Kōrero: June 2026

Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi.

As the old net is laid aside, the new net goes fishing.

This whakataukī reminds us that change is a natural part of life. As the world around you changes, new opportunities, ideas, and ways of doing things can emerge. It encourages us to value the knowledge and experiences that have brought us this far while remaining open to new possibilities. By learning, adapting, and looking ahead, we can continue to grow and make the most of what the future may bring.

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.
June 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 June 2026 Korero or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

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Message from Andrea

Kia ora koutou,

Earlier this month, I was reminded of the power of community and collective action when people across Aotearoa came together for a National Day of Action to oppose proposed changes to the Total Mobility Scheme.

For many people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, Total Mobility is more than a transport subsidy. It helps people get to work, attend medical appointments, visit family and friends, volunteer, take part in hobbies, and stay connected to their communities. It plays an important role in helping people participate in everyday life.

The strong response from our community highlighted just how important this support is. When people share their stories and experiences, they help decision-makers understand the real-world impact that policy changes can have. Every email sent, phone call made, conversation held, and story shared contributes to a stronger collective voice.

Thank you to everyone who took part, supported the campaign, or helped spread the word. Together, we are showing that accessible and affordable transport matters, and that everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in their community.

Ngā mihi
Andrea

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Community Impact Series

Welcome back 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.

A Big Shout Out to Our Volunteers

June was a month of celebration as Blind Low Vision NZ joined organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand in recognising volunteers through The Big Shout Out, National Volunteer Week, and the United Nations International Year of Volunteers 2026 (IVY 2026).

Volunteers play a vital role in communities throughout New Zealand, generously sharing their time, skills, experience, and care to support others. At Blind Low Vision NZ, volunteers are a valued part of our community and make an important contribution to our clients, services, staff, and wider mission.

In the past year, close to 1,400 volunteers generously gave over 1 million hours of their time to Blind Low Vision NZ, the equivalent of more than 500 full-time roles. This incredible contribution significantly enhanced our ability to deliver services to clients across Aotearoa.

Every day, volunteers help make independence, inclusion, connection, and belonging possible for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. They support clients directly, assist behind the scenes, support guide dogs, lead community groups, bank collection box funds, advocate for change, and contribute in countless other ways.

Throughout June, volunteers were recognised and celebrated across the organisation. Local volunteer recognition events and gestures were held around the country, volunteer stories were shared on our website, socials and LinkedIn, and our volunteer community received a Big Shout Out in newspapers across the motu.

This year’s celebrations carried extra significance as 2026 marks the International Year of Volunteers. The global initiative recognises the important role volunteers play in creating stronger, more connected, and inclusive communities.

The impact of volunteering continues to be felt both nationally and globally. More than 53 percent of New Zealanders volunteer in some form, while more than one billion volunteers contribute their time and talents worldwide.

At Blind Low Vision NZ, we see the impact of volunteering every day. Volunteers bring friendship, encouragement, practical support, lived experience, and a sense of community to the people they support. Their contribution helps create opportunities for confidence, participation, independence, and connection.

To every Blind Low Vision NZ volunteer, thank you.

Your contribution matters, and the difference you make is felt by clients, whānau, staff, and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. We could not do what we do without you.

For anyone who would like to learn more about volunteering or get involved, you can contact us at Volunteer@BlindLowVision.org.nz or call 0800 24 33 33.

For the full Community Impact Report, available in a variety of formats, visit the Blind Low Vision NZ website’s Annual Reports page.

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Upcoming events

Auckland Youth Group gathering – 27 June

Are you aged between 18 and 30 and looking to connect with other young people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision?

The new Blind Low Vision NZ Youth Group is a space created by youth, for youth. Whether you want to share experiences, discover new technology and life hacks, study alongside others, make music, or simply meet people who understand your journey, this group is for you.

The Youth Group is all about connection, community, and having fun together in a welcoming and supportive environment. Friends and whānau are welcome too.

Please note that the location for this event has changed. Our first gathering will now take place at the new Blind Low Vision NZ Community Hub in Parnell.

Date: Saturday 27 June.
Time: 12 pm to 2 pm.
Location: Blind Low Vision NZ Community Hub, 2 Maunsell Road, Parnell.

The group plans to meet on the last Saturday of each month, making this a great opportunity to get involved from the very beginning.

To RSVP or find out more, email Riley at CommunityAndInclusion@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Work Ready Webinar: Exploring the Blind Low Vision NZ Graduate Programme

Are you finishing your studies or have you recently graduated? If so, you might be wondering what comes next.

Join us for our July Work Ready Webinar to learn about the Blind Low Vision NZ Graduate Programme and how it can help you build confidence as you take your next step into employment.

This fully funded, 12-month programme is designed to help participants gain valuable professional experience, develop workplace skills, expand their networks, and work towards meaningful, long-term employment.

During the webinar, you’ll learn:

What the Graduate Programme includes and how it works
Who is eligible and how to apply
Real examples of how the programme has supported participants
Answers to your questions during a live Q and A session

We’ll also be joined by current Blind Low Vision NZ interns, who will share their experiences and talk about how the programme has supported their professional growth.

Date: Tuesday 14 July 2026.

Time: 9 am.

Join the Work Ready Webinar live on Zoom

Whether you’re preparing to enter the workforce for the first time or exploring your next career opportunity, this webinar is a great chance to learn more about the support available to you. If you can’t attend, recordings of previous webinars are available on the Blind Low Vision NZ website, so you can listen at a time that suits you.

Consumer Organisation AGM and Conferences

Across the next two years, several consumer organisations will be holding their AGMs and conferences around Aotearoa. These events are a great way to stay informed, connect with others, and take part in important conversations within the blind, deafblind, and low vision community.

We’ve pulled together the key dates so you can plan ahead and get involved if you wish.

Deafblind Association NZ Conference in January 2028 (tentative).
Deafblind Association NZ AGM on 16 August 2026 venue either Auckland or Wellington.
Retina NZ AGM on Saturday 6 September from 10 am to 4 pm at Blind Low Vision NZ Wellington Office, 121 Adelaide Road, Wellington.
Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference on Friday 9 October at Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill starting at 9:00am concluding after the Conference Dinner on Saturday 10 October.
PVI Conference and AGM on Saturday 31 October to Monday 2 November in Hamilton.

If you have any questions about any of these events, please contact the relevant event organiser directly.

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Policy and Advocacy update

Total Mobility Scheme Day of Action

On Wednesday 10 June, Blind Low Vision NZ lead a National Day of Action for the Total Mobility scheme. We estimate that over 300 people called and emailed the Minister for Disability Issues, Louise Upston, and shared their thoughts on the upcoming subsidy reduction and further proposed changes to the scheme.

The changes to Total Mobility will affect a large proportion of the blind, deafblind and low vision community. For many people, driving is not an option. Combined with the lack of public transport in many parts of the country and the challenges of accessing transport services where they do exist, Total Mobility plays a vital role in people’s lives.

The Minister replied to the emails sent, stating that while they intend to continue with the subsidy reduction, no decisions have been made yet regarding the other proposals to cut costs. We’re hopeful that this action will have signalled to this Government, as well as the other parties, how serious of an issue this is to the blind, deafblind and low vision community. Especially in an election year, it is important that all parties know what will make an impact in their constituents’ lives.

Keep Your Total Mobility Card with You

A friendly reminder to all Total Mobility users: do not leave your Total Mobility card with a taxi driver between trips. We have heard a few stories recently of drivers holding on to Total Mobility cards and using them for non-card holder trips.

Your Total Mobility card is issued to you personally and should always remain in your possession. For example, Auckland Transport’s Total Mobility Conditions of Use specifically state: “Do not leave your Total Mobility AT HOP card with the driver.” The card should only be swiped at the beginning (and sometimes the end) of your journey before being returned to you.

Keeping your card with you helps protect your personal information, prevents unauthorised use, and reduces the risk of the card being lost or misplaced. Across New Zealand, Total Mobility cards are intended to be used only by the registered cardholder, and misuse can affect a person’s eligibility for the scheme.

Before leaving a taxi, make it a habit to check that you have your Total Mobility card, along with any other belongings. If your card is lost, stolen, or used by someone else, contact your local Total Mobility provider as soon as possible.

Your card is your key to accessing the Total Mobility scheme so please keep it safe and keep it with you!

Possible fraud usage for the Total Mobility scheme

To report concerns about the misuse or fraudulent activity regarding the Total Mobility scheme, people can report this to their local transport authority.

There are various transport authorities connected to councils across the country, there is Auckland Transport, Metlink for Wellington, and Ecan, who look after the Canterbury region.

For Auckland Transport, anyone with concerns about the use of the Total Mobility scheme should email the Total Mobility inbox at TotalMobility@at.govt.nz. This email is connected to the Auckland Transport Integrity & Compliance team (Risk & Assurance). They lead investigations into integrity matters such as allegations of fraud, corruption, unethical behaviour, misuse of Auckland Transport funds and other wrongdoing, including in the Total Mobility scheme. They work on a confidential basis and can provide anonymity where appropriate. They can also be contacted directly via Investigations@at.govt.nz.

Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) can also be contacted about allegations of TM scheme misuse. This is part of AT’s independent whistleblower service regarding integrity concerns which is managed by PwC.

You can contact them by phone 0800 287 376 or email AT.report@pwc.com.

The main difference is that anything that is reported through the whistleblowing hotline goes to the Auckland Transport Risk and Assurance Team, rather than staff involved with Total Mobility, for assessment in the first instance.

It is probably best to contact the corresponding local transport authority first, and if the concerns are not taken seriously or do not feel safe, then contacting the PwC integrity concerns channel would be the next step.

We know this is a lot of information, so if you have any queries, please contact the Policy Advocacy team at PA@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Gold Cards to be made into photo ID

The Government recently announced something that will be a big win for many in our community. The Gold Card is going to be accepted by all institutions as a form of ID.

The Gold Cards will be updated to have a person’s photo on them, so they can be used as photo ID. This is expected to happen from October 2028 and will be free of charge for Gold Card holders. This is a big win for those who are blind, deafblind or have low vision and over the age of 65.

For years Blind Low Vision NZ and others have campaigned hard for those who don’t have a driver’s licence to have an accepted form of ID. Not having ID is a barrier to everyday tasks, such as opening a bank account or enrolling in education.

Changes to the Trust Framework, a system that allows the Department of Internal Affairs to digitally verify information, is being worked so that those under 65 will also have an accepted form of ID. Once these changes are in place, people who do not have a driver’s licence will have access to an accepted form of identification, removing a barrier that many have faced for years.

Blind Low Vision NZ knows that our clients, volunteers, staff, and community have continually lobbied and conversed with decision makers to bring about this change. Every conversation we have builds the story of why change is needed, but also why it matters. If you’d like to share your experiences or raise an advocacy issue, we’d love to hear from you at PA@BlindLowVison.org.nz.

Access in Focus – Policy and Advocacy newsletter

Want to know about policy changes that will affect you without having to sift through the entire Kōrero to find them? Our Access in Focus newsletter gives clear updates on the policy and advocacy work we are doing across Blind Low Vision NZ. We share what’s happening in government, as well as what we are working on, why it matters for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, and how these changes can improve access and inclusion.

We also offer simple ways for you to get involved, including opportunities to share your views and help shape our advocacy work.

You can sign up to receive the Access in Focus newsletter through the registration form on this webpage.

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Community Bulletin

Equipment Demonstration Days

Equipment Demonstration Days are a chance to explore a range of assistive technology and equipment designed to support daily living, independence, and access to information. You can try products, ask questions, and talk with staff about what may work best for your needs.

We’re delighted to have the Guide Dog Services team joining us at these events. If you’re interested in learning more about our Guide Dog Services, this will be a great opportunity to meet the team and find out more about the work they do.

The Invercargill Equipment Demonstration Day, held on 3 June, was the final demonstration day for FY26 and a great success, with more than 50 members attending.

Looking ahead, the team will host Equipment Demonstration Days in Napier, Auckland, Tīmaru, and Gisborne over the next 12 months. More information will be shared closer to each event, and local clients will also receive email invitations.

Upcoming Demonstration Days

Napier – 27 August 2026.
Parnell, Central Auckland – 5 November 2026.
Homai, South Auckland – 18 November 2026
Timaru – 17 March 2027.
Gisborne – 25 May 2027.

At the five events above, you’ll be able to explore equipment available through the Vision Store, see products demonstrated, and speak with staff about solutions to support everyday living. These sessions will place a particular focus on Adaptive Daily Living equipment, with the same range of products showcased at each location.

For our Auckland events, representatives from Macular Degeneration New Zealand will also be attending and hosting an information stand. Feel free to stop by to chat with the team, ask questions, and learn more about the support and resources they offer. As Auckland is the only region with more than one Blind Low Vision NZ office, we will be hosting two events across the area to make the sessions more accessible to members.

If you have any questions, please contact our Equipment team Equipment.Orders@BlindLowVision.org.nz or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Voting in the 2026 General Election

The 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November.

Following electoral law changes, enrolment will now close before advance voting starts. That means people cannot enrol and vote at the same time.

How you can vote using the telephone dictation service

If you’re blind, partially blind or have a physical disability that means you can’t mark your voting papers without help, you can vote using the telephone dictation service.

You need to register to use this service, even if you’ve used it at previous elections.

For voters who qualify to use the telephone dictation service the key dates for the 2026 general election are:

Sunday 4 October 2026 – Writ Day.
Sunday 25 October 2026 – Enrolment closes at midnight.
Monday 5 October 2026 – Telephone dictation service opens for registrations. (0900-1900).
Wednesday 21 October 2026 – Telephone dictation service opens for voting. (0900-1900).
Saturday 7 November 2026 – At noon (NZ time) telephone dictation service closes for registrations.
Saturday 7 November 2026 – At 1900 (NZ time) telephone dictation service closes for voting.

If you enrol by 4 October, your name will be on the printed electoral roll and you can receive an EasyVote card, which makes voting easier.
If you’re eligible to vote, the last day to enrol is midnight, Sunday 25 October.

The Commission is undertaking a nationwide information and education programme including community engagement to let you know when to enrol, and how to do it.

To enrol, check or update your details, visit vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.

New children’s book series by a blind author in NZ

We are pleased to share Bella Buttercup, a new children’s book series from New Zealand inspired by real life. Bella Buttercup is a collection of four heartwarming picture books for young children. The stories explore themes of nature, community, resilience, and inclusion in a gentle and engaging way that is easy for children to follow.

The series is written by Carrot Peelings and illustrated by Pansy Potter. Both names are pseudonyms used by a blind author and a partially sighted artist. The books reflect lived experience and highlight how people of all abilities can work together, support one another, and strengthen their communities.

The illustrations use a colourful, bold cut-out style that adds warmth and energy to each story. This strong visual approach helps bring the characters and adventures to life in a way that young readers can enjoy and connect with.

The stories are inspired by real events, including Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and the impact it had on communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. In the author’s experience, children in the neighbourhood helped rebuild a garden after the cyclone. That kindness became the inspiration for these stories, which gently introduce young children to natural events while focusing on care, teamwork, and community spirit.

Bella Buttercup is available now in paperback as a four-book series. If you would like to order a copy, please contact BringDownTheBarriers@gmail.com or
phone 027 204 9590.

1 Million Names in Braille – Country of the Month: Chile

This month at 1 Million Names in Braille HQ, the country of the month is Chile. If you know one of the 19.9 million people in this South American nation who may like to receive their name in Braille for free, email their name and address to Julie@ThatBlindWoman.co.nz.

253 names were written in May, taking the 1 Million Names in Braille total to 41,501. Names have now been sent to 75 countries around the world!

You’re welcome to request your own name, or the name of family or friends, at any time throughout the year, even if they’re not from the country of the month. Let’s help spread the power of Braille and connect more people around the world through dots.

For any questions, contact Julie Woods on 021 913 513 or email Julie@ThatBlindWoman.co.nz.

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Noticeboard

A quiet invitation

This is a quiet invitation, on your terms.

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Redress Group is made up of people with lived experience, working alongside the Board to help shape redress work and ensure people are heard.

They are here to listen, without judgement or pressure.

If and when you feel ready, you are welcome to connect.

Search RNZFB Redress Group on Google to visit the RNZFB Redress Group page on the Blind Low Vision NZ website, or call 0800 24 33 33 to connect with someone from the RNZFB Redress Group.

If you’d like an individually-tailored, safe way to tell your story, or help recovering records, we recommend the government Survivor experience Service. Its funding has just been extended until June 2028. They will help you relate your experiences, which can then be attached to any application for a claim against abuse.

Website: SurvivorExperiences.govt.nz.

Telephone weekdays: 0800 456 090 between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

Text: 8328.

Email: contact@SurvivorExperiences.govt.nz or records2@SurvivorExperiences.govt.nz for help with records queries.

Tune into this week’s accessible TV programmes

How to access Audio Descriptions: In general, Audio Description (AD) can be switched on or off by pressing the AD button on a TV Remote Control. However, some TVs have a different label on the remote button, and others require AD to be switched on or off via the menu.

You’ll find listings of audio described programmes for this week on the Able website or via TIS Menu 6607.

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Thumbs Up

BrailleAudio is now available to full Blind Low Vision NZ members

BrailleAudio is an online Christian resource library available through BrailleAudio.org and is a ministry of Spoken Word Ministries. BrailleAudio (BA) provides materials in both Daisy-Audio and other data formats.

Blind Low Vision NZ members can access and download books, Bible studies, and teaching materials free of charge. The library currently offers more than 1,500 audio titles and is continuing to expand its collection of resources that can be used with Braille displays and notetakers.

BrailleAudio also includes easy to use navigation features, making it simpler to find and access the materials you want.

To be eligible for this service, you must be a full member. If you are unsure of your membership status, please call the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Discover New Possibilities with the Blind Low Vision NZ Career Network

Have you ever wondered what career paths other people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision have taken?

The Career Network is a new online resource designed to help you explore different career options, hear real stories, and connect with people who are working across a wide range of industries.

The network showcases people with lived experience of sight loss who are pursuing careers in fields such as business, technology, education, healthcare, the arts, and many others. By sharing their journeys, challenges, and successes, they offer valuable insights into what is possible and how they have navigated their own career paths.

Whether you are a student thinking about future employment, considering a career change, or simply curious about different industries, the Careers Network can provide ideas, inspiration, and practical advice.

We are also looking for more people to join the network and share their stories. If you are working, studying, volunteering, or building a career in any field, your experiences could help inspire and guide others within the blind and low vision community.

You can explore the Career Network on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.

If you would like to learn more about contributing your own profile and story, email CommunityAndInclusion@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

MSD Training and Support Funds Programme

The Ministry of Social Development offers Support Funds to help people with disabilities or health conditions get either Job Support or Training Support, depending on what you need help with. Support Funds can help with the additional costs incurred as a direct consequence of disability or health condition, when undertaking the same employment or training as a person without a disability or health condition.

There are two types of Support Funds:

Job Support helps meet disability costs when in employment or self-employment.
Training Support helps meet disability costs when participating in work related training, or tertiary education.

To be eligible for Support Funds, you must meet MSD’s eligibility criteria (outlined on the Support Funds web page and application forms linked below), plus have a disability or health condition that has lasted or is likely to last longer than six months.

To apply for Support Funds, you need to complete either a Training Support Application (PDF) or Job Support Application (PDF) and send it, with supporting documentation to Support_Funds@msd.govt.nz. If the PDF forms are troublesome to fill out on your own, please call the MSD Job and Training Support Fund number 0800 551 001 so they can help you out.

Telefriend: Here to Support You

Telefriend offers empathetic, non-judgmental, and confidential peer support for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, as well as their caregivers, family, and friends. Whether you need guidance or just want a friendly chat, we’re here to help.

Call us at 0800 100 051, from 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. If you call outside these hours, leave a message – we will return your call. Connect with a Telefriend today by dialling 0800 100 051.

Pearson Fund: Winter wellness starts at home

Shorter days and longer nights can make everyday tasks feel a little harder in winter.

The Pearson Fund is here to support eligible members with the cost of equipment that helps you stay active and independent. Winter is a good time to check what support is available!

You can learn more about the Pearson Fund and how to apply on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.

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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.

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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.

Shape the Future of the NZ Relay Service

Your voice matters in shaping the future of the NZ Relay Service.

Blind Low Vision NZ raised concerns with government about the consultation process, as many key stakeholders were not advised or alerted to it. This is an important issue for our community, and it sits at the heart of our advocacy.

We continue to stand firmly behind the principle of “nothing about us without us”. People who are affected by decisions should have a clear and meaningful voice in shaping them.

The letter sent to Minister Goldsmith from Andrea Midgen, our Chief Executive, was also discussed during a recent government committee meeting.

We will always encourage genuine community consultation with people who are impacted by government policies, so lived experience helps shape better outcomes.

Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment is committed to ensuring the NZ Relay Service continues to meet the needs of the Deaf and Deafblind, as well as people with hearing loss or speech impediments. We invite you to share your feedback on the service. Your input is highly valued.

There are several ways to participate:

Take the survey
Join a focus group
Schedule an interview
Make a submission

You can take part with the right support, and we can make adaptations to help you join in, please email RelayConsultation@mbie.govt.nz or text 021 084 15035. If you would like more information, please visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website for more information.

An NZSL promotional video is available on YouTube. Download the Braille file to learn more about the NZ relay service.

Have your say on access to cash services

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua is seeking feedback on a proposal to help people keep access to cash services in their local communities. This includes cash withdrawals, deposits, and exchanging cash for smaller notes and coins, free of charge and close to where people live.

The consultation paper and survey are available in alternative formats. You can access the Keeping Cash Local consultation paper and survey in alternative formats through the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua website.

If you have any questions, please phone 04 472 2029 or email RBNZ-Info@Rbnz.govt.nz.

New consultation on improving disability support services

A new government consultation on Disability Support Services (DSS) has opened. This is not the same as the DSS Bill consultation currently going through Parliament. The Bill is about changes to the law, while this consultation is about how services work in everyday life.

The consultation is open from 8 June to 31 July. It asks disabled people, carers, and whānau for ideas on how to improve support.

Topics include making supports more flexible, improving planning when people’s situations change, clearer information, easier ways to give feedback, and better respite options for carers.

Taking part is one way to share what works, what does not, and what could be better in the future. Feedback will help shape changes to services and support for carers.

Consultation period: 8 June to 31 July 2026
Find out more and take part at the Disability Support Services Have your say page. If you have any questions about this consultation, please contact Disability Support Services at Info@DisabilitySupport.govt.nz.

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

Update from the Board Chair

Chair’s Newsletter

RNZFB Board Chair

The latest Chair’s newsletter is now available, with a lot more detail on Board decisions and activities from our 9 May meeting. You can check it out on the Blind Low Vision NZ Governance webpage, and on the Telephone Information Service at option 3, 1, 1.

Spotlights on some recent highlights include:

Client Reference Group

The Client Reference Group has been appointed, with eight client members representing a range of ages, locations, skills and service experiences. The group will provide another way for clients and members to contribute to the development and monitoring of services, helping bring lived experience closer to the decisions that affect services.

Technology

Technology support remains an important issue for members and clients, and the Board noted that this work is connected to the broader Client Services change process. Assistive technology and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence continue to be a strategic area of interest because of their role in supporting independence, access, employment, communication, and participation for blind, deafblind, and low vision people.

Roaming Dogs

Roaming and uncontrolled dogs remain a serious safety concern for guide dog handlers, clients, staff, volunteers and the wider community. Blind Low Vision NZ is working to better map incidents, identify hotspots, strengthen safety training, and continue advocacy with councils and through the upcoming Dog Control Act review. Members are encouraged to report incidents, as this evidence is important for supporting change.

RNZFB Board of Directors meeting in Tauranga

The next RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Saturday 4 July 2026 in Tauranga. If you would like to attend this meeting as an observer, please contact the Board Secretary BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz or phone the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

In accordance with the RNZFB 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 9 May 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 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 Tauranga

The next RNZFB Board Meet and Greet event is set to take place after the RNZFB Board meeting on Saturday 4 July in Tauranga, in the Hall at The Historic Village. The session will run from 12:30pm to 2:30pm 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.

RNZFB Board Elections 2026

Board elections will take place later this year, and only registered voting members are eligible to vote. Last year, more members chose to receive information by email and vote online. The new online voting platform was well used, and members gave positive feedback about its accessibility. Voting online and receiving information by email offer a more cost effective and efficient way to take part in the election.

If you would like more information about Board elections, becoming a director, the Constitution or the voting process or timeline, please contact the Returning Officer BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz or phone the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Key dates to pencil in your diaries:

28 August: Call for nominations for director dispatched.
25 September: Nominations for director close.
28 September: Announcement of Candidates standing in 2026 elections.
16 October: Voting papers and Notice of AGM sent to members.
13 November: Closing date of ballot for directors.
21 November: Annual General Meeting in Dunedin. Announcement of new Directors and retirement of outgoing Directors.

Information Day for Candidates

Note the change of date! The Board will hold a Candidates Information Evening on Monday 24 August for those interested in standing in this year’s Board Elections. If you are interested in standing for the Board and you would like to attend this event, please RSVP via email to BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz or contact the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Chair’s Award

The Chair’s Award is presented each year at the AGM. The award is for a blind, deafblind or low vision client who has demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement in any field of endeavours. The award comprises a trophy to be held for one year, a framed certificate, and $1,000.

Now is the time to start thinking if you have someone in mind who would be a worthy recipient, please provide your nomination with supporting information to the Board Secretary at BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz or by phoning 0800 24 33 33.

Independent Review of the RNZFB Constitution

To request a copy of the Simpson Grierson report, please phone the contact centre on 0800 24 33 33 or by emailing the Board Secretary at BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Donna McCaskill

RNZFB Board Chair

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