Governance
Blind Low Vision NZ is a member-led organisation governed by our members. These are people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision who have chosen to be part of the governance of the organisation.
RNZFB Constitution
We were established under the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002. In January 2012, Blind Low Vision NZ registered as an incorporated society under section 8 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 and the name of the society became ‘The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Incorporated’.
When the RNZFB became an Incorporated Society in 2012 fulfilling the requirements of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002, that Act became redundant. On 25 August 2016, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Repeal Bill was passed in the House of Representatives. The Bill received royal assent on 29 August 2016 and has become the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act Repeal Act 2016.
Our clients who meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Constitution can become members of the incorporated society and can elect the Board of Directors.
The Blind Low Vision NZ Board and Executive Leadership Team meet regularly to discuss items and action points on the Business Plan and the strategic direction of the organisation. The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Inc’s Constitution explains what it means to be a Blind Low Vision NZ client or member, and the role and duties of our Board. You can download this document, including the Plain English version, in a variety of formats from the dropdown list below.
Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002 Repeal
On 25 August 2016, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Repeal Bill was passed in the House of Representatives. The Bill received royal assent on 29 August 2016 and has become the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act Repeal Act 2016.
This is an important milestone in our history. When the RNZFB became an Incorporated Society in 2012 fulfilling the requirements of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act 2002, that Act became redundant. The Honourable Nicky Wagner supported a Private Members’ Bill to take the repeal through the parliamentary process.
The Sovereign (The Queen, represented in New Zealand by the Governor-General) forms part of Parliament but is separate from the House. It is the Sovereign’s role to sign a bill into law by giving it the Royal Assent. Assent is given on the advice of the Prime Minister (or the most senior Minister available) and the Attorney-General. Thus, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Act Repeal Act 2016 came into being on 29 August 2016.
RNZFB Constitution 2024
Board of Directors
Blind Low Vision NZ Board of Directors focuses on governance and strategic issues such as our purpose and direction.
Executive Leadership Team
Blind Low Vision NZ’s Executive Leadership Team is responsible for making major decisions that impact and affect Blind Low Vision NZ.
Annual Reports
View our most up-to-date reports or browse the archive for previous years.
Service Review Report
Blind Low Vision NZ is committed to delivering high quality services to our blind, deafblind, and low vision clients, assisting them in living the lives they choose. To ensure that we are delivering excellence in all we do, the Board and Management had Synergia Consulting complete a brief, high level independent review of the experience of clients using our services. You can read the Executive Summary here.
The full report is available on request from the Board Secretary boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz
Executive Summary
RNZFB Board Elections
Visit the RNZFB Elections website or our Board Elections 2024 webpage for the latest updates.
If you would like more information about Board elections, becoming a director, the Constitution or the voting process or timeline, please contact the Returning Officer boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.
Special Meeting of Members
At its March meeting, the RNZFB Board approved a number of constitutional changes to be presented to its members for discussion, consultation, and voting in October and November.
The changes being proposed relate to:
- a simplified approach to directors remuneration;
- a diversity clause;
- dispute management; and
- various administrative matters.
To read more about the proposal and the proposed changes, visit the Governance page on our website, the RNZFB elections website, TIS menu 315, or download a Word version of the documents listed below:
- Notice of Explanation re Proposal to amend the RNZFB rules 2024 (Word doc).
- Director Fees Summary Report (Word doc).
If you would like more information about Board elections, the Constitution or the voting process or timeline, please contact the Returning Officer by email to boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.
RNZFB Board Meeting Dates 2025
- Saturday 1 March 2025: Gisborne.
- Saturday 3 May 2025: Whangarei.
- Saturday 5 July 2025: Dunedin.
- Saturday 20 September 2025: Auckland.
- Friday 21 November 2025: Wellington.
- Wednesday 3 December 2025: Board only In-Committee Meeting via Zoom.
In accordance with the RNZFB Constitution, anyone is welcome to observe at RNZFB Board Meetings in person, online or by phone. If you wish to observe at a RNZFB Board Meeting, please ensure you email the Board Secretary at least five days before the date of the meeting.