Mayor apologises ‘in advance’ for hearing loss

Taupō’s new mayor John Funnell says he may not be able to attend some events because of his hearing loss.

In 1999, John was hospitalised with severe septicemia (blood poisoning) after an operation.

“The surgeon, a friend, was blunt. He told me he could fix the septicemia, but it would be at the cost of my hearing. Like any sensible person I told him to get on with the treatment.”

John says this has left him with bad hearing loss and while the best hearing aids make a difference, his hearing will always be poor. 

He struggles with background noise and when people do not speaking directly at him.

“I have to ask people to take their hand away from their face so I can see them speak. Or to speak looking at me.

“While having hearing loss is annoying and frustrating at times, I feel lucky to be alive, and I feel extremely fortunate compared to those who are completely deaf.” 

He says his condition is no different from many other New Zealanders who have hearing loss but as Mayor he should be attending events and be present in the community.

“There are some places where it is impossible for me to hear, like cocktail parties, art gallery openings or on marae. Situations where there are a lot of people speaking are impossible for me to contribute. 

“So please accept this as an apology in advance if I do not attend your groups event. I would love to be there, but if I am there it is as frustrating for the people trying to talk to me as it is for me when I cannot understand what they are saying.”

He says he will be available to talk in places where he can hear, and for small groups and if someone wants him to be at their event they should reach out to council staff to arrange a meeting.