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.

 

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 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 voting members elect our 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 voting member, and the role and duties of our Board. You can download this document below.

 

 

RNZFB Constitution 2020

Select...

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

The dates of the 2024 RNZFB Board meetings are:

  • Monday 22 January

Full Board meeting, Auckland (1:30pm-4:30pm)

  • Saturday 2 March

Full Board meeting, Nelson.

  • Wednesday 3 April

Board meeting via Zoom (6pm-9pm).

  • Saturday 4 May

Full Board meeting, Palmerston North.

  • Wednesday 29 May

Board meeting via Zoom (6pm-9pm).

  • Saturday 6 July

Full Board meeting, Hamilton.

  • Wednesday 7 August

Board meeting via Zoom (6pm-9pm).

  • Saturday 14 September

Full Board meeting, Wellington.

  • Wednesday 16 October

Board meeting via Zoom (6pm-9pm).

  • Friday 15 November

Full Board meeting, South Auckland.

  • Saturday 16 November

RNZFB Annual General Meeting, South Auckland.

  • Wednesday 4 December

Board meeting via Zoom (6pm-9pm)

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.

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.

Private Bill to Repeal the RNZFB Act