Kia ora koutou,
Here is the latest update from the RNZFB Board. In this newsletter, I want to share some of the key things we discussed at our Board meeting in Tauranga on 4 July, along with what we heard from local members, clients and staff.
We began the public meeting with karakia and the whakatauki, “You take that handle of the basket, and I will take this one.” It is a simple but powerful reminder that the load is easier to carry when we share it.
That idea really reflects how the Board wants to work: alongside members, clients, staff, volunteers, consumer organisations and the wider community. Everyone brings different experience and knowledge, and we make better decisions when those voices are part of the conversation.
We began the public meeting with karakia and the whakatauki, “You take that handle of the basket, and I will take this one.” It is a simple but powerful reminder that the load is easier to carry when we share it.
That idea really reflects how the Board wants to work: alongside members, clients, staff, volunteers, consumer organisations and the wider community. Everyone brings different experience and knowledge, and we make better decisions when those voices are part of the conversation.
Tauranga visit
A big thank you to the Tauranga team for welcoming us so warmly. Before the Board meeting, directors visited the office, met staff and took part in a health and safety tour.
A big thank you to the Tauranga team for welcoming us so warmly. Before the Board meeting, directors visited the office, met staff and took part in a health and safety tour.
One strong theme was access to equipment. People told us they would like more chances to see, handle and try equipment before making decisions about what to buy. This included everyday items, braille displays and newer technology such as smart glasses. We also heard that people want clearer information about what is available and where to go for advice.
Management and the Client Services Committee will look at these points in more detail. The discussion was a good reminder of why meeting people face to face matters. It helps the Board connect what we read in reports with the real experiences of members and clients.
Mayor of Tauranga
We were pleased to welcome Mahé Drysdale, Mayor of Tauranga, to the open Board meeting. He spoke with us about the Council’s work to make Tauranga more inclusive and accessible.
The conversation covered accessible parks, trails, beaches and public spaces, as well as the Tauranga Access Map, the TrailRider at Mauao and accessibility in the new civic precinct, library and community facilities.
Directors emphasised how important it is for councils and other decision makers to hear directly from disabled people. We also talked about the need for arts, cultural and sporting facilities to be accessible. The Mayor encouraged people to make submissions, work with accessibility groups, contact councillors and write to him directly when issues need attention.
Constitution review and member consultation
The Board continued its work on the independent review of the RNZFB Constitution. One of the big topics is the current Board election model, including declining voter participation and low member engagement.
The Board has agreed to consult members and stakeholders on the current fully elected model and on possible alternatives. One option is a Board Appointments Panel, which would assess candidates against agreed skills, experience and perspectives. Appointments would still need to be approved by members at the AGM.
The consultation material will explain the options and the Board’s preferred approach, but no final decision has been made. Member feedback and legal advice will both be considered before the Board decides whether to recommend any constitutional change.
Any change to the Constitution would still need member approval. I strongly encourage members to read the consultation information, ask questions and share their views. This is your chance to help shape any proposal before a formal constitutional vote.
Board elections
The 2026 Board election process is also about to begin. An online candidate information session is planned for Monday 24 August. Nominations will open on 28 August and close on 25 September.
Client Reference Group
There has been good progress on setting up the Client Reference Group, and seven members have now been appointed.
The group will give the Board strategic advice about client services: what is working well, what needs to improve and how services can better fit people’s everyday lives.
Advocacy and accessibility
The Board received an update on the organisation’s advocacy work. Current priorities include the review of the Dog Control Act, the Total Mobility Scheme, the Disability Support Services Bill, and accessibility issues involving Jetstar and Uber.
More than 500 clients took part in the recent Total Mobility day of action by sharing their views with Ministers. That was a strong response and showed what our community can do when people speak up together.
The policy and advocacy team is also developing a longer-term approach so Blind Low Vision NZ can engage earlier, before government and public positions become fixed. The Board thanked the team for creating opportunities for blind, deafblind and low vision people to be heard.
Youth engagement
Work is underway with the Contact Centre to reconnect with more young people and strengthen their involvement with Blind Low Vision NZ.
A group of BLENNZ transition students recently visited the Parnell office. It was a positive visit, and the students were keen to learn more about the services available.
The visit also showed that some young people are not yet aware of the support Blind Low Vision NZ can provide. The Board supports continuing to work with BLENNZ so students and their families have clearer information about what is available.
The Youth Mentoring Programme is also underway with BLENNZ transition and residential students. All students have been matched with mentors, and almost all mentoring relationships have now started.
Client services and technology
The Client Services Committee is focusing on service quality, how we measure the difference services make, and how clients can be more involved in decisions about how services are designed and delivered.
The Board was pleased to hear about new professional leadership roles in orientation and mobility, daily living skills and adaptive technology. These roles will help strengthen practice and support consistent, high-quality services across the country.
A review of emotional support services is also planned. It will look at how support is currently provided, how it connects with rehabilitation and other services, and what the service should look like in the future.
Technology, including artificial intelligence, continues to change the way people access information and support. The organisation needs to be ready to use new technology safely and well, while still providing the specialist skills and human support people need.
BookLink has now been retired, and clients have moved to other technology options. A small number of braille users still need individual support, and staff are helping them through that transition.
Staff safety
Lone worker safety was also discussed after the Board’s visit to the Tauranga office. De-escalation training is being provided, safety procedures are in place, and suitable lone worker alarm options are still being explored.
Redress work
Further work is underway as the RNZFB Board considers the proposed redress framework, including how it could work in practice and how the Redress Group can support the next steps.
The Board acknowledges the significant contribution of the Redress Group and remains committed to working through this matter carefully, respectfully and transparently.
Planning for the year ahead
The Board approved the budget and operational plan for the 2026/27 financial year. These set out the work planned for the year ahead and the resources needed to deliver it.
The Board also discussed long-term financial sustainability, including how changing client needs, new technology and the wider environment may affect services in the future.
How the Board is working
The Board is now using a consent agenda. This groups reports that are for noting, so we can deal with them efficiently and spend more time on the strategic issues that need discussion.
The Board is also continuing to strengthen its own professional development. Areas of focus include governance capability, technology, artificial intelligence and governance in the not-for-profit sector.
Looking ahead
The next RNZFB Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday 19 September 2026. Most open Board meetings can be observed by members and clients.
The Board has also approved its 2027 meeting schedule, with meetings planned in Hamilton, Whanganui, Napier, Nelson and Auckland.
For more information about Board meetings, the Constitution consultation or Board elections, please contact the Board Secretary at boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.
Thank you again to the Tauranga staff, local members and clients who welcomed us and shared their experiences. Thank you also to staff, volunteers, donors, consumer organisations and community partners across Aotearoa for everything you continue to contribute.
The Board remains focused on listening, working together and governing in a way that supports blind, deafblind and low vision people to live the lives they choose.
Ngā mihi nui,
Donna McCaskill
Chair, RNZFB Board
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