About - Hearing Support Bay of Plenty

About Us

Welcome to Hearing Support Bay of Plenty

A society where those with hearing loss are connected, empowered and respected.

Hearing Association Bay of Plenty Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation that has been serving our hard-of-hearing communities in the Bay of Plenty region for over 30 years. We are an Incorporated Society and in 2025 we re-registered under the new incorporated Societies Act. We trade as and operate under the name Hearing Support Bay of Plenty, which reflects our commitment to serving the wider Bay of Plenty community.

We serve the Bay of Plenty through our offices in Tauranga and Whakatāne. You can contact us at either location by clicking the link to contact details. To focus our efforts, we have developed the following statements.

Our Vision

A Bay of Plenty community that understands hearing disability and supports those dealing with it.

Mission Statement

To provide hearing disability education, advocacy and support for the Bay of Plenty community.

Our Staff

Helen Rodgers
Tauranga Manager

I joined Hearing Support BOP at the end of 2022 after a successful teaching career. I have first-hand experience of hearing loss, having experienced this since early childhood. I have worn hearing aids for over 35 years. I thoroughly enjoy my role, supporting others who live with hearing loss and educating businesses and workplaces to ensure inclusive and accessible environments.

Wendy Anderson
Whakatāne Manager

I joined Hearing Support Bay of Plenty in February 2020 after returning from the UK. There, I worked as a registrar for Pembrokeshire County Council. My background also includes many years of experience in the optics industry, as well as in insurance and finance. I have lived in the Bay of Plenty region for over 12 years, including a period in Tauranga where I began working for Hearing Support Bay of Plenty. After moving back to Whakatane, I welcomed the opportunity to expand Hearing Support’s presence in the Eastern Bay. Hearing Support has made a meaningful impact in our region, and I look forward to its continued growth within our communities

Our Committee

Tony West
President

Tony West a committee member since 2013 currently serving as President. Tony moved to Tauranga in 2013 after 21 years in Wellington with central government agencies. Originally from London his formative career was in the banking industry. Tony has a hearing loss that is hereditary and can be traced back to his great grandmother.

Carey Wright
Secretary

Carey is a Tauranga based audiologist, having completed her Master of Audiology through the University of Auckland in 1994. The not for profit ethos and unbiased advice Hearing Associations in New Zealand are able to offer has always been valued by Carey. In her spare time Carey enjoys getting out in the garden, taking her dog for walks (he’s not a hearing dog!) and dining out for lunch.

Helen Ware Dip. Bus.
Treasurer

I joined HSBOP in 2023 as a committee member & volunteer.
I have always been passionate about hearing loss resources and inclusive communication.
2013 I received my first Hearing Dog, my second in 2021 – the year I became deaf.

Meg
Helen's Hearing Dog

2013 I received my first Hearing Dog, my second in 2021 – the year I became deaf.

AnnaMieke Capbell
Committee Member

I’ve had a Cochlear Implant since May 2021 and became a Committee Member in May 2023. I could hear and understand well enough by then to attend meetings. Knowing how small and frustrating my world was with very limited hearing my interest on the committee is to support any initiatives which assist hard of hearing people to participate in a hearing world.

Cherish
Annamieke's Hearing Dog

AnnaMieke received her Hearing Dog in May 2025 when she was 17 months old. Aside from alerting to doorbells, visitors, and alarms, she’s currently very focused on finding cats who will play with her.

Linda Giltrap
Committee Member

Committee Member since 2022. Linda has been involved with Hearing Support BOP, Hearing New Zealand and Cochlear Implant Pindrop Foundation for several years, advocating for accessibility for those impacted by hearing loss or deafness. Linda has been successful in maintaining a corporate career whilst navigating the impact of progressive hearing deterioration that has resulted in Profound Deafness. She now spends more time focusing on educating, through public speaking, about life with her Hearing Dog, Maisie and encouraging inclusive and accessible workplaces.