Blind Low Vision NZ Career Network Hub

Maina Wilson-Fale

Talofa! My name is Maina Wilson-Fale, and I’m currently exploring accessibility within the Music Industry. After graduating high school in 2015, I pursued my passion by studying Live Sound at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand.

In my teens, I was diagnosed with Keratoconus – a progressive eye condition that eventually led to complete vision loss in both eyes for nearly 10 months during my early 20s. Although I did gain some vision back, I am still classed as legally blind.

Adapting to vision loss as an adult was one of the most challenging experiences I have had yet. I was out of work for about five years, navigating a myriad of health conditions.

Today, I’m proud to be a Customer Support Representative at OneMusic NZ, where I manage a fast-paced, admin-heavy role that demands focus, adaptability, and multitasking, all skills I’ve honed through both personal and professional growth.

I use a software called SuperNova and enlarged laptop keypad stickers to support my work, and I’m continually learning how to access the right tools and supports to thrive.
I am more than happy to be a sounding board or guiding light if you need support building your career!

Mark Laurent

My family has a long history with the blind community as we have a congenital eye problem, so partial vision is ‘normal to me. I’m a professional musician, songwriter, poet and author. I’ve recorded over 20 albums, worked as a recording producer (including talking books) and session musician, as well as touring New Zealand, Australia and the UK for several decades.

I have published 5 collections of poetry, an illustrated children’s book (someone else did the illustrations), and I’ve written numerous articles and reviews for New Zealand and international magazines and websites. I’ve also done some counselling work and trained as a spiritual director. I live in Auckland.

Mark Laurent’s Bandcamp page
Mark Laurent’s LinkedIn page
Mark Laurent’s YouTube channel

Sam Smith

I’m Sam Smith, a legally blind comedian, author, podcaster, and content creator living with low vision caused by Multiple Sclerosis. Losing my central vision in both eyes—and most of my peripheral vision on the left—has changed the way I move through the world, but it has also sharpened my creativity, adaptability, and humour.

I originally trained in a completely different field, completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery before going on to earn a Master of Arts in Creative Writing. While I valued those experiences, comedy and storytelling have always felt like home. Since taking that leap, I’ve built a career across television, live performance, writing, and digital media.

You may have seen me on shows like 7 Days and The Project, or cheering me on as the winner of season one of The Traitors NZ. I’m also an MC and warmup comedian for television and live events, a children’s author, and a proud producer of BLVNZ’s own podcast, ReVISION. I collaborate regularly with brands, charities, and creators across Aotearoa, helping to bring authentic disability representation into mainstream spaces.

For anyone with vision loss considering a creative career, I can’t recommend it enough. This industry values fresh ideas, honesty, and inventive problem-solving—strengths our community brings naturally.

Outside of work, I love writing and playing music, planning Disneyland adventures with my two cheeky sons, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities—including recently refereeing a celebrity football match.

F Rimoni

Maths was one of my strongest subjects at school, so a career in accounting felt like a natural fit. In 2019, while practising as an accountant, I lost my vision suddenly, resulting in total blindness. Combined with hearing loss in one ear from meningitis as a toddler, I was now classified as deafblind. In that moment, I thought my life was over.
After years of rehabilitation, soul searching and praying, I began rebuilding my life. In 2022, I secured a role as Office Finance and Administrator and later as Finance Lead at Be Institute Charitable Trust. My return to the profession was made possible by the incredibly supportive culture of the organisation and the accessibility of the ERP platform I used at work, Xero.
I am currently studying full time toward a Master of Professional Accounting at Massey University as a pathway to becoming a Chartered Accountant. Outside of study, I enjoy listening to podcasts and going for long walks.
I recommend accounting as a profession because, many organisations use ERP platforms that publicly report WCAG conformance and screen reader testing, such as Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, Xero, and TechnologyOne, creating genuine career opportunities across many professions for the blind community.

William Richardson

My name is Will and I have aniridia. Aniridia is an eye condition which reduces my long-distance vision and increases the sensitivity of my eyes to light. Although I was born with this condition, it hasn’t stopped me from doing anything in life. Completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury, majoring in international business and minoring in French also completing a semester at the University of Sheffield in the UK, is one of my greatest achievements so far.

I chose this route due to my fascination in the economy and multinational businesses. In the past, I have worked part-time as a futsal referee, swimming teacher for disabled children and as a casual labourer but my full-time career has just kicked off in December 2025 with a job as a graduate intern at Blind Low Vision NZ.

I would absolutely recommend these studies to anyone with similar interests as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at university and met some incredible people along the way. Personal hobbies of mine include playing football, going to the gym, and hanging out with my flatmates.

Anthony McPhail

I have had low vision my whole life, which first became more noticeable in primary school. The condition is retinal cone-rod dystrophy, and it has progressed slowly over time. Today I use a white cane and other adaptive technology.

After high school, I went to Auckland University, where I completed my Bachelor of Arts in History. Not really sure what I wanted to do for a career, I chose subjects that interested me. After university, I spent a couple of years working in a clothing manufacturing factory before deciding I needed a different path. I then took a job as an administrator for Southern Society, the largest health insurer in NZ, on a 12 month fixed term contract – 30 years later I’m still there!

My career at Southern Cross has taken me from frontline roles to executive leadership, including 14 years as Chief Operating Officer. Working at the intersection of health and financial services has made for an interesting and dynamic industry to be part of. I’m currently CEO of Southern Cross Pet Insurance.

Dan Shepherd

Dan sits on the Executive Leadership Team and has provided authentic, lived experience leadership across the organisation since 2019.. Following roles in Client Services, Awareness and Accessibility, Dan brings his experience working with Blind Low Vision NZ to lead a renewed focus on how communities can lead change and remove access barriers for people who are blind, deafblind or low vision as General Manager Community and Inclusion.

Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at the age of 15, Dan adds a client voice to the Executive Leadership Team at Blind Low Vision NZ, which is key to our connection to cause – our clients and members.

Driven by his passion for social inclusion and barrier-free choice for others in their communities, he aims to influence change and accessible participation in the community through relationships with communities and engagement with key stakeholders.

Sarah Mitchell

Hello, I am Sarah, and I have lived with low vision my entire life, having been born at 27 weeks which resulted in a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity. This left me with no sight in my right eye and approximately 10% usable sight in my left eye.

After completing mainstream high school I obtained a bachelors of Business Studies, majoring in Industrial Relations and Human Resources. As a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience in employee and employer advocacy, recruitment, diversity and inclusion, professional development, facilitation, mentoring and career development, I believe every individual can reach their potential through a strengths-based approach, removing barriers and encouraging collaborative solutions across society and business.

My career began as a Labour Inspector with the Department of Labour before relocating to Hong Kong, where I spent a decade working for PricewaterhouseCoopers as an Operations and HR Manager. After I came back to New Zealand in 2013, I joined Be. Accessible. I co-designed the Be. Employed Internship Programme This programme has supported hundreds of employment placements for disabled people. Since March 2022, I have led the Employment and Youth Pathways Programme at Blind Low Vision NZ, developing initiatives that create sustainable employment outcomes for blind and low vision job seekers, along with educating business on the benefits of employing a truly diverse workforce.
In my spare time, I love to travel and spend time with friends, family, and my mischievous Pomapoo, Sebby.

My lack of vision in many ways has been my guiding light and super power, it has never stopped me from achieving my goals, I am so lucky to love what I do and would encourage everyone to follow their dreams.

Maria Williams

I have been connected to Blind Low Vision NZ my entire life, born with limited vision and eventually losing all sight in my early thirties. My experience of vision loss has shaped who I am, resourceful, adaptable, and always willing to find creative solutions. I completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in psychology, which strengthened my understanding of people and the different ways we navigate the world.

After accessing a range of Blind Low Vision NZ services, including mobility training, guide dog support and the 10-week Adaptive Technology course, I was offered a teaching role that became my first step into the workforce. A few years later, I moved into an Employment Consultant position at Blind Low Vision NZ, where I found real purpose in supporting others to achieve their training and employment goals.

I then joined Work and Income as a Disability Advisor, promoting the strengths and capabilities of disabled people and encouraging employers to recognise this often overlooked talent pool. My role also involved contributing to policy and service improvements at a national level.

Most of my career since has centred on service delivery, including time at Corrections designing and delivering programmes in both community and prison settings. I now work at the Regional Council in public transport, bringing the lived experience of an access customer to help shape more inclusive services.

Outside of work, I love running and ocean swimming. I’ve represented New Zealand in para-athletics and triathlon—achievements made possible through great support, good organisation, and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Neve Billing

My name is Nevé, I lost my vision when I was five years old due to a condition that caused damage to my optic nerve. I now have low vision.

I got my Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management in 2024. I had studied and worked in a few different fields before and this seemed like a great choice for me because I love working with people and it is a degree that lends itself to many roles. While studying, I got involved with tertiary student disability advocacy groups and had the incredible opportunity to be on the executive team for the National Disabled Students’ Association. I now work for Blind Low Vision NZ as the Community Awareness Lead.

Working for a not-for-profit organisation is incredibly rewarding and I am so glad I chose this path for my career. Especially getting to work for an organisation that has supported me throughout my life. I would highly recommend working in the disability sector as it is incredibly rewarding and provides you the opportunity to make a huge difference and important change in the world.

Outside of my job, I love to read, play video games, and I have recently gotten back into acting! Getting back into theatre has been especially great.

Riley Hovell-Allomes

I have Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, Nystagmus, and Astigmatism, as well as ADHD and being on the Autism spectrum. My eye condition has been present since birth, though I wasn’t diagnosed until age four. Growing up, my parents treated me the same as my sighted siblings. I spent my childhood racing BMX, driving go-karts on the farm, and climbing anything I could.

School presented challenges due to my vision, but I had a strong support system that taught me to use assistive technology and advocate for my needs. These skills proved invaluable during COVID lockdowns, allowing me to stay ahead of my peers in accessing online work. Today, they help me navigate various operating systems and programs at work with confidence.

My dream was to become a police dog handler or youth aid officer, but those around me helped me accept that my vision made this unrealistic. After high school, I joined the BLENNZ transition program, where I learned essential life skills like flatting, orientation and mobility and interpersonal skills. I then began studying at the University of Auckland. I’m close to completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Māori Studies, Criminology and Community Services in Youth Development.

While on the supported living benefit, I volunteered with several community organisations in the youth and recreation space. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get into paid work who needs more experience or is struggling to get into the paid workforce.

After applying for 324 paid jobs over eight months, I finally landed an interview for the BLVNZ graduate intern role. I started in November 2025 and am loving it! I’m still studying, but with fewer papers to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Don McLaren

I was born in Timaru and attended Homai College while at primary school and through to secondary school.

Beginning my career in telecommunications and moving into marketing and business development, I gained national and international marketing and business development experience in telecommunications and later in the tertiary sector here in New Zealand, Australia, and Asia.

My education journey began in 1987 when I moved to Wellington for NZ Post Office at the time, and my final degree was awarded to me in 2014. All my tertiary study has been completed part time while working full time. I have used online delivery for all of qualifications and include two Master’s degrees and a Doctorate.

I divide my career into two parts, the first 20 years was in telecommunications finishing in international business development and the second part tutoring in the tertiary sector. I have held roles such as Project Director, Head of Business Faculty, CEO, and consultant. My current roles are Tutor and Consultant.

I liked the telecommunications industry because I am a curious person by nature, and the tertiary sector because I love teaching. I believe every person must find their own pathway and don’t be afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.

Elicia Pirina

Kia ora, My name is Elicia Pirini, and I have been a primary school teacher for 37 years. I first wore glasses as a child due to myopia, but in my late forties my vision declined further. After referral from my optometrist, specialists at Auckland Eye Clinic diagnosed a rare degenerative genetic condition caused by a novel mutation. Because I lack the gene that produces an enzyme needed to clear toxins in the eye, my retina has gradually deteriorated around the macula, leaving me with very low central vision.

As a result, I can no longer drive and struggle with reading and other tasks that require detailed vision. At the time of my diagnosis, I was still teaching and worked with my principal to review how my vision loss affected the Standards for the Teaching Profession. With support from the Blind Foundation and NZEI, we identified student health and safety as the main area of concern. Technology became essential for completing daily teaching tasks and we secured funding for a support person three days a week to assist with duties such as playground supervision and road patrol.

I have continued teaching for nearly ten years after my diagnosis. Now 65 and retiring from full-time work, I will continue teaching one day a week in 2026 with support. I hope my journey encourages others with vision challenges who are considering teaching as a career to follow their dreams.

Outside of work, I love reading, exploring new places.

Tomasi Macedru

I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa early in my teenage years in Fiji.

I focused my studies through high school in wanting to become a pilot. After passing the academic tests for the New Zealand Air Force in 1984, I was told that my sight was going to deteriorate and I therefore cannot be a part of that industry. I dropped out of high school quite dejected and demoralized and spent the next ten years working from milking cows to pruning and planting trees for the forestry.

In 1997, I went back to University and studied for a bachelor of Education graduating in 2000.

I have been a school teacher now for 26 years. Teaching has become a great passion of mine and I recommend it highly to anyone who would like to explore it. Students are very understanding about sight impairment disabilities these days and if they know that you genuinely value them, they will do their best to help you along.
Apart from teaching, I had been a musician, I was a surfer, (taught guitars and surfing to able and disabled students), a support person for the blind foundation. I have done some cross country triathlons with a full sighted partner.

I have also had other health issues with my heart, surviving three heart attacks along the way. I have used all these experiences to teach and help others understand the strengths of their minds to overcome their physical and mental issues.
Stay positive and optimistic.

Catherine Boyle

I’m Catherine, I’m 27, and I live with Stargardt’s disease. A hereditary eye condition that affects my central vision. I first noticed changes when I was 18 and while my sight has gradually declined, it has shaped rather than limited my life. As my vision has begun to affect my day-to-day work more recently, I’ve learned to adapt in creative ways and have been lucky to work in environments that truly value accessibility and inclusion.

After high school, I completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences. I’ve always been motivated by the idea of helping people and making a positive impact and public health felt like the perfect place to do that. I love the way it looks at the bigger picture, at systems, structures and the social factors that influence wellbeing and the possibility of contributing to change at a community or national level. I’m currently a Senior Project Manager and have previously worked in contract management and advisory roles in both New Zealand and the UK.

For anyone with low vision considering a similar path, I’d absolutely recommend the health sector. It’s a field built on understanding people’s diverse needs, which often means flexible and empathetic workplaces. I’ve always felt supported to advocate for what I need and the range of roles from policy to research, project management to community engagement, means there’s space to find what works best for your strengths.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me outdoors, treasure hunting in op shops, or tracking down new cafés to try.

Sally Britnell

I’m Sally, a Deafblind nurse, academic, health informaticist, researcher, and long-time disability advocate. My lived experience with complex eye conditions—including retinopathy of prematurity, multiple retinal detachments, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular and retinal atrophy—shapes the way I work and how I
contribute to national and international policy. I also experience significant hearing loss, with fluctuating vision due to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and currently have around 5–10 degrees of usable sight in part of one eye.

My path into nursing wasn’t straightforward. Discouraged from the profession at school, I first worked and travelled overseas before studying Recreation Management. That experience proved I could succeed academically, and at 22 I was accepted into university as an adult student. I completed a Bachelor of Health Scienc (Nursing) and worked across a range of clinical areas, later adding study in Paramedicine, Computer Science, and Emergency Nursing.

As my vision changed, I shifted from emergency settings into Infection Control, and eventually into teaching. While lecturing in Nursing at AUT, I discovered a passion for digital health, where design, technology, and human experience intersect. This led me to begin a PhD in Computer Science (Health Informatics), driven by a desire to improve systems and tools that impact care.

Today, I’m a Senior Lecturer in Nursing, working across organisations and volunteering in advocacy roles. Outside work, I love animals, crafts, audiobooks, and creating accessible content, often featuring my guide dog, Priya, who tends to steal the spotlight.

Bijay

Greetings, I was born and raised in Nepal. I learned early on that my journey would be different. I live with retinal dystrophy, a condition diagnosed in my teens that gradually reduced my vision over the years. While I have light perception and can see large objects in bright light, my vision challenges never defined my potential. Instead, they shaped my strength. After graduating in Project Management, I chose to pursue Tuina Chinese Massage, a therapeutic skill that allows me to help others while building an independent and meaningful career. I wanted not just a job, but a purpose. Through dedication and continuous learning, I turned what many might see as a limitation into motivation. Every day, when my clients leave feeling relieved from pain and stress, I am reminded that ability is not measured by eyesight, but by insight, compassion, and determination. Helping others heal gives my life direction and fulfillment. If you find joy in improving the well-being of others, this career can be very rewarding. Outside of my work, I love being surrounded by the music. Currently I am working as a Tuina Chinese Massage Practitioner under massage industry.

Jamie Seo

Kia ora, my name is Jamie and I am originally from South Korea. I live with Retinitis Pigmentosa RP, which has left me heavily relying on one eye, with reduced peripheral vision, poor depth perception, and significant night blindness. I studied a Bachelor of Media and Screen Studies in New Zealand at the University of Auckland.
I work for Blind Low Vision NZ, New Zealand’s largest charity supporting people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to a community I am part of and make a difference for people whose experiences I understand.

Writing scripts for short films, TV shows, and commercial ads has always been one of my passions, and I now apply that storytelling experience every day in my communications and marketing work to connect with audiences and share meaningful messages. I believe it is really important for people like us to work in marketing and communications. Every company and organisation needs accessible content, and being in this field means I can help design and test content for accessibility. Using computers is central to my work, and by setting up my environment to suit my vision, I have been able to work efficiently and confidently.

Outside of work, I am a busy mum. I love taking my child to the playground and other activities, enjoying stories and TV shows with audio description, listening to K-pop, and having a good coffee. These little joys remind me that life can still be full and hopeful, and that you can keep learning, growing, and enjoying the journey!

Simran Singh

I have a vision condition called Stargardt, which affects my central vision but hasn’t stopped me from chasing the things I care about.

Right now, I’m studying a Bachelor of Arts at AUT, majoring in Education with a minor in Creative Writing. I’ve always been passionate about how people learn and how stories shape our understanding of the world, so this path just felt right. I’m also hoping to study further; there’s so much more I want to learn and contribute.

I’d recommend this direction to anyone curious about people, learning, and communication. Low vision doesn’t need to be a barrier in these fields; your lived experience actually adds something powerful.

Outside of study, I love writing, music, and spending time in nature. There’s no one-size-fits-all future, and it’s okay to take your time figuring things out. I’m here to share my story, hoping it might help someone else see what’s possible.

Rae Shardlow

My name is Rae and I’ve been a client of Blind Low Vision NZ since I was 10 years old.

My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Writing Studies and Film, TV and Media studies from The University of Auckland. I then went on to study a Graduate Diploma in Publishing (Applied) at Whitireia in Wellington. I always knew I wanted to do something to do with writing or books and I was fortunate to find the right opportunities at the right time in terms of study and jobs.

Fresh out of my postgrad study, I was successful in securing a place on Blind Low Vision NZ’s Graduate Internship Programme. I worked in the Communications Team and went on to do an external placement at a publishing house.

My advice for people considering a similar route is to be proactive in getting your support needs met and just enjoy opportunities as they come up.

Sara Coysh

Hi, I’m Sara. I’ve lived in Auckland my whole life. I was born with retinitis pigmentosa and currently have low vision. I’ve spent the past four years building my career in recruitment and currently work as a Recruitment and Allocations Consultant. My experience of disability shapes how I approach my work and drives my commitment to a more fair and inclusive workforce across Aotearoa. My background in psychology has been a huge asset, helping me understand people, navigate complex situations, and bring more insight into my work.

Recruitment is a people-focused field, and with improvements in screen-reading technology, it’s become increasingly accessible. While some tasks still involve visual elements, much of my role centres on communication—connecting with employers and candidates, and evaluating applications from multiple perspectives.

Outside of work, I enjoy a lively social life, a mix of board and video games, and caring for my collection of pets. Hard work has helped me reach personal goals, like buying my first home, which has opened the door to more travel and hobbies.

Anthony Lew

My name is Anthony Lew, I’m a businessman and live in Wellington. I studied finance and commercial law at Victoria University before working in the corporate world in my early career.

I founded a tech company in 2000 and spent the rest of my working life in IT, software development and the print industry. With some hard work, good management and a little luck, I expanded my business into Australia, the US and UK employing over 50 staff.

While I do have Retinitis Pigmentosa, with symptoms since birth, I have worked hard to be defined by who I am, what I do and achieve, rather than just an eye condition. It continues to progressively deteriorate but I do have a little vision, especially on sunny days. 😊

IT is a fantastic option for someone with low vision. It’s a great leveler and there’s so much accessible and adaptive tech these days that you sometimes forget about the broken eyes!

Being successful in business has set me and my family, up for life. It’s meant that I can pull back a little and get some balance in life. I still do some consulting work but have re-trained as a trauma counsellor helping lots of people through some difficult times.

My philosophy, for what it’s worth, is that you can be all boo hoo about the cards you’ve been dealt or you can get out and make your own fun. Having low vision does mean things are harder and some things are frustrating but so what. I’m an advocate for starting your own business. It’s a harder route to take but you get to make the rules, however, it’s all on you with no one paying your salary each month.

The best advice I can offer is that you need to find a product or service that people need. Fill that need and work hard and you will do well.

Alix Coysh

Dr Alix is an early-career Research Fellow in Genetics at the University of Auckland and has been a Blind Low Vision NZ client since her teens. She lives with Retinitis Pigmentosa, having experienced rapid vision loss from low vision in adolescence to functional blindness in her twenties. She now has light perception with some crude shape and motion detection. While RP has shaped her resilience, it has never limited her ambitions.

After high school, Alix completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, then a Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and PhD in Biomedical Science. Motivated by her own inherited vision loss, she focused on cancer genetics and bioinformatics to better understand how genetic conditions develop and how this knowledge can guide treatment.
Alix’s research now centres on developing gene therapies for inherited retinal conditions, aiming to stabilise and potentially restore vision. She also analyses whole-genome sequencing data from New Zealand patients with inherited eye diseases to identify the genetic changes causing their condition. She strongly recommends computational science as a career pathway for blind and low vision individuals, as the work is accessible with screen readers and rewarding in its impact.

Outside of work, Alix cherishes time with friends and family and is rarely seen without her guide dog Onyx or her Maltepoo, Teddy. She enjoys learning new skills such as knitting, cooking, AI, Spanish and guitar, and finds balance through running, music, audiobooks, podcasts and relaxing in her spa. She also loves travelling and spending time outdoors, including hiking, camping, swimming and fishing. Alix encourages blind and low vision individuals to think big and pursue their aspirations in every part of life.

Alex Ferizis

I never thought of myself as disabled, but joining Blind Low Vision NZ has helped me speak more openly about the vision challenges that have shaped my life. I was born premature at 28 weeks in 1970s Canada, and while my parents focused on my “weak lungs,” my real struggle was eyesight (as well as hearing loss for which I have worn hearing aids all my life). Throughout school I had to ask teachers to sit at the front of the class or closer to computer screens when I had to. My eyesight stayed mostly stable, despite a retinal detachment in my early 20s and cataract surgery in my 30s due to glaucoma (and eye drops daily since then).

I loved reading and writing but pursued engineering and construction as fields of study, building a career mostly in office-based roles where I can control my environment with larger screens and fonts. My career took me from Canada to Greece, the UK, the Middle East and finally to New Zealand in 2013 for the post-earthquake rebuild of Christchurch, which is now home. I have worked for government organisations, multinational engineering firm and construction contractors on some of the largest infrastructure projects in the country (as well as some projects in Australia), now in a senior role in Project Controls (a branch of project management) where I support project managers deliver work on time and within budget.

In my early 50s I’m actually re-evaluating my path, finding relief in being upfront about my vision and hearing, and trying to balance work with family life, socialising with our circle of friends, and staying active as an amateur runner and even trying not to feel too self-conscious as a recent newcomer to Toastmasters, to hone my public speaking skills.

Priya Rajapriya

I am Priya. Losing part of my sight changed the way I see the world, but it never stopped me from chasing my dreams. At first, life felt uncertain, but over time, I learned that vision is not just about what our eyes see, it’s about what our hearts believe.

I have always loved technology and problem solving, so I decided to follow my passion and completed a New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design in 2025, building on my earlier background in Electronics and Communication Engineering. During my internship at Enform NZ Ltd, I discovered how much I enjoyed creating accessible and inclusive websites—ones that everyone, including people using assistive technologies like screen readers, could use with ease. That experience helped me realise that accessibility isn’t just a design feature but also it’s a way of empowering others.

To anyone living with low vision, I want to say: live your life without limitations. Nothing can stop your dreams and goals. With belief and persistence, you can shape your own path.

James Carrick

Kia ora, I’m James Carrick. I live with Choroideremia, a rare genetic condition that has left me with only a few degrees of useful vision — yet it’s given me a broader way of seeing life.

At school, my interests were books and maths, but I didn’t begin university until after my diagnosis. That turning point led me to psychology, and it quickly became a passion. I completed my Bachelor’s at the University of Waikato and my Honours at the University of Auckland. I am currently preparing a proposal for a Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University in Auckland. Psychology gave me both meaning and direction, it was, quite literally, a eureka moment.

I’d recommend psychology to anyone with curiosity about people and the world around them. Low vision teaches you that life is rarely black and white, and psychology helps make sense of that complexity.

Beyond study and community work, I’m an avid runner and tandem cyclist. I hold several community-focused roles, including with Achilles New Zealand, Retina NZ, and My Life My Voice, all of which keep me connected to people and purpose.

Maria Williams

I have been connected to Blind Low Vision NZ my entire life, born with limited vision and eventually losing all sight in my early thirties. My experience of vision loss has shaped who I am, resourceful, adaptable, and always willing to find creative solutions. I completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in psychology, which strengthened my understanding of people and the different ways we navigate the world.

After accessing a range of Blind Low Vision NZ services, including mobility training, guide dog support and the 10-week Adaptive Technology course, I was offered a teaching role that became my first step into the workforce. A few years later, I moved into an Employment Consultant position at Blind Low Vision NZ, where I found real purpose in supporting others to achieve their training and employment goals.

I then joined Work and Income as a Disability Advisor, promoting the strengths and capabilities of disabled people and encouraging employers to recognise this often overlooked talent pool. My role also involved contributing to policy and service improvements at a national level.

Most of my career since has centred on service delivery, including time at Corrections designing and delivering programmes in both community and prison settings. I now work at the Regional Council in public transport, bringing the lived experience of an access customer to help shape more inclusive services.

Outside of work, I love running and ocean swimming. I’ve represented New Zealand in para-athletics and triathlon—achievements made possible through great support, good organisation, and a willingness to take on new challenges.