Person looking sideways wearing a Cochlear Implant

Publicly Funded Cochlear Implant Services in NZ

The Northern Cochlear Implant Trust (NCIT) is responsible for managing the government-funded cochlear implant programme for people living in New Zealand, north of Taupō.

Northern Cochlear Implant Programme

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Map of North Island showing region north of Taupo

About Us

We oversee the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP), working with contracted clinical providers to ensure safe, effective, and equitable delivery of cochlear implant services across the region.  

We are committed to ensuring that people who meet the eligibility criteria can access timely assessment, surgery, and follow-up care. Our role is to govern and manage the programme with clinical integrity, financial accountability, and a clear focus on improving hearing outcomes for New Zealanders.

About Us

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.

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

SCIP

NCIP Includes

Audiology assessments

Multidisciplinary clinical evaluations

Cochlear implant surgery

Device programming and tuning

Ongoing habilitation (for children) and rehabilitation (for adults)

Northern Cochlear Implant Programme

Who Delivers the Services?

NCIT contracts with a small number of trusted providers who deliver services on behalf of the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme. These include:

Southern Cross Hospitals

Provides surgical services, with experienced ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons performing cochlear implant procedures.

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The Hearing House

Delivers audiology assessments, rehabilitation for adults, habilitation for children, and candidacy evaluations.

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Cochlear Limited

Supplies cochlear implant technology and devices used by our clinical teams.

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These providers are selected based on clinical expertise, service delivery capacity, and a commitment to high-quality patient care. They operate under NCIT’s governance and performance reporting framework.

Supporting Information and Education: Pindrop Foundation

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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Independent financial audits

Transparent performance reporting

Alignment with national health standards

Oversight of clinical outcomes and provider delivery

Governance and Accountability

NCIT is governed by a Board of Trustees with expertise in health sector leadership, clinical governance, financial management, and community representation. The Board oversees all aspects of the programme’s operation, including clinical service quality, contract management, and public accountability.We oversee the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP), working with contracted clinical providers to ensure safe, effective, and equitable delivery of cochlear implant services across the region.  

We are accountable to the New Zealand public, ensuring the cochlear implant programme operates responsibly and effectively.

Governance

Learn more about the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme (NCIP)

NCIP

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.