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Aotearoa celebrates first-ever ‘Power of Connection’ event at Parliament


Parliament Buildings in Wellington played host to a landmark event last week—the inaugural Power of Connection event. 


Held for the first time in Aotearoa New Zealand, the evening celebrated the diverse ways deaf, Deaf, and hard of hearing people communicate and the transformative impact of inclusive and connected care. 


Brought to New Zealand by The Hearing House, the event built on the legacy of Australia’s Power of Speech series, first held in 2014. The Hearing House, which provides hearing support services for people from Taupō to Cape Reinga, partnered with First Voice, Cochlear, and Maungakiekie MP Greg Fleming, to host the event. 


Policymakers, health leaders, and community stakeholders gathered to hear personal stories from people who use a range of communication methods—cochlear implant technology, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), and more—highlighting the need for choice, access, and lifelong support. 

Hon Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, opened the evening, setting the tone for a powerful programme focused on connection and empowerment.  

Singer and Hearing House client Kathy Thomas performed a waiata to welcome the audience, saying, “I’ve always had my music to keep me grounded, but now I’m finally able to embrace sound in a way that makes me feel good.”  



“The Power of Connection was about more than just technology—it was about people,” said Dr Claire Green, CEO of The Hearing House. “It was about connected and specialised care, and inclusive approaches that empower people to live full and connected lives, on their terms.” 


Throughout the night, speakers shared their lived experiences across generations.  


Twenty-four-year-old cochlear implant user Alison Winstanley returned to the stage as MC, eight years after speaking at a similar First Voice event in Canberra. Now a law graduate and law clerk, Alison reflected on the role cochlear implants played in both her personal growth and professional journey. 


Paralympic medallist Danielle Aitchison inspired attendees with her story of resilience, describing how her cochlear implants and support from The Hearing House helped her excel on the world stage, winning two silver medals on the track at the recent Paralympics in Paris. 


Deaf Aotearoa’s Natasha Cloete brought a powerful family perspective, emphasising the value of embracing both NZSL and cochlear implant technology, and the importance of early access to communication tools. 



The Hearing House client, 73-year-old Annette Barker, described the joy she felt when she could have phone conversations with her family for the first time, after having her cochlear implant fitted four years ago. 


Other speakers included Jack Coombs (13) from Tauranga, Sofia Spillane (9) from Sydney, Flynn Wells (12) from Hobart, Tasmania, and Gracie Chin (12) from Christchurch, representing not-for-profit cochlear implant support organisations The Hearing House, NextSense, The Shepherd Centre and Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP), respectively. 



Dr Green summed up the evening’s purpose by saying, “Power of Connection showcased the power of communication at every stage of life through stories of resilience, growth, and empowerment from people of all ages. 


“The event has been transformative on so many different levels, and we were thrilled to have the support of Greg Fleming, MP for Maungakiekie, in helping make it a reality.” 


The event was livestreamed across New Zealand and Australia, reinforcing a shared commitment to communication equity and lifelong, people-centred care. 


For more information on the speakers, click here: 



 

 
 
 

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