Celebrating excellence: Danielle Aitchison named 2026 Para Athlete of the Year!

Huge congratulations to Hearing House kiritaki/client Danielle Aitchison, named 2026 Para Athlete of the Year at the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards! 🏆

Pictured with James Sandilands who won the Buddle Findlay Coach of the Year Award, and Hamish Kerr who won the Supreme Halberg Award and the ISPS Handa Sportsman of the Year Award (credit to athleticsnz)

This is the highest accolade in Para sport in Aotearoa, recognising an extraordinary 2025 season where Danielle claimed two World Championship titles in the 100m and 200m T36 in New Delhi, following her success at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.​

Many of you will remember Danielle from our Power of Connection event at Parliament in Wellington last year – a celebration of connection, community, and sharing inspiring stories.

Danielle's amazing story about cochlear implants and her sporting journey continues to resonate with everyone.​

From all of us at The Hearing House – congratulations, Danielle! 🎉​

👉 Read more about her incredible journey here: https://paralympics.org.nz/news/danielle-aitchison-where-it-all-began/ ​

Pictured with Shan Wilson, partner at Simpson Grierson (law firm)

Danielle speaking at the Power of Connection event​