Our Mission
Our Mission is to enhance the independence and well-being of Deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders through the provision of specially trained Hearing Dogs to internationally recognized standards.
Hearing Dogs NZ is an independent charitable trust that assesses, selects, trains and places Hearing Dogs with deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders. Hearing Dog’s are placed at no charge to the person receiving the dog, Hearing Dogs NZ rely on support from individuals, groups and organisations to help train and place these wonderful, portable ‘hearing aids’!
Our Sponsors
Lions Clubs New Zealand
Lions and Hearing Dogs unite to enrich the lives of Deaf and Hearing Impaired New Zealanders. New Zealand Lions have become part of an exciting venture to aid the country's hard of hearing. In early 2021, Lions teamed with national body Hearing Dogs NZ to support them in training hearing dogs for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Both Lions NZ and Hearing Dogs are pleased to be working together to support our community.
Hearing Dogs NZ Trustees
A new Board of Trustees was formed in New Plymouth in 2019, where they can best serve the charity at a grassroots level.
The serving trustees are Brian Busing, Chris Haunton, Rob Mills, Deb Tawa and Catherine Quin, Chairman Brian Busing says the trustees are focusing on supporting and guiding the organisation in a steady and responsible manner.
Rob Mills
Rob has been part of the Taranaki Community since 1980 when he joined the New Plymouth Veterinary Group as a junior Veterinarian. The Veterinary Group has been associated with Hearing Dogs NZ since its inception and Rob says it’s a privilege to work with the dogs right from their initial puppy class, through to their placement in the community. Rob is studying for a Master of Veterinary Medicine, which will be finished this year once his dissertation has been completed. His spare time is spent tending to his farmlet – which is on Hydro Rd in New Plymouth, making him a neighbour of Hearing Dogs. His other interests include the restoration and driving of classic European Ford cars.
Brian Busing
Brian is well known around Taranaki and has been a Chartered Accountant in public practice from 1970 to 2012. Since 2013 he has also been a franchisee of the business Just Cabins. His humanitarian and community service work includes being a Hospice Foundation Trustee since 2011, and being a Rotarian since 2001. Brian has also been the Company Director of a local group of companies since 1980.
Catherine Quin
Company Director of QuinLaw, Catherine has been connected to Hearing Dogs NZ since its Training Centre was first established in New Plymouth in 2000. Catherine qualified as a Registered General and Obstetric Nurse in 1976 and worked throughout New Zealand, as well as in Africa. She then qualified as a Solicitor in 1987 and has worked as one since. She has a particular interest in elder abuse matters and was instrumental in establishing the Elder Abuse Service in Taranaki.
Catherine is the Chairperson of the Advisory Panel for the Elder Abuse Service and acts as a voluntary solicitor for the Taranaki Society for the Blind, Taranaki Head Injury Society, Taranaki Brain Injury, Parents of Deaf Children Taranaki and Lantern Trust.
Chris Haunton
Chris has been in business for more than 30 years and has spent the last five years in real estate. He is a keen sportsman and loves all kinds of physical activity, and in the past has spent a lot of time playing football. Chris has had dogs all his life and for the past 18 years has thoroughly enjoyed being a Hearing Dog Socialiser raising and socialising puppies in his home. Aside from his passion for business, sports and dogs, Chris loves building things and working in a team environment
Deb Tawa
Deb has come to Hearing Dogs NZ with previous board experience, including the Motel Association Board, now the Accommodation Advisory council to HNZ Board. She also has experience as the Deputy Chair of the North Taranaki Sport and Recreation Board, and is a Member of the Chamber of Commerce Board.
Deb is also a JP and a celebrant who enjoys volunteering in the community. She owns Beach Street Motel Apartments with her husband and works part time at Taranaki Arts Festival Trust, along with other contracting work.
