A Waikato Hospital audiology assistant is being celebrated for making hearing care more accessible, proving that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference to patients and their whānau.
Vivek Subba, an audiology assistant at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, has been recognised for his dedication to helping people access essential hearing services, including finding practical solutions when patients cannot attend appointments or arrange hearing aid repairs themselves.
His contribution has earned him the Te Atawhai Tonu Award at the 2026 Allied Health, Scientific and Technical Awards for the Waikato district, recognising outstanding support staff who help clinical teams deliver effective patient care.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR PATIENTS
One example of Subba’s commitment involved a caregiver who was unable to travel to have a hearing aid repaired because of a medical issue.
Rather than allowing the situation to delay treatment, Subba arranged for the hearing aid to be collected by courier and organised a temporary replacement device while the original was being repaired.
The arrangement meant the patient could continue using a hearing aid without having to travel to the hospital.
Health New Zealand says the initiative reflects Subba’s approach to patient care, which focuses on understanding the circumstances of the person behind each request.
For people who rely on hearing aids to communicate with family, participate in daily activities or maintain their independence, timely repairs can make an enormous difference.
SUPPORTING PATIENTS AND WHĀNAU
Subba’s role involves much more than administrative support.
At Waikato Hospital, he manages patient enquiries, hearing aid orders and repairs, while helping connect patients, whānau, schools and advisers with the services they need.
He also identifies matters requiring specialist clinical attention, allowing audiologists to concentrate on assessments, diagnosis and treatment.
His work demonstrates how effective coordination and practical assistance can help patients navigate healthcare services.
For families already managing medical appointments, transport difficulties and other responsibilities, having someone who can explain processes and resolve problems can reduce unnecessary stress.
MAKING HEARING TESTS EASIER FOR TAMARIKI
Another important part of Subba’s work involves supporting audiologists during hearing assessments for babies, toddlers and young children.
Testing young children can be challenging, particularly when they are unfamiliar with clinical environments or have difficulty understanding what is required.
Subba uses play, games and engaging activities to help children feel comfortable and participate in hearing assessments.
This approach allows audiologists to complete important tests while creating a more positive experience for tamariki and their caregivers.
Early identification of hearing difficulties is particularly important for children’s communication, language development and learning.
By making assessments less intimidating, support workers can contribute to better experiences for children and their families.
FROM TEACHING IN NEPAL TO HEALTHCARE IN WAIKATO
Subba’s approach to healthcare has been shaped by a career working with people of different ages and backgrounds.
Originally a primary school teacher in Nepal, he later worked as a community support worker in New Zealand.
Those experiences provided him with valuable skills in communication, patience and supporting children and older people.
He has brought that experience into his role at Waikato Hospital, where empathy and practical problem-solving are central to his work.
His recognition highlights the contribution of healthcare workers whose efforts often take place behind the scenes but are essential to the smooth operation of clinical services.
WHY ACCESSIBLE HEARING CARE MATTERS FOR MĀORI
Hearing health is an important part of overall wellbeing, particularly for tamariki, kaumātua and people experiencing barriers to healthcare.
Untreated hearing difficulties can affect communication, learning, employment and participation in whānau and community life.
For Māori whānau, accessible services that recognise family circumstances, transport difficulties and the importance of whānau involvement can help reduce barriers to care.
The Ministry of Health’s Hauora Haumi Allied Health Report has identified opportunities to improve audiology services through stronger whānau-centred approaches, better communication and partnerships with rural communities.
The report also highlights the need to increase Māori and Pacific representation in the audiology workforce and improve understanding of hearing health services.
Subba’s work provides a practical example of how patient-focused support can make existing services easier to access.
RECOGNISING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CARE
The Te Atawhai Tonu Award recognises assistants and technical support staff who provide exceptional support to allied health, scientific and technical professionals.
These workers contribute to clinical care, diagnostic services and the everyday functioning of healthcare teams.
Although their roles may receive less public attention than those of doctors and specialists, their contribution can be vital to patient experiences and healthcare outcomes.
Health New Zealand’s recognition of Subba highlights the importance of compassionate service, effective teamwork and finding solutions that meet individual patient needs.
It also demonstrates that improving healthcare access does not always require major changes to infrastructure or technology.
Sometimes, it begins with understanding the challenges facing a patient and finding a practical way to help.
SMALL ACTIONS, BIG DIFFERENCES
As New Zealand’s health system continues to face pressure from workforce shortages, growing demand and unequal access to services, the contribution of frontline support workers remains essential.
For patients experiencing hearing difficulties, timely assistance can mean staying connected to conversations, family activities and everyday life.
For parents and caregivers, supportive staff can make clinical appointments easier and less stressful.
And for audiologists, having skilled assistants allows more time to focus on specialist patient care.
Vivek Subba’s story is a reminder that healthcare is about more than appointments, procedures and equipment. It is also about empathy, dignity and making sure people can access the help they need.
His recognition at Waikato Hospital celebrates not only individual achievement but also the important contribution of healthcare support workers who make a difference to patients and whānau every day.
Source: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, 27 October 2026.
Read the original Health New Zealand announcement
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