Team spotlight: Tara Barr, Clinical Administration Team Lead
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
For nearly four years, Tara Barr has been a vital member of The Hearing House team, helping ensure that kiritaki/clients, clinicians and communities receive the support they need behind the scenes.
As Clinical Administration Team Lead, Tara combines organisation, problem-solving and a passion for helping others to keep a wide range of services running smoothly.
Tara was drawn to The Hearing House because of the opportunity to work for a not-for-profit organisation that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
“I have always enjoyed roles that involved organisation, problem solving and supporting people,” she says. “The opportunity to work for a not-for-profit that makes a real difference in people’s lives, and supporting our kiritaki has been very rewarding.”
Before joining The Hearing House, Tara had built a solid foundation in customer service and administration, including ten years working in private audiology. That experience gave her valuable insight into the hearing/disability sector and prepared her for the diverse responsibilities she manages today.
Although Tara does not have direct lived experience of hearing differences within her own family or friendship circles, her years of working in the hearing/disability sector have given her a deep appreciation for the impact that hearing differences can have on kiritaki and their whānau.
“It’s inspiring to see how much of a difference access to the right support and services can make,” she says.
No two days are the same in Tara’s role. She supports the team by coordinating appointments and schedules, organises regional outreach clinics through The Hearing House mobile hearing clinic, supports the wider administration team and helps coordinate events and activities across the organisation.
“Every day is different,” Tara explains. “There’s always plenty happening, which keeps things interesting.”
To succeed in a role with so many moving parts, Tara believes strong organisational skills and attention to detail are essential. She also highlights the importance of communication, adaptability and teamwork.
“Being approachable, supportive and able to work collaboratively with a range of people is essential, especially in a team environment,” she says.
For Tara, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is knowing that her work helps kiritaki access services that can have a lasting impact on their lives. She particularly enjoys coordinating outreach services, which help bring hearing services to communities that might otherwise face barriers to accessing support.
For anyone considering a career in the disability or hearing sector, Tara’s advice is simple: “Be curious, be willing to learn, and remember that every role contributes to making a difference. You don’t always have to be a clinician to have an impact. Strong communication skills, empathy and a genuine desire to help others are valuable qualities.”
Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors whenever she can, and finding ways to relax and recharge. She is also a passionate movie fan and loves travelling whenever the opportunity arises.
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