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Kōrero: March 2025

He waka eke noa.

A canoe which we are all in with no exception.

This whakataukī has several meanings, one of which is “a waka we are all in together” – we are all in this together – we rise together, fall together, work together, keep going together.

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, available easily at blindlowvision.org.nz/korero.
  • Korero 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 March 2025 Korero or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

A Message from …

This month’s message is a little different! Normally, you would hear from Andrea, our Chief Executive, but as we are writing this, she is out visiting our Dunedin office and connecting with people there. In her place, the Contact Centre team is excited to step in and share a little update with you.

Kia ora from your friendly Contact Centre team – Ivan, Gary, Marilyn, Kay, and Karina!

We are here to help, whether you have a question, need a hand, or just want to chat about what support is available. You might be looking for help around the house, wanting to get the most out of your technology, or keen to dive into an exciting audiobook—whatever it is, we’re happy to assist (and you might be surprised at what we can do for you!).

You can reach us in a way that works best for you:

Don’t be a stranger—we’d love to hear from you!

Thumbs up

Vision Australia Product Demonstration Days

Have you been looking for products that could support your daily life and help with the challenges you face? If you’ve only been imagining how these products work, now is your chance to experience them firsthand!

Due to the popular demand from last year, we are excited to announce that Vision Australia, in collaboration with BLVNZ Equipment Solutions, will be hosting product demonstration sessions across New Zealand. This is a great opportunity for you to explore Vision Australia’s range of products. This time, the demonstrations will be held at four locations: Dunedin, Nelson, Tauranga, and Hamilton.

Event Locations and Dates

Dunedin

Blind Low Vision Dunedin Office, 458 Hillside Road, Caversham, South Dunedin.
Date: 14th April 2025.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Nelson

Greenmeadows Community Centre, Cnr of Main Road Stoke and Songer Street, Tui Hall.
Date: 15th April 2025.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Tauranga

The Historic Village, 17th Ave West, Tauranga South.
Date: 16th April 2025.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Hamilton

Blind Low Vision Hamilton Office, 15 Liverpool Street, Hamilton.
Date: 17th April 2025.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Event Schedule

9.30am to 10am: Sarah Selvadurai, the Product Manager at Vision Australia, will present a selection of some of the more popular products.
10am to 12pm: Hands on experience with equipment
12pm: Event finishes

To secure your spot, please email shop@blindlowvision.org.nz or call 0800 24 33 33 with your name, surname, member number (if available), and the region you’re booking for by 7 April. Due to limited capacity, we encourage early booking to avoid missing out. For further details on our products, be sure to explore the Vision Store website.

Ask Me Anything – Anonymous form

Got a question or something on your mind? Our Ask Me Anything initiative is your chance to engage with the Board, Executive Leadership Team, and staff. Submit your question anonymously or leave your details for a direct response – it’s quick and easy!

Access the Ask Me Anything form via Microsoft Forms.

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.

Sight Unseen – Audio described documentary web series

Sight Unseen, a groundbreaking five-part web series amplifying the voices of young people who are blind or have low vision, launched at the D* List in Kingsland, Auckland on 26 February.

From Blind Low Vision NZ, Head of Communications Adi Kundalkar, Campaigns Organiser Isabelle Cohen, and Communications Advisor Michaela Futter attended, connecting with cast, crew, and familiar faces from the community. Able Board member Thomas Bryan highlighted the power of audio description (AD) with a vivid food analogy, reminding us how bland media is without AD. Dan Buckingham and Sheldene Seth from Able also thanked everyone who helped bring Sight Unseen to life. Their message? “Make the visual verbal.”

With open audio description always on, host Ari Kerssens dives into the unique experiences of five young people—Thomas Coysh, Roman Parahi, Maretta Brown, Riley James Hovell-Allomes, and Ivy Wickens. Spoiler: there’s no single way to experience blindness or low vision.

Episode 1 premiered on 26 February, with a new episode dropping daily for five days. Catch the series on Able’s Instagram and Able’s TikTok (@able_nz).

Noticeboard

Policy and Advocacy Website Updates

We have recently updated our policy and advocacy information on our Blind Low Vision NZ website to give you a clearer view of what we do and offer you the tools for self-advocacy. These updates are made to increase transparency about our work and empower you to make a positive impact.

Check out the new content, available in the About Us section of the website.

Here, you will find an overview of what the Policy and Advocacy team does, the changes we hope to achieve, how we plan to get there, and a short overview of some of the “Advocacy in Action” wins already achieved.

You can learn about our three current campaigns and sign up to become a changemaker in the Support Us section. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our new Policy Advocacy newsletter, Access in Focus.

We have also updated our Self-Advocacy page under the Resources section. This guide helps you navigate difficult conversations and stand up for yourself, with links to helpful resources and organisations.

Lastly, we have added a new Contact Details for Central and Local Government page. It is a one-stop guide to help you easily find contact information for central and local government agencies.

Access Barrier Register now on our website

We want to hear about your lived experience!

You can now use the Access Barrier Register to give feedback about access barriers encountered both at Blind Low Vision NZ and within the community. The Register form is available directly and via our Contact Us webpage.

The Access All Areas team will review your feedback at their next monthly meeting, consider possible solutions, and may invite you to get involved in the process.

Community access barriers you report will be tracked by the Policy and Advocacy Team. Your feedback helps us identify key issues, trends, allowing us to campaign for better policies and practices that promote accessibility and inclusion for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, leading to real improvements in their daily lives.

If you have any questions or would like to share your feedback, please feel free to email the Policy and Advocacy team at PA@blindlowvision.org.nz or call 0800 24 33 33.

Join the Telefriend Team Peer Support for the Blind Low Vision NZ Community

Telefriend is a peer support service connecting Blind Low Vision NZ members for friendly, meaningful conversations. Run by trained volunteers who also have lived experience of vision loss, Telefriend offers social connection and support over the phone.

The service consists of the 0800 100 051 phone service, available weekdays 1-4pm, and regular care calls with members who are isolated and have difficulty calling in.

Now, we are expanding! We are looking for new Telefriend volunteers in Auckland and Christchurch to join our Wellington-based team. As a volunteer, you will:

  • Make weekly care calls to members.
  • Take part in a roster to manage 0800 calls.
  • Provide a warm, understanding space for people to share their experiences.

Telefriend team members come from diverse backgrounds and bring their personal experiences with vision loss to the role. As a team member, you will be in a positive emotional space with your own journey and ready to contribute. You will be non-judgmental, supportive, understanding, and have a passion for helping others.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Volunteers must be based in Auckland or Christchurch and be able to attend monthly, in-person meetings.

Interested? Email Jenni Willson jwillson@blindlowvision.org.nz with a bit about yourself and why you would be a great fit.

Shortlisted applicants will go through a vetting process, including a police check, followed by peer support training.

Together, let’s build a stronger, more connected community!

Upcoming events

Auckland: Experience the ANZAC Dawn Service with Audio Description

ANZAC Day is a time for us to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in wars, especially those who fought at Gallipoli. Every year, on 25 April, we remember those who have given up so much for New Zealand and Australia.

An audio description of the ANZAC Dawn Service will be provided for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, ensuring a full experience of this important event.

Date: Friday, 25 April 2025.
Time: 4:45am – 7am.
Location: Auckland Domain (in front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum).

Booking is essential and must be submitted by 4pm on Tuesday, 22 April 2025.

When booking, please provide the following information:

  • Name, address, email, and mobile number.
  • Number of headsets required.
  • Whether you need a sighted guide.

To book, or for any questions, please email scheduling@audiodescribedaotearoa.co.nz, or text/call Nicola at 021 035 8513.

We are pleased to share this opportunity so that everyone can participate in this important day of remembrance.

If you need a guide, please meet outside Birthcare, 20 Titoki Street, Parnell, Auckland 1052, at 4:45am. Attendees will then move as a group to the Auckland Museum underground car park at 5am. From there, you will be guided to your assigned spot near the cenotaph area at 5:15am.

Palmerston North: Accessible Performance of School of Rock

Act Three Productions is bringing the iconic School of Rock, based on the hit movie, to the stage for an accessible performance on Saturday 26 April at the Regent on Broadway in Palmerston North!

This high-energy musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping band ready to take on the Battle of the Bands! Can Dewey teach them to rock before the headmistress finds out? Featuring a sensational live kids’ rock band and 40 talented school children from across the Manawatū, School of Rock offers an action-packed, family-friendly theatre experience that showcases the transformative power of music.

The performance is accessible to all, with Audio Description, NZ Sign Language, and a Touch tour for audio description users.

  • Audio Description by Audio Described Aotearoa
  • NZ Sign Language by Platform Interpreting NZ
  • Touch tour for audio description users at 12:30 pm

Showtime: 2:00 pm (Doors open at 1:30 pm.
Approximate run time: 3 hours, including a 20-minute interval).
Accessibility Tickets: Adults $38.50, Children $28.50.
To book, call 06 355 0499 or email admin@actthree.co.nz.

Palmerston North City Council Companion Card holders can enjoy a free companion ticket with their accessible booking!

Work Ready Webinar Series – Technology for Work and Study 8 April 2025

Work Ready Webinars are here to support you in your employment journey! Hosted by Sarah Mitchell, Head of Employment and Youth Pathways, these professional development sessions are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive at work or in study. These monthly webinars will run until October, with a new session every month.

The upcoming webinar on 8 April, in partnership with the Adaptive Communications and Assistive Technology (ACATS) team, will focus on how the right technology can make a big difference in your success at work and study.

What’s covered?

  • Simple accessibility features on iPhone and Android
  • Mainstream and assistive technology options
  • How to get the most out of your technology assessment
  • Funding options available
  • Using online training tutorials, ACATS services, and the ACATS help desk.

Join us on Tuesday, 8 April at 10:00 AM and take a step toward becoming tech-savvy in 2025! Click to join the Work Ready Webinar: Technology for Work and Study via Zoom.

For more resources, previous Work Ready Webinar recordings are also available on the Blind Low Vision NZ website for you to access anytime.

Community Bulletin

Blind Spot – A chat with Blind Low Vision NZ Chief Executive

This month on Blind Spot, host Carolyn Weston catches up with our Chief Executive, Andrea Midgen for a relaxed and insightful chat.

Andrea shares a bit about her background, what the past year has been like in her role, and what’s coming up for Blind Low Vision NZ over the next 12 months. It’s a great listen if you are curious about the work we are doing and what’s next.

Listen to Carolyn Weston’s interview with Andrea Midgen via Access Media.

ReVision Podcast – What is a Sound Artist?

In the latest episode of the ReVision podcast, Sam sits down with Ari Kerssens, host of Able NZ’s new web series Sight Unseen, which showcases the magic of Audio Description.

Sam first met Ari at the series premiere and instantly connected over art, comedy, and life. That conversation led to this episode, where they dive into Ari’s fascinating world of sound artistry—something Sam admits they hadn’t encountered before!

Check out this ReVision podcast episode about Sight Unseen and the power of Audio Description.

Online and Social Media Safety Survey by All Is For All – closing soon

Last year, it was identified that young disabled people, including those who are blind or have low vision, often face challenges in understanding how to safely navigate the internet and social media. This gap affects not only young disabled people but also their support networks, including family, making the digital space potentially risky.

With support from Internet NZ, resources have been developed to help the community better understand online safety. Last year, a pilot workshop introduced young disabled people to online safety and content creation.

Now, a short survey is being offered to gather feedback from young disabled people, their family, and support workers. The aim is to understand experiences navigating online spaces and gather insights on the types of training and learning opportunities that would be most helpful in supporting online safety.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your support is much appreciated! Take the Online Safety and Social Media Survey by All Is For All on the Survey Monkey website.

Please note, the survey will close on 31 March. For any questions or feedback, please contact Natalie Robinson at natalie@allisforall.com.

Watch the Digital and Information Systems Webinar – Access Matters Aotearoa

Access Matters Aotearoa recently hosted a webinar focusing on the need for accessible digital systems in New Zealand. It explored the barriers faced by the disability community and discussed how adopting better standards can help make digital platforms more accessible. The event included insights from experts and government representatives on improving digital systems to create a more inclusive society.

Watch the full recording and access the transcript via Access Matters Aotearoa.

The Blind History Lady: Did I Break the Mirror?

The Blind History Lady shares the inspiring and often surprising stories of blind people throughout history.

For over three decades, Peggy Chong, a US-based historian, has been collecting stories, articles, books, and more about the lives of blind individuals. Over the past ten years, she has carefully analysed and re-researched these stories, uncovering rich, often forgotten histories. These stories are eye-opening and inspiring for everyone, revealing the incredible impact people who have low or no vision have had in shaping the world around them without most people ever realising it.

Peggy introduces you to the story – Did I Break the Mirror? (Word doc). Charlton Harris’s story is one of determination, ingenuity, and a deep love for music. As a blind music teacher in the early 1900s, she defied expectations, proving that talent and passion could overcome barriers. She mastered both braille and print music, developed innovative teaching methods, and inspired countless students along the way. Far from being limited by her blindness, she carved out a space in the world of music education, showing that with creativity and perseverance, anything is possible.

To learn more about Peggy’s work or to sign up for her email list, contact her at theblindhistorylady@gmail.com.

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.

Listings of audio described programmes for this week on the Able website.

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

RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting

The Board last met in Gisborne on 1 March. The draft minutes of that meeting are now available. If you require a copy of any of these 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 menu 3, 1, 3.

The 2025 Board meeting dates have been published on the BLVNZ Governance webpage.

Meet and Greet Event

We held a very successful meet and greet event on Friday 28 February in Gisborne. The event provided a valuable opportunity for members, clients and volunteers in the region to interact, and for the Board to gain insights into the concerns and perspectives of BLVNZ’s clients and stakeholders in this area.

Mandatory Policies for Consultation

Just a reminder that the Board has been reviewing a number of policies, which includes circulating them to clients and stakeholders for comment. The Governance Committee will make recommendations to the Board on any changes that should be considered in response. The Board may consult again depending on feedback received, but ultimately the Board will release a report summarising the feedback and explaining its final decisions regarding these policies.

  • Feedback on Policy 3.9 Plain English, closed on Monday 24 March 2025. Thanks to everyone for your valuable contributions.

There are several ways you can let us have your feedback. They are:

  • Email to boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz,
  • Record your submission on the Telephone Information Service, menu option 3153,
  • Post your submission in your preferred format to Board Secretary, RNZFB, Private Bag 99941, Newmarket, Auckland 1149.

Chair’s Newsletter

The latest newsletter will be out soon, with a lot more detail on Board decisions and activities from our most recent meetings. You can check it out at the BLVNZ Governance webpage, and on the Telephone Information Service at option 3 1 1.

RNZFB Board Elections 2025

The RNZFB has elections for Directors to the Board occurring each year. Each Director serves for a term of three years. This November, three Directors will be completing their term. Those completing their term are John Billings, Clive Lansink, and Judy Small. The retiring Directors may be nominated and stand again.

The Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation and leads BLVNZ forward in fulfilling its objectives under the Constitution and strategic plan.

The Constitution lays out how elections are held and how the Board operates. All candidates are nominated and elected by voting members. As the election nears, we will share information about the candidates and the election process. Between now and then, we will prepare and send out information about what it means to be a Board member and where you can find out more information.

The results of the election will be announced at the AGM on Saturday 22 November, which this year is being held in Wellington. An announcement will then go out through our communication channels.

Only voting members can vote in the Board election. If you are a client of BLVNZ and you are not sure if you are also a RNZFB voting member, or entitled to vote, please call the National Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. If you want to register to vote, they can help you with that too.

Key dates to pencil in your diaries:

  • 29 August – Call for nominations to stand as a Director.
  • 26 September – Last day for nominations.
  • 17 October – Voting packs circulated.
  • 14 November – Last day to vote.

If you would like more information about Board elections, the Constitution or the voting process or timeline, please contact the Returning Officer boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the BLVNZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Clive Lansink 
RNZFB Board Chair

Job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ

The latest job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ are available on TIS m346 and on our Careers website.

Ka kite anō

Please let us know what you think of Kōrero. We welcome suggestions for what you would like us to include and any tips or stories you would like to share with the community. Get in touch on 0800 24 33 33 or via communications@blindlowvision.org.nz.

Did you know that you can request Kōrero in Braille? Call our contact centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in this format.