Founded in 1932, Hearing New Zealand has been working hard with the help of our members and volunteers to help individuals around the country who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our work is dedicated to improving the lives of our members and non-members through one-on-one support and free services such as free hearing tests. We're also involved in advocacy and education around hearing protection as well as research.
Why leave a gift in my Will to Hearing New Zealand?
Hearing loss is a growing problem. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 466 million (6.1% of the world’s population) to be living with a hearing loss and more than 1 billion people (12-35 years) are at risk for hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sound.
In New Zealand, there are over 880,000 people living with a hearing loss with this number expected to grow.
The mental, social and emotional effects of hearing loss have been noted in numerous studies. The daily struggle of living with a hearing loss can lead to feelings of embarrassment and frustration, depression, isolation and cognitive decline. People with a hearing loss are also two to five times more likely to develop dementia
Hearing New Zealand works to improve the lives of the 880,000+ people in New Zealand living with a hearing loss. Our branches across the country offer numerous services in their communities including free hearing checks, unbiased advice and a calendar of events. We are also advocates for the deaf and hearing impaired, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
We work to educate people (particularly youth) about noise-induced hearing loss and how to keep their hearing safe. Global data shows that one in five young people have a hearing loss and this number is likely to double over the next 30 years. We'd like to prevent this predicted increase through educating young people and changing attitudes around safe listening.
Lastly, we recognise the importance of research in improving the lives of those living with a hearing loss but also in prevention. We commission our own research projects as well and support other hearing-related research so that we can make positive changes.
In order to continue to do the work that we do in the community, we need the help of generous donors.
Our Board
Our board have responsibility for ensuring Hearing New Zealand receives and directs philanthropic support as intended. The board for Hearing New Zealand is:
Dr Lisa Seerup - National President
Sylvia Pikari - Treasurer
Allan Gauntlett - Northern region
Catherine Clark - Northern region
Lyn Gage - Central region
Rachel Nelson - Central region
Glenda Martin - Southern region
Graeme Wilson - Southern region
Carolynne Riley
You can read more about our board members here.
How do I make a bequest?
You can instruct your solicitor or professional advisor to leave a gift to Hearing New Zealand in your Will using the following template. You may specify a particular purpose or project, but we encourage you to allow Hearing New Zealand to apply your gift to the greatest needs at the time, as outlined in the template below.
Or, for further information on leaving a gift in you Will to Hearing New Zealand, please contact Hearing New Zealand on 0800 233 445 or email: liaison@hearing.org.nz
Suggested language for a bequest to Hearing New Zealand:
“I give and bequeath to Hearing Association New Zealand Inc, a charitable trust registered with the New Zealand Charities Commission (CC51566),
__________________ (a specific percentage) of my estate
Or _______________ (the whole or a specific percentage) of the residue of my estate
Or $ _________________ (a specific dollar amount)
Or _________________ (describe precisely an item of property, shares or assets)
free from all duties and charges, as a contribution to Hearing New Zealand to be applied to the support, education and research they provide for the hearing impaired community in New Zealand, for which the receipt of Hearing New Zealand shall be sufficient discharge to my trustees.”
Enduring generosity
A number of generous individuals have left bequests to Hearing New Zealand over the last few years that have allowed us to continue doing the work that we do.
These include Est William P Draffin - Whanganui, Est Susan Kiernan, Est Amy Cunningham Reynolds, Est Mary Marguerite Murray and Estate of Patricia Wilson.
Some of these individuals have chosen to specifically have their contribution go towards a particular purpose e.g. research.