Aotearoa New Zealand hosts the inaugural Power of Connection event – celebrating the power of communication and connections

Aotearoa New Zealand will host the first-ever Power of Connection event at Parliament on Tuesday, 17 June 2025—a celebration of the diverse ways deaf/Deaf and hard of hearing people communicate and connect, and the life-changing impact of inclusive, connected care.

The inaugural event will highlight the lived experiences of people with hearing differences who communicate in different ways, including cochlear implant technology and New Zealand Sign Language. It builds on the success of the annual Power of Speech, first held in the Australian Parliament in 2014 to highlight the achievements of children with hearing differences who use cochlear implants.

Power of Connection is brought to New Zealand by First Voice, the international association of cochlear implant programmes; The Hearing House, the not-for-profit organisation providing services for children and adults with cochlear implants for the Northern Cochlear Implant Programme from Taupo to Cape Reinga; and Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions.

The event will be staged in partnership with Maungakiekie MP, Greg Fleming.  

Held at Parliament Buildings in Wellington, the event will bring together policymakers, government leaders, and community stakeholders to broaden their understanding of how people with diverse communication needs engage with their world. 

Hon Louise Upston, Minister for Disability Issues, will give the opening address.

“The Power of Connection is about more than just technology—it’s about people,” says Dr Claire Green, CEO of The Hearing House. “It’s about connected and specialised care, and inclusive approaches that empower people to live full and connected lives.  

“It will showcase the transformative power of communication at every stage of life, showcasing stories of resilience, growth, and empowerment from people of all ages.

“By telling their stories, we want to ensure that they continue to receive lifetime specialised support, irrespective of their age.” 

Celebrating diverse journeys and shared connection 

Twenty-four-year-old Alison Winstanley, a cochlear implant user, will MC the event, sharing her personal journey from childhood through to her professional career and how cochlear implants have played an integral role in her life.

Alison, who recently graduated with a conjoint arts and law degree, is currently working as a law clerk and completing her legal professional studies so she can start practicing as a lawyer.

She spoke at a First Voice event in the Australian Parliament when she was 16 years old, highlighting how cochlear implants and the specialised care she received from the Hearing House had helped her communicate and make connections.  

Alison’s address from 2017 is here.  

Paralympic medallist Danielle Aitchison, who has had cochlear implants for the past eight years, will also speak at the event. Her story of perseverance and achievement highlights how access to communication tools and supportive environments, such as the services offered by The Hearing House, can help people reach their goals—on their own terms.

Natasha Cloete, Manager of Children & Youth Services at Deaf Aotearoa, will reflect on her family’s experience using New Zealand Sign Language and cochlear implant technology—emphasising the importance of choice, early support, early access to language and embracing the full range of communication options available.

They will be joined by other speakers from Australia and New Zealand talking about their cochlear implant journeys.

The event will take place at Parliament Buildings in Wellington from 6.00pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, and will be livestreamed to communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. 

For more information about The Hearing House and its work, visit The Hearing House. For more about First Voice, visit First Voice.