1. Advocate for Equitable Hearing Health and an Inclusive Society 

In collaboration with partner organisations, DHHF will continue to advocate for a comprehensive Hearing Health Public Health Programme, championing equitable access to hearing care for all New Zealanders.
 

Our work will align with the World Health Organization’s World Report on Hearing, reinforcing the urgency of early intervention, prevention, and systemic reform. We will work with health agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders to ensure the programme is robust, strategic, and fit for purpose.
 

2. Assist New Zealanders in Need of Hearing Aids Through the Hearing Aid Fund

Increase the reach of the Hearing Aid Fund (HAF) through donor and partner support, enabling more individuals facing financial barriers to access hearing aids. Impact stories will be regularly shared to demonstrate the real-world difference these grants make.
 

3. Establish a Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

Establish a Youth Advisory Group to bring authentic youth voice into DHHF's work, co-design youth-facing programmes, and deliver at least one youth-led project per year that promotes hearing health and safe listening.

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4. Promote Prevention and Early Intervention in Youth Hearing Health

Expand the Hearing Screening and Make Listening Safe Programme to reach more schools and more students, enabling early identification of hearing issues and timely referral for follow-up care. The Make Listening Safe education programme will be refreshed and co-developed with the Youth Advisory Group to ensure engaging delivery that resonates with young people.
 

5. Expand the Retirement Village Outreach Programme

Extend the Retirement Village Outreach Programme to more villages across the country, providing a holistic approach to improving hearing health and wellbeing for older adults through accessible education, timely referrals and supportive partnerships—creating inclusive, engaging experiences that increase participation by both hearing and hard of hearing residents, with a focus on the most vulnerable.

To ensure long-term sustainability and impact, the programme will focus on trust-building with villages and measurable hearing health outcomes.
 

6. Workplace Inclusion: NZSL, Deaf Culture and Accessibility

Deliver expanded workplace training to build more inclusive workplaces across Aotearoa New Zealand by strengthening practical hearing-inclusion skills, NZSL awareness, and modern accessibility practices.
 

7. Foster Community and Connection Among Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

We will build community connection by growing brand reach and meaningful engagement across digital and partner channels, publishing accessible, community-led stories, and converting engagement into participation in programmes and new supporters.
 

8. Raise Funds to Sustain Programmes and Services

We will ensure the Foundation remains financially sustainable, continuing to demonstrate growth in revenue and investing in new initiatives that extend our reach and impact.
 

9. Launch of Two New Programmes

Two new programmes will be launched:

• Pasifika Community Engagement Programme (Auckland): reduce hearing health inequities through community-based screening, culturally relevant education, translated resources, and clear referral pathways.

• Game On! Deaf Awareness in Sports: foster inclusive participation by Deaf and hard of hearing people by providing practical tools and training for clubs, schools and coaches, supported by partnerships and promotion.