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.

Thumbs Up

Shining a light on vision awareness at PVI Conference

Image Description: Nevé stands on the left side of a stage, speaking into a microphone in front of a large presenter screen. The screen on the right shows a PowerPoint slide titled ‘Introduction to School Awareness Programme

On Friday, 10 October, Blind Low Vision NZ attended the Parents of Vision Impaired (PVI) NZ Inc. conference in Rotorua. The event brought together families, educators, and professionals who support children who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

Our Community Awareness Lead, Nevé Billing, delivered an engaging presentation about our Schools Awareness Programme that genuinely connected with the audience. One parent shared that they were deeply moved thinking about what the programme could mean for their child. Many others were eager to register their child’s school to take part.

Nevé says, “It was incredible getting to share the programme, and especially to speak from my own experience going through school with a visual impairment. For those who aren’t directly affected by vision loss, it’s not something you often think about, which is why it’s so important to provide education about our clients and our work. Teaching children at a young age helps the next generation grow up with understanding and empathy, making Aotearoa a better place for our clients.”

Our GM of Client Services, Natasha Mackie, said, “Nevé did us proud. Her presentation was very well received and kept the audience fully engaged.”

The day was a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, understanding, and working together for a more inclusive future.

Our Schools Awareness Workshops are designed to educate and inspire children across Aotearoa about the experiences of people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. These workshops not only share knowledge but also encourage young people to become champions for inclusion and accessibility. To learn more and to book a workshop, visit the Schools Awareness Workshops page on the Blind Low Vision NZ website. For any questions about the Schools Awareness Programme, please contact Nevé Billing NBilling@BlindLowVision.org.nz or call our contact centre on 0800 24 33 33.

The Apology Hui: acknowledging the past, shaping the future

Last month we came together for an important moment, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s apology to survivors. It was a time to listen, reflect, and honour the courage of those who shared their stories. The D*List, a New Zealand platform sharing news and stories about communities, disability, social issues, and culture has written a thoughtful report on this event, highlighting messages of hope and a shared commitment to redress.

You can read the full article on hope and redress at the RNZFB Apology Hui on the Dlist website.

Kid’s Camp 2025

Image description: Young Leaders and staff wearing wetsuits, red spray jackets and life vests sitting in red inflatable raft holding their paddles straight up and waving to the camera as they float down the Tongariro River.

In September, our Kid’s Camp brought together young people who are blind or have low vision for a week of fun, challenges, and new experiences at Blue Mountain Adventure Centre. With activities like caving, rock climbing, high rope swings, and river rafting, campers had the chance to test themselves, make friends, and build confidence. Read more about the camp and hear from participants on the Blind Low Vision NZ website .

Dogs of the Cable Car 2026 Calendar

They’re back! The beloved furry commuters of Wellington are starring once again in the Dogs of the Cable Car 2026 Calendar.

The calendar features photos submitted by Wellington locals and celebrates the dogs who make every Wellington Cable Car ride a little brighter.

All profits from calendar sales will be donated to Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog Programme, helping raise and train future guide dogs across Aotearoa.

Pick up your copy either direct from the Wellington Cable Car ticket box or  order online from the Shop Wellington website. They make a lovely gift for dog lovers and supporters of guide dogs.

A huge thank you to the Wellington locals who shared their dogs’ Cable Car moments, and to the Wellington Cable Car team for making this calendar possible. These four-legged stars are ready to brighten your year!

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

Free online Will offer returns — 24 November to 1 December

Having a Will means your wishes are followed and helps avoid stress or confusion for your loved ones when the time comes. Without a Will, the court may decide who gets what, even your pets.

Key details:

• Free from 24 November to 1 December 2025.
• Simple and secure: Safewill is one of New Zealand’s highest-rated Will platforms.
• Reviewed by legal experts.
• Update your Will anytime.
• Print and sign at home.

While your loved ones come first, please consider leaving a gift to Blind Low Vision NZ in your Will. Even 1% of your estate can make a big difference.

Visit the Safewill website to get started. For more information, contact Jo Eve at legacies@blindlowvision.org.nz or call 022 015 9216.

Funding Opportunities

The Shirley Owen Trust: Follow your musical dreams

Are you learning a musical instrument, or thinking about starting lessons? The Shirley Owen Trust may be able to help.

Established through a generous gift from the late Shirley Owen, this Trust provides funding support for Blind Low Vision NZ clients who want to study music. You can apply for help with tuition fees, access to Braille music, or limited funding towards the purchase of instruments.

Music is a wonderful way to express yourself and build confidence, and this Trust is here to make that journey a little easier.

Find out more about the Shirley Owen Trust and download the application form now.

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

The Pearson Fund: Brighter ways to get the gear you need

Daylight hours may be growing, but good lighting is still essential indoors. The Pearson Fund can help you buy specialist equipment if you are a Blind Low Vision NZ member and meet the criteria.

Learn more about the Pearson Fund and see how to apply on the Blind Low Vision NZ Support Grants page.

The Oppenheim Fund: Studying in 2026? Don’t forget to apply!

Need help with your course fees? The Oppenheim Fund supports learners taking on recognised tertiary study or vocational training in 2026. Grants are available now, and applications close on 14 January 2026. Get in early and give yourself time to gather everything you need.

Apply for assistance from the Oppenheim Fund on the Blind Low Vision NZ website today.

If you have any enquiries about this fund, please email Oppenheim@blindlowvision.org.nz or call 0800 24 33 33.

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 dialing 0800 100 051.

 

Noticeboard

Remembering Ken Porter, the voice behind your favourite reads

Contributed by Mary Schnackenberg

For those of you who do not recognise Ken’s name, if you ever rode in the lifts at Awhina House, you will have heard his voice. Ken passed away on Thursday evening, 2 October, at the age of 99 years.

Ken retired as the Deputy Librarian at the University of Auckland in 1990. He then joined the Foundation’s narrator team. He narrated many books and magazines. He may be best remembered for Time and The Listener.

Ken’s pronunciation knowledge of some 20 languages was invaluable for Time. He also narrated radio and television schedules, which were distributed through the postal system on cassette. In mid-1995, the radio and television schedules were moved from cassette format to the Telephone Information Service. We set up Menu 2 and gave him the list of bulletin numbers for all the schedules then published in The Listener. He updated the schedules each day, ensuring today’s schedules as well as the programmes for the upcoming week. We could plan our listening and viewing just as sighted readers of The Listener could do. Ken retired in May 2016, when his memory loss prevented him from doing the narrations of the schedules.

Ken was an amateur actor with a prodigious memory of Shakespeare and other literary texts. He wore his learning lightly.

Here are a quick few of Ken’s book narrations. You can find these in the Blind Low Vision NZ library and on Alexa skill:

• Tomorrow comes the song: a life of Peter Fraser by Michael Bassett (054061)
• The tipping point: how little things can make a big difference by Malcolm Gladwell (054684)
• Cassino: New Zealand soldiers in the battle for Italy by Tony Williams (056191)

We thank Ken for sharing his voice, bringing stories to life, and making the world of books and schedules accessible to so many.

Contactless payments on buses and ferries are coming soon with Motu Move

In November, a new national public transport payment system called Motu Move is being introduced.

Greater Christchurch – including Waimakariri, Selwyn, and Christchurch City – will be the first region to go live. Metro customers in Greater Christchurch will have the option to board Metro buses and ferries using a contactless debit or credit card, and digital payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay on mobile phones and smart watches.

If you use a concession (Total Mobility, Community Services Card, SuperGold, youth/child fares) you do not need to take any action yet. Concessions will be available on Motu Move in 2026, and we’ll keep you informed.

Metrocards and cash will continue to be accepted.

For now, you can find out more on the Motu Move webpage of the NZTA website and the Motu Move page of the Metro website.

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.

Our latest tech webinar about Blindshell Classic 3, a practical look at accessible mobile technology, is now available on our resources page.

Upcoming events

Complex Care Group information events – November 2025

Want to learn about support for people with complex disability needs? You and your family are invited to a free, catered event to learn how the Complex Care Group can help you navigate the disability sector. Disability sector professionals are also welcome. These events are catered, so please register to secure your place.

Complex Care Group is a Disability Information Advisory Service contracted by Disability Support Services, Ministry of Social Development. They support people with very high and complex disability needs, and their families.

Events will take place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin between 18 and 25 November. To find dates, venues, and registration links, please visit the Complex Care Group website.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Martin on 027 266 7690, call 0800 852 693, or email complexcaregroup@xtra.co.nz.

Wellington: Introducing Aka Ora: A Pasifika and Māori Support Group for the Wellington Region

 

Image description: A group of eight people, standing together. They are all wearing black t-shirts with the group name Aka Ora in large text. From left to right, their names are: Dave Aiono, Nae Taru, Folo Wieser, Betty Betham, Aneta Wineera, Ana Salamasina, Rex Harniss, Ta’ape Morikao, Maselita Tauese.

Aka Ora is the first Pasifika and Māori members support group in the Wellington region. It was formed in October 2023 after a member highlighted low participation in existing groups.  The Community Liaison for Pasifika helped organise and host a meet and greet at the Wellington Blind Low Vision NZ office. Aka Ora is about community, culture, and moving forward together.

Staff from the Wellington office attended to introduce themselves and talk about their roles and how they could assist members.  The meet and greet opened the door to honest kōrero about what was missing and what could be built together.

Aka Ora have a strong sense of purpose. The original ten members are still active today, with many new faces joining along the way. Two members have become registered volunteers to support the group further.  The Community Volunteer Coordinator helped to source two regular volunteer drivers who support the group with transportation. Aka Ora is also a successful applicant in the latest round of funding for support groups. This will help to support the work they are committed to doing together.

Their name, Aka Ora, reflects shared cultural values:

• Aka means root or foundation – our deep connections to God, family, and land.

• Ora means life, wellness, and being grounded in mind, body, and spirit.

The group will host their next meet and greet on November 25, 2025. They will focus on connecting with Pasifika and Māori in the blind and low vision community, improving access and services, advocating and working together, and sharing stories and experiences.

If you’re interested in joining the group, please contact group member Dave on 0275 579 575 or Rex on 021 0231 7832.

Auckland: Visual Diary of an Astral Traveller – Exhibition by Pat Basse

Join artist Pat Basse as she shares more than 40 years of her work in her latest exhibition, Visual Diary of an Astral Traveller.

Pat, who lives with age-related macular degeneration, says painting continues to be her escape and her joy. Although she no longer sees detail and colour in the same way, she continues to create and exhibit with courage and passion. She hopes to inspire others living with sight loss to explore creativity in their own lives.

Opening Night: Friday 7 November, 6–8pm. The exhibition runs through to 17 January 2026.

Where: Malcolm Smith Gallery, UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture, Howick.

Cost: Free.

Artist Talk and Audio Described Tour Day: Thursday 28 November, 11am. This special event is supported by Audio Described Aotearoa. It’s a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from the artist and experience the exhibition with detailed audio descriptions, making the art more accessible to everyone. No RSVP or advance booking is needed—interested visitors are welcome to show up on the day.

Guide dogs are welcome. There are two disability parking spots in the car park. The car park is accessible via the driveway to the right of Uxbridge and leads to the back entrance of the building. The centre is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible, gender-neutral bathroom. For more information on how to find them, please visit the About Us page on uxbridge website.

For any questions or special requests, please contact Malcolm Smith Gallery Curator Zoë May on 09 535 6467 ext 4 or email visualarts@uxbridge.org.nz.

Auckland: 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 are able to 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.

 

Community Bulletin

Petition to Require Electric and Hybrid Vehicles to Make Noise at Low Speeds

Josaiah Fue, a member of Blind Low Vision NZ, has started a petition to make Acoustic Vehicle Alert Systems (AVAS), or sound emitters, mandatory in electric or hybrid vehicles.

1 in 3 Kiwis who are blind, deafblind or have low vision have been hit by or had a near miss with an electric vehicle. Requiring quiet vehicles to make noise at low speeds is essential for people’s safety. Many other countries already have this requirement – it’s time to bring Aotearoa New Zealand up to speed.

Sign the petition to make AVAS mandatory in electric vehicles.

Volunteer with us to get signatures! We will be holding an action day on Wednesday, 12 November, to help Josaiah get as many signatures as possible. We are looking for volunteers around the country to collect signatures at train stations during the morning commute, 7am – 9:30am. If you’re keen to help, please email PA@blindlowvision.org.nz.

Can’t volunteer at that time? That’s okay! Make sure to share the petition with your friends, whānau, and others. Together, we can get these regulations into law and keep our community safe!

Staying safe online series

The ‘Staying safe online’ series will share simple, practical tips to help you spot warning signs, protect your information, and feel more confident online.

Episode Three: Staying Safe Online: Keep Your Devices Updated

One of the easiest ways to protect your personal information is to keep your devices updated. This includes your smartphone, tablet, computer, and even smart home devices like Alexa. Updates don’t just add new features, they also fix known security problems that hackers could use to access your information.

Hackers often look for weaknesses in old software. If your device isn’t up to date, it can be easier for someone to steal your personal details, like passwords or banking information. Updates are designed to close these gaps and add extra layers of protection to help keep your information safe.

Updating your device is usually quick and simple. Most updates take only a few minutes, and many devices can be set to update automatically. You’ll often get a message telling you an update is available and it’s a good idea to install it as soon as you can.

Updates can also make your device run more smoothly and fix bugs that slow it down.

Staying safe doesn’t have to be hard. Keeping your devices updated is a small step that can make a big difference.

If you’re not sure how to update your device, ask someone you trust or contact your service provider for help.

For more information on securing your mobile device, visit Cyber Safety NZ Website.

Enjoy TV and film without missing a moment – the power of audio description

This month, we’re highlighting ways to make life a little easier at home. For people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, programmes with heavily visual elements, like TV shows and films, can be hard to follow.

Able is New Zealand’s leading provider of audio description (AD) services. Their narrations bring the action and visuals to life, so you can enjoy your favourite shows without extra cost. Audio-described content is available on channels like TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, DUKE, and Three. Popular programmes with AD include reality shows, dramas, sports highlights, and kids’ programmes.

To access audio descriptions, press the AD button on your TV remote. If your remote doesn’t have this button, you can usually enable AD through your TV’s settings menu. For a full list of audio-described programmes this week and for resources, visit the audio description listings page on Able’s website.

You’ll be amazed at how much of the story and action you can follow and just how much difference the narration makes.

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.

The World Beyond Sight

This month, one of our clients, Jacque, who loves writing and has shared a poem with us.

The World Beyond Sight is a poem that helps readers understand what life can be like without vision. Instead of seeing, the poem shows how a person who is blind experiences the world through sound, touch, movement, and memory. It explains that blindness does not make the world smaller or emptier—it simply reveals it in a different language.  You can download The World Beyond Sight poem here.

A white cane incident

One of our clients, Janet, also shared a moment from her daily life that shows how ordinary things can turn into little adventures.

“I went shopping with my friend, Camille. We had a white cane incident that, if it had been on video, might have raised a smile.

“Standing on the kerb near Farmers on Queen Street around 3.30 pm—the busiest time—we tried to hail a taxi. A nearby construction worker, bright in his yellow jacket, decided to join in.

“There we were, waving our white canes like flags, Camille shouting directions into her phone: ‘Look for two blind women with white canes!’ It went on for about 10 minutes!”

Chaos like this happens all the time. Even taxi drivers can struggle to spot people using a white cane. It’s a good reminder to have your own strategy when heading out, or just get ready for your own mini street performance!

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. 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 organization.

Have your say: safer public transport

A PhD student at the University of Auckland is running a study on how to make public transport safer and more inclusive. If you are 16 or older, live in Aotearoa, and have used public transport in the last five years, you can take part by completing an anonymous online questionnaire.

The survey takes around 20 minutes. You’ll be asked about any unsafe behaviour you’ve seen or experienced on public transport, and what you would like to see happen to make the system better.

As compensation for taking part, people who complete the survey will be able to go into the draw for $50 vouchers.

You can complete the survey on the TinyURL website. This survey will close on 15 November.

Any questions about this research or questionnaire? Please email Kirsten at kirsten.tilleman@auckland.ac.nz or call 022 041 4032.

Study Invitation – Storying Blindness: An Artistic and Cultural Response

Keely Grossman, PhD Candidate in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, invites you to share your story as a part of a research project.

This project seeks to learn about the stories, histories and cultures of the blind and low vision community. As part of the research, participants will be asked to participate in a one-hour audio recorded individual interview with the researcher over Zoom. Following the interviews, participants will be asked to submit an original creative response piece which can either be 1-3 poems, a personal, or fiction story of up to 1000 words, 1-3 drawings, a Zine, 1-3 photos, or an audio recorded piece of up to 5 minutes such as a song. Participation in this study will help contribute to theoretical, policy and activist oriented recommendations. Participation in this study is voluntary and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any point up until two weeks after the interview. Since sensitive topics and experiences might be discussed during the research process, a list of mental health resources aimed at ensuring wellbeing will be provided.

To participate in the study, you must be a part of the blind/low vision community, be 18+, be fluent in English (but can be from/living in any country), but you do not need to identify as a poet, writer, or artist.

If you have any questions, or if you are interested in participating, please contact Keely Grossman (Principal Student Investigator) at keelygrossman@cmail.carleton.ca. If you have further questions, or concerns you are welcome to also get into contact with Dr. Ummni Khan (Faculty Supervisor) at ummni.khan@carleton.ca.

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.