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.
How it Works
Our Service Providers

Programme Coverage

The Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP) provides publicly funded cochlear implant services to eligible adults and children living north of Taupō, including Auckland, Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and surrounding regions. The programme ensures equitable access to assessment, surgery, and post-operative care for people residing across the upper North Island.
Map of North Island showing region north of Taupo

Diagnostic Audiogram

For individuals who are no longer receiving sufficient benefit from hearing aids, the pathway to a publicly funded cochlear implant begins with a diagnostic audiogram conducted by an audiologist.

Referral

If the results indicate potential candidacy, a referral is made to the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP) through The Hearing House.

Assessment

A comprehensive assessment is then completed by a multidisciplinary clinical team.

Eligibility

If the client meets the national eligibility criteria and is approved for implantation, they are referred to one of the programme’s specialist ENT surgeons.

Surgery

Surgery is scheduled based on clinical priority and available capacity. When ready, the procedure is carried out at Southern Cross Gillies Hospital, where a Cochlear implant device is surgically placed.

Post Operation

Post-operative rehabilitation and device programming are coordinated through The Hearing House as part of the ongoing care provided under the programme.

How it Works

The steps involved in your pathway towards better hearing.

Our Service Providers

Souther Cross Logo

Southern Cross Hospitals

Southern Cross Gillies Hospital provides cochlear implant surgery as part of the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP). As a trusted partner to the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust (NCIT), the hospital delivers high-quality surgical care to children and adults who qualify for publicly funded cochlear implants in New Zealand.

Located in Epsom, Auckland, Gillies Hospital is known for its expertise in ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures. It is the primary surgical centre for NCIP patients requiring cochlear implants across the upper North Island.
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Hearing House logo

The Hearing House

The Hearing House is a key provider to the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP), delivering expert audiology, habilitation, and rehabilitation services for people receiving cochlear implants in northern New Zealand.

Working in partnership with the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust (NCIT), The Hearing House supports eligible adults and children through every stage of their cochlear implant care — from assessment through to long-term therapy and device management. The organisation plays an essential role in ensuring consistent, high-quality care is available to patients across the North Island.
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Cochlear Logo

Cochlear Limited

Cochlear Australia & New Zealand is the primary technology supplier to the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP), providing the implant systems and sound processor technology used in publicly funded cochlear implant surgeries across the upper North Island.

Working in close partnership with the Northern Cochlear Implant Trust (NCIT) and clinical providers, Cochlear ensures that New Zealanders receiving publicly funded cochlear implants have access to world-class hearing solutions backed by clinical research, engineering innovation, and global support infrastructure.
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Learn More About Cochlear Implants

The Pindrop Foundation plays a key role in supporting public understanding of cochlear implants in New Zealand. While not a service provider, Pindrop is a valued partner in education, awareness, and advocacy.

Their work includes providing resources for patients and families, supporting clinician training, and promoting equitable access to cochlear implant services across the country.
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CIICA logo

Global Network and Advocacy

The Northern Cochlear Implant Trust is a proud collaborator with the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA). CIICA is a global network of organisations and individuals working to improve access to cochlear implants and lifelong hearing care.

Through this partnership, NCIT contributes to and benefits from international knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and research focused on best practices in cochlear implant provision. This collaboration helps ensure that our programme remains aligned with global standards and evolving evidence in hearing health.
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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.
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Email: hello@ncit.org.nzAddress: NCIT Head Office, Auckland, New Zealand
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