A clinical safety net for hearing aids in NZ
Our Community Hearing Initiative
For some Marlborough locals, the barrier to better hearing isn’t awareness or willingness. It’s cost.
That’s why we offer hearing aid funding for a limited number of Marlborough locals each year.
What is our Community Hearing Initiative?
Because we believe hearing care should be based on clinical need, not financial circumstance, we provide a clinical safety net for locals who may otherwise fall through the gaps.
Each year, Blackmore Audiology reserves a limited number of fully supported hearing aid tests and hearing aids for Marlborough residents who have a confirmed hearing loss and are unable to access the care they need through existing funding options.
For eligible recipients, this may include:
- A comprehensive hearing assessment
- Clinical recommendations
- Hearing aid fitting and support during the adjustment period
- Review appointments and ongoing support
This initiative ensures equitable access to evidence-based hearing care, delivered with the same rigour, respect and clinical oversight we give to every patient at Blackmore Audiology.
Independence and care
As Marlborough’s only independent audiology clinic, we don’t answer to a head office. Born in Blenheim, our only obligation is to this community.
“I grew up in Marlborough, knowing my neighbours, knowing their families, and seeing how people look out for each other. Early in my career, I spent years managing clinics for a nationwide chain, and one of the things that bothered me most was watching people leave without the help they needed because of the cost and lack of ongoing support. Back home, running my own clinic, I wanted to do better, reflecting the spirit of this wonderful community.”
Sara Blackmore | Audiologist & Founder of Blackmore Audiology
Your hearing and quality of life are closely intertwined. Untreated hearing loss can chip away at confidence, relationships and independence. We’ve seen how sad it is when someone starts to withdraw from conversations, misses what their family are saying, or avoids their favourite pub or restaurant because it’s too noisy. There’s also an increased risk of early cognitive decline and depression.
Most people with hearing loss can find a pathway to support through ACC, Veterans’ Affairs, or other New Zealand funding schemes. But not everyone. When someone falls through those gaps – and they do – we want to be here.
Who is this for?
To be eligible for our Community Hearing Initiative, you must meet all the following criteria:
- You live in the Marlborough region and have done so for at least 6 months.
- You have a confirmed hearing loss (or are willing to undergo a hearing assessment with us as part of the application process).
- You are experiencing a meaningful impact on your day-to-day communication, participation or quality of life as a result of your hearing loss.
- You do not have suitable access to other funding options, either through private means or through ACC, Veterans' Affairs, Disability Support Services or other available New Zealand hearing support schemes.
Our Community Hearing Initiative closes on 31 October 2026.
Applications are considered with care, taking both clinical need and financial circumstances into account. As places are limited, not every application will be able to be accepted. Please review the eligibility criteria before applying so you can understand whether this pathway may be suitable.
Alternatively, you’re welcome to visit our clinic to complete a physical application.
How decisions are made
We take transparency seriously. Applications are reviewed by a small selection committee comprising:
- Sara Blackmore, Audiologist and Founder of Blackmore Audiology
- Local GP representative(s), drawn from the Marlborough community.
This committee-based structure ensures impartial decisions are made on both clinical and community grounds through a fair, consistent and independent process. All applications are treated with complete confidentiality. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in writing.
We value community trust and transparency above all else. To ensure a completely fair, independent, and clinical process, all applications are thoroughly reviewed by a dedicated selection panel.
Our Independent Selection Committee
Sara Blackmore
Audiologist and Founder of Blackmore Audiology.
Mark Lucas
Highly respected local advocate involved in running multiple charities around Marlborough and a dedicated member of LandSAR (Land Search and Rescue).
A Representative GP from Manu Ora Medical Centre
Providing trusted, local medical expertise and community health insight.
Initiative Terms & Conditions
The cost of hearing aids in New Zealand varies depending on technology level, features and individual requirements. We discuss hearing aid prices transparently during your consultation, helping you understand hearing aid funding clearly so cost does not become a barrier to appropriate care.
Device Selection
To ensure the recipient gets the absolute best outcome for their unique anatomy and hearing loss, the specific hearing aids will be selected based entirely on a clinical needs assessment completed by the recipient and our senior audiologist.
Final Decisions
The independent selection committee's decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
Non-Redeemable
Gifting is specific to the chosen recipient's clinical health needs; the initiative package is strictly non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Closing Date
Applications for this round close strictly on October 31, 2026.
Please note: Because spaces are strictly limited, we unfortunately cannot accept every single application. All submissions are treated with the absolute highest level of medical confidentiality, and every applicant will be notified of their outcome in writing.
Have you explored existing funding options?
Before applying for our Community Hearing Initiative, please check whether any of the following New Zealand funding pathways may apply to your situation.
Who It Typically Covers
How We Help
Who It Typically Covers
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How We Help
Not sure which pathways apply to you? Talk to us first. A brief conversation with our team can save significant time and clarify your options before you consider applying for the Community Hearing Initiative. We’re happy to help you work through this at no charge.
How to apply
You may (select one):
Apply online
Alternatively, you're welcome to visit our clinic at 21 Francis Street, Blenheim , and we will provide a paper form for you to complete in your own time.
Call us on 03 579 3092 to discuss any of your questions and the best way for you to apply.
Application Form
Any questions?
We’re always happy to have a conversation before you decide whether to apply. Call us on 03 579 3092, email info@blackmoreaudiology.co.nz, or stop in at 21 Francis Street, Blenheim. You can also find us fortnightly on Wednesdays at Heartland Services Centre, 22 High Street, Picton 7220.
Local care you can rely on
Blackmore Audiology serves Blenheim, Marlborough and the surrounding regions.
You’ll find us at 21 Francis Street, Blenheim, with convenient access and nearby parking.
The Blackmore name is well known locally and reflects a long‑standing commitment to community‑based healthcare. Patients value seeing familiar clinicians who provide consistent, front‑to‑back care over time.