Formats

Kōrero is emailed to all our clients and members, Consumer Organisations, and Community Committees on the last Thursday of every month. Kōrero is also available in the following formats:

• This webpage is available easily at http://BlindLowVision.org.nz/korero.
• January 2026 Kōrero Word document.
• Alexa: Say “Alexa, open Blind Low Vision”. Alexa will then guide you through the main menu. Then, at any point, say “Alexa, magazines”; and then “Alexa, BLVNZ Korero”.
• TIS (Telephone Information Service): Call TIS m 3 4 1. Find your local TIS number on our Library Services webpage.
• Braille: Download the BRF file of January 2025 Korero or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

Community Impact Series

Welcome to our new Community Impact series where we share key highlights from the past year. Each instalment brings together the figures, stories, and moments that show how people in our community are connecting, learning, and moving through life with support from Blind Low Vision NZ.

These aren’t just numbers – they’re real experiences. They show how many people we’ve reached, the services they’ve used, and the difference support can make day to day. Through this series, we want to celebrate those moments and reflect on what they tell us about life in our community.

As we marked Louis Braille Day on 4 January, we’re reflecting on the improvements made to support people who use Braille.

Making Braille Library services better

Braille is made of raised dots that you can feel with your fingertips. Each arrangement of dots represents a letter, number, or symbol, letting people read books, labels, and signs independently.

Over the last financial year, our Library services have been updated to make accessing Braille easier and more efficient:

• We have improved how we lend, return, and curate Braille books.
• We launched a Braille Book Giveaway to rehome donated and de-selected titles.
• We set up a new Address Shelving System for easier and more efficient storage, based on a successful model used by Vision Australia.

Behind each update is the goal of supporting your daily life, learning, and enjoyment through Braille. If you’d like to find out more about our Braille services, phone our Contact Centre team on 0800 24 33 33 or email info@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

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Noticeboard

Have your say: Client Reference Group

Blind Low Vision NZ is creating a Client Reference Group (CRG) to ensure your voice helps shape our services.

The CRG will share client experiences, influence service improvements, and work directly with staff and Board members to make a real difference. Everything will be fully accessible, and we’ll provide any support you need.

From 9 February, you will receive an email invitation to complete the Expression of Interest form. In the meantime, you can download the CRG Terms of Reference (Word doc).

For more information or if you have any questions, email CRG@BlindLowVision.org.nz or call 0800 24 33 33.

Youth Council – expressions of interest

Are you 16–30 and a Blind Low Vision NZ client? We’re forming a Youth Council, and this is your chance to help shape services, events, and opportunities that matter to young people in the Blind Low Vision community.

You could share thoughts on social activities, technology support, workshops, advocacy, and ways to connect with others.

The Council also helps us test new ideas, give feedback on projects, and make sure our work reflects what young people really need. You’ll meet other young people from across Aotearoa and be part of a supportive, fun group.

The Council will meet four times a year, with the first meeting in March 2026. We’re looking for enthusiastic young people who want to make a difference.

To express your interest, email CommunityAndInclusion@BlindLowVision.org.nz or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. We’ll get back to you with more details about what’s involved and the next steps in the coming weeks.

Total Mobility Scheme consultation: speaking up for fair access

Last month, the Government announced a cut to the Total Mobility Scheme subsidy, from 75% to 65%, starting in July 2026, along with proposed changes to the scheme. Remember, this discount only applies to the first $60 of each trip, and the amount may vary depending on the city.

The subsidy reduction was not consulted on and comes about because the governments concern about the increasing cost of providing the Total Mobility Scheme. They are consulting on ideas of how to reduce the number of trips people can take. Read more about this on the Beehive website:  Changes ensure continued access to transport subsidy for disability community | Beehive.govt.nz.

One idea is allowing ride share companies like Uber into the scheme. Many of us know how much struggle it is to get guide dogs accepted by an Uber. These changes would lead to limiting people’s independence and increasing the already existing problem of unequal access to subsidies based on where someone lives.

We support the goal of strengthening the Scheme. It does not address that some of our members use a taxi rather than public transport because of issues of dogs being refused entry, or the automated announcement system not working. It should be funded through central government, not left to local councils to fill the gaps. The scope of the Scheme for should not be determined by post-code lottery. Enable people to access their community, go to their medical appointments, and contribute to their local economy, as often as makes sense for them. A strong Total Mobility Scheme helps make this possible.

The Government is seeking consultation on these changes. Consultation material is available on the  Ministry of Transport website. Alternate formats will be released as they become available.

We encourage you to have your say. Share your feedback by 22 March to help shape a scheme that supports independence, choice, and fair access for our community.

Please submit as an individual to ensure your unique voice is counted separately; the Policy Advocacy team will make a collective submission on behalf of Blind Low Vision NZ.

Read CE Andrea Midgen’s thoughts on the proposed changes on LinkedIn. 

A Family Legacy: “I was investing in my future”

Image Description: A professional outdoor portrait of Murray, a fair-skinned man with short, strawberry-blonde hair and a warm smile. He wears a light lavender button-down dress shirt and sits at a rustic wooden table with his arms crossed. A dense, vibrant green hedge creates a soft, blurred background.

For Murray, supporting Blind Low Vision NZ isn’t just a charitable act; it’s a deeply personal commitment rooted in family history.

His connection to the cause stretches back decades to his father, a farmer who lost his vision to polio. Murray remembers growing up surrounded by the tools of independence – white canes and talking books – while watching his father be forced off the farm due to his sight loss.

“I saw the benefits my dad had,” Murray says. “It’s all about supporting organisations that have supported my family.”

Then when Murray was 10, the story became personal. A detached retina left him with only 10% vision in his right eye. It was the beginning of what he calls “half a century of eye conditions,” including cryotherapy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Recently, to protect the remaining sight in his left eye, doctors made the difficult decision to remove all sight from his right eye.

“I could foresee that I’d be on the shortlist for support,” he explains about his decision to become a Regular Giver to Blind Low Vision NZ. “I needed a means of communication and everyday life. I was investing in what could be my future.”

For Murray, Regular Giving is about ensuring that the safety net remains strong. He wants to ensure that others can access education, hands-on experience, and the same level of care he received.

What stood out most to him wasn’t just the technology, but the team’s “willingness to assist and make life easier,” specifically for people facing such life-changing circumstances.

He points out that while technology has evolved – expanding beyond the talking books his father relied on to now include apps that verbalise emails – the need for funding this technology and services still remains.

“You never know when your personal health might deteriorate,” he says. “Unless you’re exposed to it, you might not reflect on it. But these services must be funded somehow.”

Will you join Murray in investing in the future?

You don’t need to make a large donation to make a lasting difference. As Murray suggests, by contributing a monthly gift, you help ensure the safety net is always there – so that when someone’s sight changes, we are ready to help.

To set up a regular gift, please visit the Blind Low Vision NZ website’s Support Page or contact our friendly team: 0800 DONATE (0800 366 283)
SupporterCare@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

FAQ’s

Why are you asking clients to donate?

We believe in our community, and we’ve heard from many clients who want a way to give back. We’re creating clear and simple opportunities for those who are in a position to contribute and wish to do so.

Will the services I receive change if I don’t donate?

Absolutely not. Your access to our services and the quality of support you receive will never be affected by whether or not you choose to donate. Our services are here for you, unconditionally.

How will my donation be used?

Your gift will go directly toward funding the core services you know and experience every day. It will help us provide support to more people, develop new programs, and ensure we are here for our community long into the future.

Is my donation confidential?

Yes. Your decision to donate and any financial details are kept strictly confidential within our fundraising team. This information is not shared with the staff who provide your services.

How can I make a gift?

Thank you for considering it! You can become a Regular Giver, make a one-time donation, or you may want to consider leaving a gift in your Will. Contact our friendly Supporter Care team at SupporterCare@BindLowVision.org.nz or call 0800 DONATE, that’s 0800 366 283.

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Tell me about it

This is your space to share bite-sized learnings from your experiences as someone who is blind, deafblind, or has low vision. Maybe you’ve got a new gadget you’re loving, or you’re an Excel expert with great tips on accessibility features. Whatever it is, your knowledge could help someone else. Whether it’s a tech trick, a daily living hack, or anything in between, we want to hear from you! Your insights could make a big difference to others in the community.

If you’d like to submit an idea, please email Communications@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

One of our clients, Rachel, has shared her fun yet challenging experience of completing a cycle challenge with volunteer Jason, who supported her through training and achieving her goal. Together, they trained for 16 weeks, building up to rides of 150 km. On event day, they completed the full 160 km Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge in 4 hours, 56 minutes, and 43 seconds. They finished first in the tandem category and in the top 20 per cent of all riders.

Below is Rachel’s story, which reminds us how important it is to keep moving and inspires a bright, active start to the new year! If you’re interested in blind sport and leisure options, contact your local sport and leisure coordinator by calling our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 or send email to SportAndLeisure@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

From Rachel Black, Having Fun

Image description: Blind Low Vision NZ volunteer Jason and client Rachel, both wearing bike helmets, standing next to a tandem bike with a backdrop of greenery.

I had been cycling with Jason for a couple of years, really appreciating him sharing his time so that I could ride (I am sight impaired and can’t ride alone), when dropped in the middle of an email in May came the line “Lake Taupo Cycle challenge Saturday 29th November – do you have any interest in doing this?”

“WHAT!” This was my first thought. Then came, “November, that’s ages away, we can do anything by November”. Little did I know. As August approached, I dreaded this infamous 16-week training programme. Jason’s mum, Roxanne, said he’d put her through it some years back (inferring that as she still lived, so it wasn’t that bad).

Certainly, the training programme was really stretching. I was reminded regularly that I have sit bones (the bones at the bottom of your pelvis) buried there somewhere. Though I did not appreciate all the hill training, it was definitely helpful when it came to the day. I am certainly fitter now than I was.

I treated the day as a nice long ride, I would enjoy the new scenery, do my best and be happy if we finished – a good time would be an extra treat. Even though we had the e-assist, it was no picnic, but jolly hard work. Worth it though.

Despite our shirts saying we ride for fun, sometimes that is not the only goal. Sometimes it is good to set ourselves a target outside our comfort zone, to exercise discipline, and to stretch our boundaries. Then, on completion, we have a great sense of achievement, and maybe that is worth more.

Many thanks to Jason!

Surveys and Research

Blind Low Vision NZ shares research relevant to the blind, deafblind, and low vision community for information only. We are not involved in or responsible for the research. For more details or to decide whether to participate, please contact the relevant organisation.

Intopia’s Assistive Technology Survey 2025

Intopia, a research organisation focused on improving inclusion, is running the Assistive Technology (AT) Survey 2025 across Australia and New Zealand. This is the third year of the survey, exploring how people use, access and experience assistive technology. It covers everything from screen readers and mobility aids to communication tools, and identifies the barriers people face in cost, access, and design.

Who can take part

• People with a disability who use assistive technology.
• Older adults who rely on technology for independence or wellbeing.
• Support professionals, educators, and allied health staff who assist with assistive technology. Participants need to be aged 18+ and live in Australia or New Zealand.

How to take part

The survey is online, anonymous, and takes about 15–25 minutes. To take part in this survey, visit the Intopia Assistive Technology Survey website.

Key dates

Survey opens: 3 December 2025.

Survey closes: 6 February 2026.

Results released: May 2026.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jacinta Gregory, Inclusive Research Consultant, at +61 3 9977 9610 or Jacinta.Gregory@intopia.digital.

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News from the Royal New Zealand Foundation of The Blind (RNZFB) Board

Update from the Board Chair

Welcome back to 2026, I hope everyone had a relaxing summer break.

RNZFB Board of Directors meeting

The next RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Saturday 7 March 2026 in Christchurch. This meeting will be held at the Blind Low Vision NZ Christchurch office. If you would like to attend this meeting as an observer, please contact the Board Secretary BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz or phone our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

• In accordance with the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Constitution, members and members of the public are welcome to observe at RNZFB Board Meetings in person, via teleconference or online, with the permission of the Chair.

The minutes of the 21 November Board meeting are available. If you require a copy of any of our minutes, please email the Board Secretary BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz or phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. The Board meeting minutes are also available on the telephone information service, option 3, 1, 3.

Meet and Greet Event in Christchurch

The next RNZFB Board Meet and Greet event is set to take place on Saturday 7 March following the Board meeting, at the Blind Low Vision NZ Christchurch office. The session will run from 1:00pm – 3:00pm and will be followed by tea, coffee and biscuits. At the session you will be introduced to the Board Members of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind and find out more about the Board’s key priorities. You will also have an opportunity to raise any concerns or ask any questions you may have. And you will get to meet Blind Low Vision NZ’s Chief Executive Andrea Midgen.

• If you want to attend please RSVP via email to BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz or phone the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Independent Review of the RNZFB Constitution

The review of the RNZFB Constitution, led by Simpson Grierson, is in its final stages, with a recommendation paper expected at the 7 March Board meeting.

Board Appointments

The Board met for the first time after the AGM to make its various appointments. The new Board Chair is Donna McCaskill, and Deputy Chair is Anne-Marie Taggart.

The full committee appointment list is as follows, with these subcommittees electing their chairs at their first meeting:

• Audit and Risk Committee: Richard Patete, Anne Marie Taggart, Ron Scott, Chris Orr, Mr Lansink.
• Governance Committee: Judy Small, Ron Scott, Mr Lansink, Ms Taggart.
• People Committee: Anne Marie Taggart, Martine Abel-Williamson, John Billings, Richard Patete, Ms Small.
• Client Services Committee: Martine Abel-Williamson, John Billings, Chris Orr, Judy Small, Mr Lansink.
• Pearson Fund: John Billings, Chris Orr.
• BLENNZ Representative Trustee: Martine Abel-Williamson.

2026 Board Retreat

The Board begins 2026 at the end of January when it holds its annual retreat, which is set to take place in Parnell Auckland. This is a great opportunity for planning and setting work goals for the upcoming year. At this same time, the Board will have a joint strategic planning session with the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team.

Chair’s Newsletter

You can check it out at the Blind Low Vision NZ Governance webpage and on the Telephone Information Service at option 3, 1, 1.

Donna McCaskill

RNZFB Board Chair

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Job Opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ

For the latest job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ, go to the Blind Low Vision NZ Careers website or call TIS m 3 4 6.

 

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