About

Learn more about NCIT and our governance structure.

Our Mission

NCIT is committed to enhancing hearing health and improving the quality of life for New Zealanders through the effective coordination and delivery of cochlear implant services North of Taupō. We collaborate with specialised providers and advisory groups to ensure excellence at every stage—from surgery and rehabilitation to education and community advocacy.

Our Values

NCIT is committed to enhancing hearing health and improving the quality of life for New Zealanders through the effective coordination and delivery of cochlear implant services North of Taupō. We collaborate with specialised providers and advisory groups to ensure excellence at every stage—from surgery and rehabilitation to education and community advocacy.

Quality Services

Transparency

Accountability

Excellence

Independent financial audits

Transparent performance reporting

Alignment with national health standards

Oversight of clinical outcomes and provider delivery

Governance

We operate under a structured and transparent governance framework, ensuring high-quality service delivery and accountability.

Our Board

Andrew Nicoll

Chair Person and Trustee

Andrew is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with expertise in governance, mergers, acquisitions, and not-for-profit management. He brings valuable leadership as Chair of the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust, alongside roles with other charitable and arts organisations.

Lee Schoushkoff

Chief Executive and Trustee

Lee has committed much of his professional career to growing sustainable and effective cause-related organisations.

Dr. Patrick G Tuohy

Trustee

Dr. Tuohy is a retired paediatrician with over 30 years of experience as a consultant paediatrician, including 20 years in the public service.

Bill Baber

Trustee

Bill is an ear, nose and throat surgeon with a special interest in ear surgery. Along with Ron Goodey, Bill played and integral part in the establishment of New Zealand’s first Cochlear Implant programme.

Ann Cooper-Smith

Trustee

Ann Cooper-Smith has personal experience of a severe hearing disability, having lost her hearing as a teenager. Ann received a cochlear implant in 1996. She is the director of Q2 Ltd, Chartered Accountants and Business Strategists, based in Auckland.

Michel Neeff

Trustee

Michel Neeff is a FRACS, MD Neurotologist/Skull Base Surgeon and Hearing Implant Surgeon, based in Auckland.

Chloe Allen

Trustee

Chloe has seen first-hand how life-changing cochlear implants are for people with severe to profound hearing loss. Her husband has profound hearing loss (congenital) and has bilateral cochlear implants. It's why she became an audiologist.

Kelly Garton

Trustee

Dr Garton specialises in analysing the commercial and political determinants of food systems and nutrition policy, with recent work examining ultra‑processed foods, trade agreements, and school lunch programmes

Stewardship

The Northern Cochlear Implant Trust holds the government contract for delivering cochlear implant services to people living north of Taupō.

This funding is provided by the Ministry of Disability, and the Trust is responsible for ensuring it is managed responsibly and used to deliver high-quality, equitable care.

Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees with expertise across health, finance, and public service. The Trust maintains robust systems for clinical oversight, financial management, and performance reporting.

Independent audits and regular reviews are part of our accountability framework, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement in how the programme operates.

The Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP)

The Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP) provides publicly funded cochlear implant services for eligible children and adults living in the upper North Island. The programme is designed to ensure access to comprehensive, specialist care from the point of referral through to long-term rehabilitation and support.

Northern Cochlear Implant Programme

Located south of Taupō? Check out The Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP)

SCIP

A couple walking wearing Cochlear Implants

Get in Touch

If you are seeking cochlear implant services or information about eligibility, referrals, or the cochlear implant programme, we welcome enquiries from individuals, families, and health professionals.

Contact Us