design youth‑facing initiatives and lead at least one youth‑driven project—ensuring young people have a meaningful role in shaping hearing‑health solutions that affect their peers.
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Support our 2026 initiatives
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4. Strengthen Prevention and Early Intervention in Youth Hearing Health
Your support will help us expand our Hearing Screening and Make Listening Safe Programme to more schools across the country. Early identification leads to better outcomes and timely referrals. The Make Listening Safe education programme will be refreshed and co‑developed with our new Youth Advisory Group to ensure it resonates with young people and promotes safe listening habits.
5. Expand the Retirement Village Outreach Programme
We will extend our outreach programme to more retirement villages nationwide, offering accessible education, onsite screenings, and supportive care pathways for older adults.
Our goal is to build trust with villages, engage both hearing and hard‑of‑hearing residents, and improve outcomes for older New Zealanders—especially those most at risk of isolation or decline due to untreated hearing loss.
6. Promote Inclusive Workplaces Through NZSL, Deaf Culture and Accessibility Training
We will expand our workplace training to help organisations across Aotearoa become more inclusive and accessible. This includes practical communication tools, NZSL awareness, and modern accessibility practices that support Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing employees to participate fully and confidently in the workplace.
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7. Foster Connection and Engagement Among the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
With your support, we will grow DHHF’s digital reach and community engagement, sharing more community‑led stories and making our resources easier to access. We aim to convert this engagement into programme participation and new supporter relationships that strengthen our impact nationwide.
8. Ensure Financial Sustainability and Programmes Growth
We will continue to protect and strengthen the Foundation’s long‑term sustainability by growing revenue, building strong donor partnerships and investing in innovative new initiatives that allow us to reach more people in need.
9. Launch of Two New Programmes
Two new programmes will be launched:
- Pasifika Community Engagement Programme (Auckland): this programme will reduce hearing health inequities through community-based screening, culturally relevant education, translated resources, and clear referral pathways.
- Game On! Deaf Awareness in Sports: Game On! will empower sports clubs, schools and coaches with practical tools and training to create inclusive environments for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing players. Strong partnerships and targeted promotion will help ensure greater participation and visibility across Aotearoa’s sporting communities.
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For more information about the 2026 roadmap contact us: enquiries@nfdhh.org.nz
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