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.
• March 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 February 2026 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 the fourth instalment of our 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.

This month, we would like to highlight the work of our Policy and Advocacy team and the progress made to improve accessibility across Aotearoa. Here’s a snapshot of their key achievements from last financial year:

• Successfully launched our Seeing Streets Differently campaign at a key event at Government House. Our Patron, Dame Cindy Kiro, also hosted the event which brought together 80 influential stakeholders, including major donors, Members of Parliament, and consumer groups—to address the critical issue of accessible public spaces.
• Championed accessibility standards in meetings with Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum and submitted feedback on key pieces of legislation to embed accessibility requirements in government policy.
• Improved transparency and community engagement by launching Access in Focus, our new Policy and Advocacy newsletter. This provides supporters with clear information and new pathways to get involved in our work Sign up to the Access in Focus newsletter.
• Provided expert accessibility guidance to local councils, resulting in tangible improvements to the everyday lives of our clients in their local communities.
• Empowered our community with new self-advocacy resources by refreshing the Policy and Advocacy section of the Blind Low Vision NZ website. This includes an  Access Barriers Register to help us track and respond to issues directly.
• Strengthened the disability advocacy sector by working collaboratively with allied organisations and supporting Eye Health Aotearoa in their mission to achieve universal eye care in New Zealand.

Together, these efforts are making communities more accessible, and there’s more to come this year. For the full Community Impact Report, available in a variety of formats, visit the Blind Low Vision NZ website’s Annual Reports page. 

Shining a Light on Blindness report

Our recent Shining a Light on Blindness provides data on the experiences of people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision in Aotearoa New Zealand. One area the report explores is employment – and the findings highlight both the value of work and the barriers many people still face.

Work brings more than income. It creates opportunities to share your talents, learn new skills and build connections with others. Yet the report shows that people with severe visual impairment are far less likely to be in paid work.

In 2023, 26% of people with severe visual impairments were employed. This compares with 63% of people with other visual impairments and 75% of people with no visual impairment.

Blind Low Vision NZ offers employment support to help people prepare for work, grow their skills and explore career options.

Our Work Ready programme supports clients of working age who want to enter or return to employment. The programme helps you develop a career plan, build professional skills, practise interview techniques and connect with mentoring and networking opportunities.

For younger people, the Youth Pathways programme supports the move from school into study, training or employment. This programme is designed for students transitioning from BLENNZ into Blind Low Vision NZ adult services, as well as young people leaving mainstream secondary school and exploring their next step.

To learn more about these programmes, visit the Employment and Youth Pathways page on the Blind Low Vision NZ website or email the team at EmploymentTransition@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Noticeboard

Gisborne office temporary closure for building improvements 

We are very pleased to share that refurbishment work is taking place at the Blind Low Vision NZ Gisborne office to improve the space for our clients, volunteers and community groups. 

To allow this work to be completed safely, the office will be temporarily closed from Monday 6 April and is expected to reopen on Friday, 24 April. 

During this time, we will be completing several upgrades, including: 

• Installation of a new kitchen.
• Bathroom improvements.
• Office refurbishment.
• Updated security access to the building.

These improvements will help create a more accessible, comfortable, and secure space for everyone who uses the Gisborne office.

If you require assistance during this time, please call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

We appreciate your patience while this work is underway and look forward to welcoming everyone back once the improvements are complete.

Global voice: reflections on leadership

One of our Board members, and former President of the World Blind Union, Martine is featured on the podcast Global Voice: Reflections on Leadership.

In this episode, Martine speaks about her time as President. She reflects on the challenges and the wins, the organisation’s new strategic direction, and her role now as Immediate Past President.

You will also hear her thoughts on current issues that matter here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Listen to the World Blind Union podcast episode via the Buzzsprout website.

60 countries in 60 minutes Podcast 

Julie Woods, a Blind Low Vision NZ ambassador, and her husband Ron Esplin take you on a sound journey around the world. In just 60 minutes, they share stories from 60 countries.

This six-part podcast series is part of a larger project called The World in 360 Minutes. Julie shares her life story and the journey that led her to visit 60 countries by her 60th birthday. Along the way, she reflects on the people she met, the places she visited, and the moments that stayed with her.

The series was produced by Otago Access Radio in Dunedin.

You can listen to all episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, on OAR 105.4FM, or online at Access Media NZ.

For more details, you can visit the Otago Access Radio website at oar.org.nz. For enquiries about this podcast or the wider project, contact Julie Woods at 021 913 513 or email Julie@ThatBlindWoman.co.nz.  

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.

Campaigns

Guide Dog Puppy Appeal 2026

Every March, we run the Guide Dog Puppy Appeal to raise funds for life-changing guide dog partnerships.

At the heart of this year’s campaign is Ethan, a young Māori man who was born blind. He grew up in a family that never let his vision become an excuse. He attended mainstream school, performed in his school’s national Kapa Haka team, and enrolled in Indigenous Studies at university. He is, by any measure, remarkable.

But even with all that determination, the day-to-day reality of navigating the world without sight was relentless. Footpaths full of scooters and unexpected obstacles. Weeks of planning just to visit a friend. A quiet loneliness that comes from fighting battles most people never have to face.

Ethan dreamed of having a guide dog from the age of four, the first time his parents took him to meet puppies in training. He applied when he turned 18 and then waited three more years. When Jack, a beautiful yellow Labrador, finally arrived the week after his 21st birthday, Ethan said:

“It was like I had the keys to the world in front of me. The first time touching him with all his guide dog equipment, I felt like I grew wings.”

How you can get involved

Spread the word: Share campaign content from our social channels with your own networks. The more people who hear Ethan and Jack’s story, the bigger the difference we can make.

Consider donating and participating: Whether you give yourself or rally friends, whānau, and colleagues, every dollar helps train more guide dogs for the people who need them most.

Watch Ethan and Jack’s story on YouTube. 

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. 

Everyday barriers: small actions, big impact

One of our clients, who wishes to remain anonymous, wanted to share something she heard on the radio show Kerre Woodham Mornings on Newstalk ZB last month.

A caller told a story from the 1970s near the former Homai School for the Blind in South Auckland. He had parked a car and trailer partly on the footpath. A person who was blind, using a white cane, came along and collided with the back of the trailer. The caller said he felt awful and hasn’t parked on a footpath since.

This is a sad but powerful example of the everyday challenges we face. The caller shared his experience to remind the public that barriers aren’t always obvious. With sight, it’s easy to overlook obstacles and assume people can just go around them. But the truth is, small things, like a car on footpath, can make a big difference in someone’s journey. I hope more people become aware of this and consider what others might experience.

Ask Me Anything

You’ve told us that better communication matters — and we’ve heard you. This is your direct line to our Chief Executive, Andrea Midgen, and the RNZFB Board (BlindLowVision.org.nz).

Whether it is about the services we provide, the direction of the organisation, or ideas for the future, we want to hear from you. Your voice helps us grow and improve.

Submit your question anonymously or include your details for a direct response. It’s quick and easy! Access the Ask Me Anything form via Microsoft Forms. Alternatively, you can call our friendly Contact Centre team on 0800 24 33 33 to submit your question.

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.

Research study: spatial and object perception among the vision impaired 

Researchers at the University of New South Wales are exploring how people who are blind or have low vision perceive space and objects. The study looks at navigation skills, orientation, and the use of echolocation, which can improve confidence when moving around. 

Participants can enter a draw to win one of five $100 AUD gift cards (Amazon or Apple). 

Who can participate:

• People with visual impairment (low vision, blindness, or limited visual field).
• Aged 18 or over.
• Living in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.

The study involves a short survey that takes about 10 minutes. Read full study details and access the survey on the UNSW website.

For any questions about the research, contact Dr Erin Goddard, Scientia Senior Lecturer: 

Email: erin.goddard@unsw.edu.au or Phone: +61 2 9585 2347  

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

Update from the Board Chair

RNZFB Board of Directors meeting

The Board last met in Christchurch on 7 March. The draft minutes of that meeting will be available shortly. If you require a copy of any of these 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 menu 3, 1, 3. 

The next RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Saturday 9 May 2026 in New Plymouth. 

The 2026 Board meeting dates have been published on the Blind Low Vision NZ Governance webpage. 

Meet and Greet Event

We held a very successful meet and greet event on Saturday 7 March in Christchurch. 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 Blind Low Vision NZ’s clients and stakeholders in this area.

RNZFB Board Elections 2026

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 Martine Abel-Williamson, Donna McCaskill, and Chris Orr. The retiring Directors may be nominated and stand again.

The Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation and leads Blind Low Vision NZ 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 21 November, which this year is being held in Dunedin. 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 Blind Low Vision NZ and you are not sure if you are also a Royal New Zealand Foundation of The Blind 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:

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

Announcement of new Directors and retirement of outgoing Directors.

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 Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Independent Review of the RNZFB Constitution

The Board received Simpson Grierson’s report on the constitutional review, including advice on how to address the recommendations and the Board’s views on priorities. It was agreed that the priorities and focus of the constitutional recommendations will be progressed by the Governance Committee, which will further develop its thinking and prepare a plan for progress.

Client Reference Group

More than 50 expressions of interest have been received from people keen to be considered for membership to the Client Reference Group. The next step is to select the committee and finalise plans for the inaugural meeting. Two directors have also been appointed to the Client Reference Group.

Communications Survey Report

At the 7 March Board meeting, the Board received a presentation from Kantar on the Communications Survey results. The presentation highlighted key findings, areas for improvement, and recommended next steps to strengthen how Blind Low Vision NZ communicates and connects with clients. This work will help guide future improvements to communication channels, accessibility and client engagement.

Blind Low Vision NZ Buildings

The Board has approved plans to rebuild the Whanganui office and refurbish the hall. They also approved feasibility work to investigate subdividing and construction of a new building at 96 Bristol Street, Christchurch.

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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