The National Foundation for the Deaf promotes the interests of over 700,000 deaf and hearing impaired New Zealanders. Sign up for email updates to stay informed about our advocacy work and the latest issues.
We focus on breaking down barriers for people with hearing loss. We promote the appreciation of good sound. And we encourage all New Zealanders to protect and preserve their hearing.
We uphold and apply the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD). Read these here
We are a General Member of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People.
In 1978, the Lions Club of New Zealand persuaded several groups representing deaf and hearing impaired people to come together and seek common goals.
These groups became the five member groups of The Combined NZ Societies for the Deaf.
In 1995, the Lions withdrew from our organisation, leaving control to the member groups. We adopted a new name - The National Foundation for the Deaf.
The Foundation is an incorporated society. So we have a Constitution that describes how our organisation must run. This document covers things like:
The National Foundation for the Deaf Incorporated was incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 on 22 May 1979. Our number is AK/222520.
On 18 May 2007 we were registered with the Charities Commission as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005. Our registration number is CC10300, and our entry on the Commission's Charities Register can be viewed here.
