About TaringaInsights

About TaringaInsights

Taringa Insights is the education outreach and news hub of an Aotearoa New Zealand-based research team aiming to commercialise medical technology. 

Our goal

To give New Zealanders reliable, research-founded knowledge and expertise about ear and hearing health, helping people understand how the inner ear works and stay informed about credible developments in hearing science.

Our mission

We make inner-ear and hearing research understandable, trustworthy, and transparent by sharing clear explainers, curating evidence-based insights from across the field, and contributing practical expertise that supports learning and capability in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What you’ll find here at TaringaInsights.com

• Inner-ear fundamentals (how hearing works; key structures and processes)
• Research explainers and summaries of the latest research and development in hearing and inner-ear science
• Outreach/news that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and evidence over hype

Disclaimer

TaringaInsights provides general educational information grounded in research. It does not provide clinical advice, diagnosis, or individual treatment recommendations. If you have concerns about your hearing or balance, please seek advice from a qualified health professional (e.g., GP, audiologist, ENT specialist). In urgent situations, contact local emergency services.

Contact Us

• Contact email: TRIP [at] auckland [dot] ac [dot] nz      **Please replace [at] with @ and [dot] with .
• Address: Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, Grafton Campus, Building 502, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
• Ph: University of Auckland switchboard: +64 9 3737 999

People Behind TaringaInsights

Haruna Suzuki-Kerr

With a background in physiology and a deep passion for global health, she has dedicated her career to addressing gaps in hearing loss treatment. For Haruna, her research journey from academic research to MedTech innovation represents a strategic step towards making an impact for people, and she is keen to bring communities for the ride through research outreach. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haruna-suzuki-kerr-878b221b7/

• The University of Auckland: https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/h-suzuki-kerr

Peter Thorne

With a long-standing career spanning auditory neuroscience, hearing research, and population health, Peter Thorne has dedicated his work to improving how we understand, diagnose, and address hearing loss. His expertise connects basic science, clinical challenges, public health, and real-world implementation, reflecting a broad commitment to better hearing health outcomes. For Peter, research has the greatest value when it translates into practical impact and reaches the communities it is intended to serve. 

• The University of Auckland: https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/pr-thorne
• Eisdell Moore Centre: https://www.emcentre.ac.nz/about/

Erin Williams

With a background in marketing and business, Erin has played an important role in helping shape Taringa Insights from an early stage. Since joining the team through the University of Auckland Business School in 2024, she has contributed extensive market research, strategic thinking, and careful planning to support the platform’s development. In her role as Strategy Consultant, Erin has been pivotal to the construction and direction of TaringaInsights, bringing valuable insight and energy to the work even while based overseas.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-williams-aa58a023a/

Related Information Platforms

Taringa Innovation and Research Platform (TRIP) Programme Website

• https://www.taringainnovation.com/
• The update about our research in the TRIP programme is captured here. 

Translational Ear Physiology Laboratory Website

• https://www.earphysiology.com/
• The University of Auckland Research Group (Department of Physiology) that hosts staff and students involved in the TRIP programme and related ear research.