Announcement of new RNZFB Board Chair and Deputy Chair

Donna McCaskill has been elected Chair of the Board of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, following the Board in-committee meeting held yesterday, 3 December 2025.

Donna was elected to the Board in November 2020. She worked for almost 20 years with Blind Low Vision NZ before standing for the Board. She currently works within the disability sector for a pan-disability social enterprise as a direct line manager and advocate for a team of people with sensory, physical, cognitive and intellectual disabilities. She has studied psychology, sociology, human service, social science and physical sport/recreation – her personal belief, that physical activity is a great support tool for people with disabilities. She is a founding member of the blind youth support network, SEYFF and also chaired Blind Sport New Zealand.

Message from Donna: “The RNZFB Board is in a great position to strategically focus on our organisations future, and I look forward to working with my Board colleagues and the Blind Low Vision NZ staff to continue growing a sustainable organisation for our current and future membership.”

The outgoing Chair, Clive Lansink, was appointed Chair of the Board in November 2022 and has served three years in that role.

Message from outgoing Chair, Clive Lansink: “I have had the privilege to serve as Chair of the RNZFB Board since 2022. Over this time, I have witnessed exciting progress and developments at Blind Low Vision NZ in the way we approach accessibility and inclusion, driven by the passion and commitment of staff and the blind and low vision community. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident that with Donna McCaskill’s leadership, Blind Low Vision NZ will continue to empower people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision to live the life they choose. Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey.”

Anne-Marie Taggart was appointed as Deputy Chair. She began on the Board in 2022 and was re-elected in 2024.

Message from Anne-Marie: “I am honoured that my colleagues on the Board have entrusted me with this responsibility. I look forward to supporting our new Chair over the coming year in continuing to provide services to clients and members.”