Person looking sideways wearing a Cochlear Implant

Public Cochlear Implant Services – Important Information

A Message from the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust

The Northern Cochlear Implant Trust (NCIT) delivered New Zealand's publicly funded cochlear implant programme for the Northern region until 30 June 2026.

From 1 July 2026, publicly funded cochlear implant services are provided under a new national contract administered by Disability Support Services (DSS).

If you are seeking information about publicly funded cochlear implant services—including referrals, eligibility, assessments, surgery, rehabilitation, processor upgrades, or ongoing care—please refer to the Disability Support Services website for the latest information and contact details for the current provider.

Visit the Disability Support Services

Thank You

For more than two decades, NCIT worked alongside thousands of New Zealanders and their whānau, surgeons, audiologists, hearing therapists, referrers, government agencies, funders, donors and community partners to improve access to cochlear implantation and hearing outcomes.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has placed their trust in us and contributed to this vital work. Together, we have helped transform the lives of thousands of children and adults through access to hearing.

We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated staff, clinicians, volunteers, trustees, supporters and partners whose commitment and expertise has made this work possible.

Our Legacy

While responsibility for the publicly funded cochlear implant programme has now transitioned to a new national provider, NCIT is proud of the contribution it has made to hearing healthcare in New Zealand over more than 20 years.
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The information on this website relating to NCIT's history, achievements and previous programmes is retained as a record of that contribution.

Thank you for your support and for being part of the NCIT story.