About TaringaInsights

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

What we stand for

Our purpose and how we deliver on it.

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

Three things we focus on at TaringaInsights.com.

Inner-ear fundamentals — how hearing works, key structures and processes, explained in plain English.

Research explainers and summaries of the latest research and development in hearing and inner-ear science.

Outreach and news that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and evidence over hype.

A note on what this site is — and isn't.

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.

People behind TaringaInsights

The team translating research into accessible knowledge.

HSK

Haruna Suzuki-Kerr

Researcher

With a background in physiology and a deep passion for global health, Haruna has dedicated her career to addressing gaps in hearing loss treatment. 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 along through research outreach.

LinkedIn → University of Auckland profile →

Peter Thorne

Researcher

With a long-standing career spanning auditory neuroscience, hearing research, and population health, Peter 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. For Peter, research has the greatest value when it translates into practical impact and reaches the communities it is intended to serve.

University of Auckland profile → Eisdell Moore Centre →

Erin Williams

Strategy Consultant

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, bringing valuable insight and energy to the work even while based overseas.

LinkedIn →

Related research platforms

Other places to follow our work.

Taringa Innovation and Research Platform (TRIP)

Updates about our research in the TRIP programme are captured here.

www.taringainnovation.com →

Translational Ear Physiology Laboratory

The University of Auckland research group (Department of Physiology) that hosts staff and students involved in the TRIP programme and related ear research.