Skip to main content
Donate

Kōrero Now

Mā te huruhuru, te manu ka rere ai.

Adorned with feathers, the bird is able to fly.

This whakataukī is a powerful reminder of how support helps people reach their potential.

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 http://BlindLowVision.org.nz/korero.
  • October 2025 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: https://media.blindlowvision.org.nz/uploads/2025/10/L2510031-Korero-October-2025.docx Download the BRF file of October 2025 Korero or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

Back to Table of Contents

Library tip: give your own thumbs up to a great read

If you’re a Library member, remember you can request books to be added to our collection. If there’s something you’d love to read or listen to, just let us know, your suggestions help make our Library even better.

Andrea’s Thumbs up this month goes to Volume 1: Community and Society by Brian Doucet, Raianne Van Melik, and Pierre Filion. This book is now available for listening. The best way to find it through the EasyReader App is by searching the book number 143968. You can learn more about the EasyReader App on our website.

If you’d like to request or recommend a book, or have any questions, please contact our library team at Library@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Back to Table of Contents

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.

Back to Table of Contents

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 dialing 0800 100 051.

Back to Table of Contents

Plan ahead for Christmas: key dates for your Vision Store shopping

The festive season is right around the corner, and it’s time to get those Christmas lists ready!  Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, make sure the Vision Store is one of your must-visit stops.

We’re proud to offer the latest in accessible products, supported by the care you know and trust, made possible through our partnership with Vision Australia.

Holiday closures

To help you plan your shopping, please take note of our holiday closure dates. Vision Store and Equipment Service (EQS) have slightly different schedules, so check the dates below to make sure your orders arrive on time.

Vision Store

  • Monday, 1 December 2025: Final day to place orders for in-stock Vision Australia items.
  • Friday, 19 December 2025 – Monday, 6 January 2026: Customer Support closed for the holidays.
  • Monday, 6 January 2026: Warehouse reopens and dispatch resumes.

Equipment Service (EQS)

Don’t forget, our Equipment Service team will also be taking a short break over the holidays. Please plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need before the closedown.

  • Monday, 15 December 2025: Last day to place orders.
  • Wednesday, 17 December 2025: Last day for dispatch before the holiday break.

During our Customer Support closure, you’ll receive an automated reply letting you know about our temporary break if you contact us by email.

Looking for gift inspiration?

Visit our Vision Store Christmas Gift Ideas webpage for thoughtful, accessible presents this holiday season.

If you have any questions, please email Shop@BlindLowVision.org.nz or call our contact centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Back to Table of Contents

Dogs of the Cable Car 2026 Calendar – now available online

Last month we shared the Dogs of the Cable Car 2026 Calendar, celebrating Wellington’s much-loved canine commuters. Our amazing guide dogs in training feature throughout the calendar, with Guide Dog in Training Brian proudly chosen as the cover star. The calendar wasn’t available for online purchase at the time, but good news – it is now!

You can purchase your calendar online through the Artisan website or pick one up at the Cable Car ticket box. They make a lovely gift for dog lovers and supporters of guide dogs. All profits from calendar sales go to Blind Low Vision NZ’s Guide Dogs, helping raise and train future guide dogs across Aotearoa.

If you have any questions, please contact Letetia at 027 322 8884.

Back to Table of Contents

Work Ready Webinar Recordings & Resources

Explore a series of standout webinars covering topics from cutting-edge accessible technology to vital support funds. Listen to Work Ready Webinar Recordings at your leisure on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.

Back to Table of Contents

Volunteer and share your experience at Low Vision Day

Every year, the University of Auckland runs Matarehu/Low Vision Day. This is a great chance to share your experiences and help students understand the challenges people with low vision face, while allowing them to explore practical ways to offer support.

Event details

  • Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
  • Time: 10:30 am – 2:45 pm
  • Location: University of Auckland, Grafton Campus, 85 Park Road, Auckland
  • Parking: Free

Who can volunteer

  • People with low vision who can read any of the letters on a vision chart from arm’s length (50 cm) away or further.
  • People with tunnel vision or hemianopia.

What volunteers will do:

  • Share experiences of everyday tasks such as reading, cooking, or getting around
  • Support students practising vision assessments (no drops) and using low vision aids

Volunteers will receive a $50 Woolworths voucher as a thank you. Complimentary low vision eye exams can be booked for a later date, and volunteers may be eligible for Ministry of Health funding for glasses. Clients are encouraged to bring their cellphone or tablet, glasses, and any portable magnifiers.

Limited places available, first registrations taken. For any questions or to register, please contact Michelle O’Hanlon by phone at 09 923 6592 (leave a voice message) or by email at m.ohanlon@auckland.ac.nz.

This is a great way for clients to contribute to the education of future optometrists while sharing their real-life experiences with low vision.

Back to Table of Contents

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.

Back to Table of Contents

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.

Back to Table of Contents

Job Opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ

The latest job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ are listed below. For the complete list, go to the Blind Low Vision NZ Careers website. The latest job opportunities at Blind Low Vision NZ are listed below. For the complete list, go to the Blind Low Vision NZ Careers website.

Back to Table of Contents

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.

Back to Table of Contents

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.

Back to Table of Contents