NFDHH CEO Natasha Gallardo to Step Down After Eight Years of Transformational Leadership

NFDHH CEO Natasha Gallardo to Conclude Eight Years of Transformational Leadership

The National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NFDHH) today announced that Chief Executive Natasha Gallardo will conclude her role on 31 July 2026, following eight years of leadership that have transformed the organisation's reach, influence and impact across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Since joining NFDHH in 2018, Natasha has led a period of significant organisational growth, strengthening the Foundation's position as New Zealand's leading hearing health charity and a trusted voice for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Under her leadership, NFDHH evolved into a nationally recognised provider of hearing health programmes, community education, workplace inclusion initiatives, advocacy and sector leadership. The organisation expanded its reach nationally, strengthened its financial sustainability, diversified funding sources, increased stakeholder engagement and established itself as a respected contributor to public health and disability policy discussions.

Current Board Chair Rob Henin said Natasha's contribution to NFDHH and the wider hearing health sector had been exceptional.

"Natasha has provided visionary leadership during a period of significant growth and change. Through her determination, strategic focus and deep commitment to the Deaf and hard of hearing community, she has strengthened every aspect of the organisation.

"Under her leadership, NFDHH has expanded its national programmes, increased its advocacy influence, strengthened its financial position and developed meaningful partnerships across the hearing health, disability, education and community sectors.

"On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Natasha for her outstanding service and dedication. Her contribution has been extraordinary, and the positive impact of her leadership will be felt for many years to come."

Former Board Chair Steve Smith, who served on the Board throughout Natasha's tenure and chaired the organisation for the past four years, said she leaves an enduring legacy.

"When Natasha joined NFDHH in 2018, the organisation was very different to the one we see today. Over the past eight years she has led a remarkable period of transformation.

"She successfully guided the organisation through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining a clear focus on impact and sustainability. She helped strengthen governance, built a high-performing team, secured new funding opportunities, expanded programmes nationally and elevated NFDHH's profile and credibility across New Zealand.

"Perhaps most importantly, Natasha ensured the voices and lived experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing people remained at the centre of the organisation's work. It has been a privilege to work alongside her and witness the impact of her leadership."

During Natasha's tenure, NFDHH established and expanded a range of nationally recognised initiatives, including hearing health prevention and education programmes, school hearing screening, retirement village outreach, workplace inclusion training, hearing aid support initiatives, community engagement programmes and sector-wide advocacy. The organisation also progressed development of a Draft National Hearing Health Strategy aligned with the World Health Organization's World Report on Hearing.

In 2025 alone, NFDHH delivered hearing checks to more than 15,000 students, reached 88 secondary schools nationwide, delivered 91 retirement village workshops, completed more than 400 hearing checks for older New Zealanders, expanded the Hearing Accredited Workplace Programme, established a Youth Advisory Group and launched a Pasifika Community Engagement Programme. These achievements reflect the scale and impact of the organisation's growth under Natasha's leadership. The Foundation's 2025 Impact Report details these outcomes and the broader impact achieved across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Reflecting on her decision, Natasha said it was time to focus on family and the next chapter of her life in Melbourne.

"After eight incredibly rewarding years leading NFDHH, I have made the personal decision to step down and focus on the next chapter of my life in Melbourne, where my family is based.

"This decision has not been easy. NFDHH has been a significant part of my life and, as someone with lived experience of hearing loss, the work has always been deeply personal.

"I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. We have transformed NFDHH into a stronger, more influential and financially sustainable organisation, expanded our national programmes, strengthened our advocacy and built partnerships that are improving hearing health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.

"None of this would have been possible without the support of our Board, staff, volunteers, member organisations, donors, funders and partners. Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved when people unite around a shared vision of inclusion, equity and better hearing health outcomes.

"I leave knowing the organisation is in a strong position, with an exceptional team, committed governance, supportive partners and a clear vision for the future. It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Deaf and hard of hearing community, and I look forward to watching NFDHH continue to thrive."

The NFDHH Board will shortly commence a recruitment process to appoint a new Chief Executive and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Natasha will remain in her role until 31 July 2026.

Media enquiries: Hayley McLarin hayley@compellingpr.co.nz

About NFDHH

The National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing is New Zealand's leading hearing health charity. NFDHH works to prevent hearing loss, improve access to hearing support, promote inclusion and advocate for equitable hearing health outcomes for Deaf and hard of hearing people across Aotearoa New Zealand.