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Kōrero – September 2024

Ko te mauri, he mea huna ki te moana.

The life force is hidden in the sea.

This whakataukī speaks to the hidden magic of life. Remember your hidden powers, your true self, and bring it into the light.

Formats

Kōrero is available in the following formats:

  • HTML webpage: Click here for the Korero webpage on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.
  • Word document.
  • TIS (Telephone Information Service): Call TIS m341. Find your local TIS number on our Library Services webpage.
  • 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”.
  • Braille: Call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

Message from Andrea

Last week, I had the opportunity to fly down to Wellington for three days to meet with some of our clients and staff prior to the various board meetings. It was an insightful and rewarding visit, and I wanted to share some reflections with you.

It was a privilege to spend time with Jacqui Iseli, our Deafblind Coordinator, during her visits in Wellington. I came away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the challenges the Deafblind community faces. Social inclusion is one of our key goals at Blind Low Vision NZ, and these visits made it clear that we have important work ahead of us to make this a reality for everyone. We are committed to this and will work together with others to bring about real change.

Our client meet and greet in Wellington was a great success, with over 50 people attending. Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared your thoughts – you have been heard. The key concerns raised were similar to those in previous sessions, focusing on three main areas: Equipment, the Library, and Guide Dogs. We will work on a plan to prioritise and 539 Parnell Road. Parnell key points from each of these areas. We’ll also keep you updated on our progress and the solutions we put in place.

Thank you again for your feedback and for your patience as we continue to work together.

As we work on these improvements, we are also proud to announce our continued partnership with Eye Health Aotearoa (EHA). EHA recently launched New Zealand’s first Children’s Eye Health Campaign. Eye Health Aotearoa’s mission is to advocate for accessible, comprehensive eye health services for all New Zealanders.

The Children’s Eye Health Campaign is an awareness campaign to teach children the importance of looking after their eyes, and what they can do to help prevent myopia (short-sightedness). This will have knock-on effects for their education and eye health outcomes as adults.

Our partnership with EHA is part of fulfilling our fifth Strategic Objective, Awareness and Future-Focus: to increase awareness about vision health and proactively communicate, ensuring support is within reach for New Zealanders at all stages of their lives.

The Children’s Eye Health Campaign is being run throughout Aotearoa New Zealand’s Intermediate schools until World Sight Day, October 10, the campaign will include informational videos and posters, as well as a Sensory Art Competition, where students are encouraged to make art revolving around touch, sound and smell.

If you would like to get your local school or community group involved, you can download resources, including the ‘Be Eye Smart’ posters, from the Eye Health Aotearoa website.  The posters are available in English, Māori, Samoan and Mandarin. You can also share the Be Eye Smart campaign video (youtube.com).

Kia kaha

Andrea Midgen

Chief Executive, Blind Low Vision NZ

Thumbs Up

Farewell Kennels, Welcome to the Guide Dog Development Centre

As New Zealand’s sole provider of professionally trained Guide Dogs, we breed, raise and train our dogs to meet the individual needs of Blind Low Vision NZ clients who choose guide dog mobility. The training kennels in our South Auckland Complex served us well for the last 35 years and are no longer conducive to the development of our guide dogs in training.

Since 2022, many of our fundraising activities have been geared towards building brand new, fit-for-purpose kennels for our puppies in training. And this month, our Guide Dogs Team has bid farewell to the old training kennels and have moved into the new Guide Dog Development Centre. We plan to hold a formal opening in the new year, so watch this space.

To learn about two of our most recent fundraising campaigns in support of Guide Dogs, check out these blogposts on the Blind Low Vision NZ website: Pawgust 2024 wrap-up and Paws For Purpose Christchurch – A Howling Success.

PAWGUST 2024 Wrap Up and a Big Thank You!

PAWGUST wrapped up with a record-breaking $125,000 raised to support guide dogs – read more about the PAWGUST impact on our website.

Image description: A vibrant photo collage featuring PAWGUST participants and their dogs, showcasing the diversity of the challenge. Participants and their furry companions are seen wearing various PAWGUST merchandise, including bright bandanas and beanies. The dogs, a mix of breeds and sizes are beaming with excitement. The collage highlights different weather conditions, from crisp snowy scenes and wet, rainy walks to golden sunsets and sunny skies.

Image description: A vibrant photo collage featuring PAWGUST participants and their dogs, showcasing the diversity of the challenge. Participants and their furry companions are seen wearing various PAWGUST merchandise, including bright bandanas and beanies. The dogs, a mix of breeds and sizes are beaming with excitement. The collage highlights different weather conditions, from crisp snowy scenes and wet, rainy walks to golden sunsets and sunny skies

Paws for Purpose Christchurch – A Howling Success!

This year, we asked some talented South Island artists to transform our iconic (now decommissioned) Trudy Dogs into unique works of art – and wow, did they deliver!

Check out the highlights via our website

Image Description: A Blind Low Vision NZ Trudy Dog decorated with black-and-white dog motifs, set against a black background.

A Blind Low Vision NZ Trudy Dog decorated with black-and-white dog motifs, set against a black background. Front and side profiles are presented.

Noticeboard

Changes to Pearson Fund Codes for the Vision Store

The Vision Store, a collaborative effort between Vision Australia and Blind Low Vision NZ, is a great place to find a range of the latest, state-of-the-art assistive technology products. But sometimes, the latest or best piece of technology can be costly.

That’s why, The Pearson Fund subsidy is here to help make some of the equipment you need more affordable. This subsidy is available when making purchases through the Vision Store and can be applied at checkout using a promo code.

Currently, you can use codes 10PEARSON, 20PEARSON, and 25PEARSON to receive a 10%, 20%, or 25% subsidy of cart totals depending on the balance. From October 1st, these codes will no longer apply.

In response to rising costs, we are switching to a standard 25% subsidy off across all orders using the promo code ‘PEARSON’.

You can use this new code effective immediately.

Contact shop@blindlowvision.org.nz if you have any questions.

 

Oppenheim Trust Tertiary Education Fund

Are you also at Uni or Tech, or planning to enroll for 2025?
The good news is, you may qualify for financial assistance through the Oppenheim Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
Be quick! Closing on Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 1pm.

Click here to learn more

Click here to check your eligibility

 

Māori – A forever language

This year, Māori Language Week 2024 ran from 14th to 21st September and this year’s theme was ‘Ake ake ake – A Forever Language’. The 2024 theme represents the resilience, adaptability and endurance of te reo Māori, and reflects the commitment to embracing and learning the language long into the future.

Did you know that Braille supports te reo Māori? The macron is represented as dots 456, and placed before the letter to which it applies. The ‘wh’ can be contracted using dots 156. For more information have a look at BANZAT policy 8: Transcribing Māori text in Braille (banzat.org.nz).

 

Auckland Graduate Programme 2024

Last date for applications extended to 29 September!

Our Graduate Programme for 2024 is just around the corner! We are excited to offer a fully-funded 12-month workplace opportunity designed to kickstart your career, starting in November.

What we’re offering:

  • A 12-month paid placement working at Blind Low Vision NZ in a field relevant to your study, with the potential for 3 of those months to be a placement with an external employer.

We are looking for graduates who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Additionally, you will:

  • Have obtained a qualification (NZQA Level 5 minimum) within the last 18 months.
  • Be eligible to work in NZ.
  • Be able to work in our Auckland Blind Low Vision NZ offices; primarily from Parnell and other Auckland offices as necessary.

Applications close on 29 September, so apply as soon as possible by visiting the Seek Graduate Programme listing, our Careers Page or contact our recruitment team at recruitment@blindlowvision.org.nz.

Let’s start your career together!

Upcoming events

Webinar: Work Ready Webinar – 8 October, 10.00am

Join us Tuesday 8 October at 10:00 a.m. as the Employment and Youth Transition Team welcomes Jonathan Mosen MNZM, experienced senior executive and leader in the disability community for an informative discussion about his personal and professional experiences as a blind employer and employee.

Jonathan was most recently Chief Executive of Workbridge for five years. He has also held senior roles at some of the world’s leading assistive technology companies, including HumanWare, Freedom Scientific and Aira. He has operated his own consultancy company, been a government relations professional and a broadcaster. His podcast, Living Blindfully, is heard in 113 countries and this year was the recipient of the prestigious Dr Jacob Bollotin Award from the national Federation of the Blind in the United States.

This professional development offering is part of Blind Low Vision NZ’s Work Ready webinar serries and will be available live via Zoom and the recording will also be uploaded onto Blind Low Vision NZ’s website.

Click here to join the Work Ready Webinar via Zoom.

Or paste the URL below into your browser:

https://blindlowvision.zoom.us/j/83733651171?from=addo

For more information, email Sarah Mitchell, Head of Employment and Youth Transition at SMitchell@blindlowvision.org.nz or call us on 0800 24 33 33

We look forward to you joining us on Tuesday 8 October!

Auckland event: Matilda The Musical

Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book and with original songs by Tim Minchin. It is the winner of over 100 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. 

We are delighted to share there will be an Audio Described performance of the award-winning Matilda the Musical on Wednesday 9 October!

When: Wednesday 9 October

Show starts: 7.30 pm, run time is 2 hours 35 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.

Where: Bruce Mason Centre

Ticket Price: $72.60 (plus service fees)

Tickets for these seats are at a discounted price of $72.60 (plus service fees) and a companion ticket is available at the same price if required. Guide dogs are welcomed, but please notify staff upon booking your ticket.

This New Zealand production of Matilda the Musical is packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and quick wit – a joyous girl power romp.

Patrons will listen to trained audio describers broadcasting live commentary during the show, which they will hear through a supplied earpiece. There are seats reserved for blind or low vision patrons and their companions. There will be a free touch tour on stage prior to the show.

To book, please call the Ticketmaster Groups Booking line on 09 970 9745 or email groups@ticketmaster.co.nz.

A $5 service fee per transaction will apply for all phone bookings.
Audio Described tickets for Matilda the Musical will be available until 5pm, Monday 7 October or until the allocation is exhausted.
For more information about Matilda the Musical, please visit the Auckland Live website.

Miss Trunchbull stands powerfully on a desk in front of a class of primary school children. This is a snapshot of the dynamic between the all-powerful Miss Trunchbull and her archnemesis Matilda, one of the students who attempts to overthrow her rule.

 

 

Save the Date: Upcoming Product Demonstration Days with Vision Australia

In response to recent requests for equipment display days, we want to share an exciting update. Blind Low Vision NZ’s (BLVNZ) Equipment Solutions is happy to announce a partnership with Vision Australia to host three Product Demonstration Days. In October, one of Vision Australia’s Product Advisors will visit Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington to demonstrate products from the Vision Store (shop.visionaustralia.org.nz), giving you the opportunity to touch and feel them first-hand.

 

Products to be Demonstrated:

  • Adaptive Daily Living Aids:
  • Finger Grip Palm Peeler
  • Headbeam Plus Lamp
  • Jar Opener
  • Cut-resistant Mesh Gloves
  • 10-inch Digital Clock
  • Magnification and Technology:
  • Strip Magnifier
  • Olitech EasyFlip Smart Phone
  • Clover Book Pro
  • Miniguide Ultrasonic Echo
  • BigPurplePhone®:
    Developed by Libby Henderson and her husband James during the Covid pandemic, BigPurplePhone® was created to help Libby’s elderly mother stay connected through simple video chatting. Designed with the elderly, including those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, in mind, BigPurplePhone® offers larger fonts, clearer visibility, and improved usability. Launched in April 2022, it aims to combat isolation and improve well-being by making technology more accessible for older individuals.
    Libby Henderson, an expert in digital design and usability, has led digital strategy for global brands and founded the beauty brand Gelicious. Her passion for creating user-friendly technology drives the mission to make accessibility a priority.

Join us at one of the below regional offices for a special presentation by Sarah Selvadurai, a Vision Australia Product Advisor. Sarah will showcase a selection of the latest products, including some innovative technology items. These demonstrations will take place at the following office locations:

Auckland

30 McVilly Road, Manurewa, Auckland. Date and Time: 22nd October, 1pm to 2:30pm.

Christchurch

96 Bristol Street, St Albans Christchurch. Date and Time: 23rd October, 10am to 11.30am.

Wellington 

121 Adelaide Road, Mount Cook, Wellington. Date and Time: 24th October, 1pm to 2:30pm.
This initiative aims to empower you with better knowledge for making informed product decisions. If you have product demonstration requests for particular items, please email shop@blindlowvision.org.nz. We would love to ensure that your needs are met during these demonstrations.
If this event is successful, Vision Australia plans to organise more of these demonstrations in New Zealand.
Stay tuned for more details and mark your calendars!

 

Webinar: Know Your Rights with CCS Disability Action – 24 October at 1:00 PM

The next instalment of the Know Your Rights webinar series will be with CCS Disability Action, on Thursday 24 October at 1pm.

CCS Disability Action is the largest disability support provider for people with all impairment types in Aotearoa New Zealand. They’ve been working alongside disabled people since 1935 and are now at the forefront of service provision, advocacy and information sharing in the disability sector. CCS Disability Action partners with disabled people, their families and wider whānau, to support them having choice and control in their lives.

This webinar we will be joined by Sharleen Tongalea, Senior Coordinator at CCS Disability Action. Sharleen has lived with low vision throughout her life, a condition that is shared by many members of her family. This personal experience has deepened her understanding and empathy in her professional endeavours. Outside of work, she is a devoted mother to a 15-year-old teenager. She also actively participates in blind sports and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.

Come along to the webinar to gain a better understanding of the support services CCS Disability Action provides, what they can do for someone who is blind, deafblind or has low vision, and how you can get involved in CCS Disability Action’s wider advocacy efforts.

Register for the Know Your Rights webinar now. 

 

Image description: A close-up profile shot of Sharleen Tongalea.

 

Public apology for survivors of abuse in care

Survivors of abuse in care are invited to register their interest to attend a public apology event at Parliament on Tuesday 12 November, or at other venues around the country that will be linked to this event. The Prime Minister will formally apologise to survivors of abuse in care. You can contact the Crown Response Unit for more information: Phone 0800 717-017, or email contact@abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz, by 30 September. More information in a variety of accessible formats is available on the Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry website: Register to attend public apology for survivors of abuse in care (abuseinquiryresponse.govt.nz)

Community Bulletin

Parents of Vision Impaired 2024 Annual Conference & AGM

We’re excited to share that Parents of Vision Impaired (PVI) is hosting their annual conference and AGM in Christchurch.

Dates:

  • Starts: 3pm, Friday 18 Oct
  • Ends: 11am, Sunday 20 Oct

Venue: Novotel, Christchurch Airport

Speakers:

  • Rachael Wiltshire, Auckland Disability Law – Understanding cyberbullying and your child’s rights.
  • Dr Claire Achmad, Chief Children’s Commissioner – How the Children’s Commission can support you.
  • Dr Rebecca Skylerman, Clinical Psychologist – Insights from research with parents of visually impaired children.
  • Sarah Mitchell, Blind Low Vision NZ – Navigating the transition from school to employment and training.
  • Susan Jackman, Hapai Access Card – Unlocking the benefits of the Access Card for your family.

Conference Highlights:

  • Friday: Afternoon session (3pm-5pm) followed by a Meet & Greet.
  • Saturday: Full day of sessions (9am-4pm) with a Conference Dinner in the evening.
  • Sunday: AGM (we encourage all parents to attend).

For PVI Parent Members:

  • Return airfares within New Zealand.
  • Accommodation for Friday and Saturday nights, including breakfast.
  • Parents will need to cover other costs (e.g., transfers, Friday dinner).

Register for the 2024 PVI Parent Conference & AGM in Christchurch.

So Many Stories – Conversations with Christchurch Auckland 1052 Libraries

Last week, our amazing team members Tom Smith, Dan Shepherd, and Hanya Gallagher had a great chat with Shannon and Andrew from Christchurch Auckland 1052 Libraries about accessible resources!

You can catch the whole podcast or skip ahead to the 9-minute mark to hear Tom, Dan, and Hanya share their insights.

Listen to So Many Stories podcast episode 34 on the Christchurch City Libraries website.

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

RNZFB Board Elections 2024

Key dates to pencil in your diaries:

  • 11 October – Voting packs circulated.
  • 8 November – Last day to vote.

AGM

The 2024 Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:30am on Saturday 16 November 2024 in South Auckland. Members have the right to attend.

A copy of the Annual Report (Community Impact Report) and the Performance Report (the financial statements) for the 2023-24 financial year will be sent to every member who has elected to receive them in their preferred format on Friday 25 October. If you would like to receive a copy of the annual report and Performance Report in your preferred format, please phone the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

There will be opportunities to ask questions or comment on the RNZFB’s activities and the Board’s direction. Members who do not wish to travel to South Auckland for the AGM may participate in either of two ways:

  1. If there is enough interest, we hope to organise meetings at other Blind Low Vision NZ offices that will be linked to the meeting.
  2. Alternatively, you may participate via Zoom. You will need to book your space in advance.

Please contact the Board Secretary by Friday 25 October if you are planning to attend the AGM, at one of the associated linked meetings or participate by Zoom.

Also, if you intend to ask a question at the meeting that could be more fully answered with background research, you must let the Board Secretary know before Friday 25 October please.

The RNZFB Constitution provides that the New Zealand public are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting as observers. Anyone wishing to attend the AGM as an observer is asked to contact the Board Secretary by Friday 25 October.

In accordance with the Board’s policy, observers must attend the AGM from one of the designated Blind Low Vision NZ offices. Observers cannot attend from another location by phoning in or using other remote communication. Observers may not speak at the AGM unless given permission by the Chair.

Special Meeting of Members Proposal

At its March meeting, the RNZFB Board approved a number of constitutional changes to be presented to its members for discussion, consultation, and voting in October and November. To read more about the proposed changes, visit the Governance page on our website, the RNZFB elections website, or TIS menu 315. These proposals will be formally discussed at a Special Meeting of Members to be held prior to the AGM.

If you would like to receive the information listed above in a different format, please phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

For more information about Board elections, the Constitution or the voting process or timeline, please contact the Returning Officer by email to boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33

RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting

The next RNZFB Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for Friday 15 November 2024. This meeting will be held at the Blind Low Vision NZ Parnell office. 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 confirmed meeting minutes of the 6 July full Board Meeting and the draft meeting minutes of the 14 September full Board meeting are available. If you require a copy of any of these minutes, please email the Board Secretary boardscretary@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.

Meet and Greet Event in South Auckland

The next RNZFB Board Meet and Greet event is set to take place on Thursday 14 November, at the Blind Low Vision NZ South Auckland office. The session will run from 1:00pm – 3:00pm 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. You will also get to meet Blind Low Vision NZ’s Chief Executive Andrea Midgen.

Chair’s Award

The Chair’s Award is designed to honour a blind, deafblind or low vision client who has demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement in any field of endeavours.

The award will be presented at the Annual General Meeting of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind to be held on Saturday 16 November in South Auckland. The Chairman’s Award includes a trophy that the recipient will hold for one year, a cheque for the sum of $500 and a framed certificate as tokens of recognition.

Please submit your nominations to the Board Secretary no later than the end of Sunday 13 October 2024. Please provide full background in support of the nomination. You can nominate persons who may have been nominated previously but were unsuccessful.

Email: boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or Phone: 0800 24 33 33.

Chair’s Newsletter

The latest newsletter is now out, with a lot more detail on Board decisions and activities from our most recent meetings. You can check it out at the Blind Low Vision NZ Governance webpage, and on the Telephone Information Service at option 3 1 1.

Clive Lansink

RNZFB Board Chair

In the News

New Zealand

New Zealand Braille technology made by users touches community. NZ Herald subscription required.

Read about Chantelle Griffiths’ social enterprise, the Tactile and Tech Literacy Centre.

 

International

Blind Paralympian prepares for Channel swim attempt – BBC News.

Read about Melanie Barratt’s attempt to be the first blind woman to swim the English Channel.

Ex-doctor diagnosed with rare eye condition is now Europe’s top female blind golfer after just two years.

Learn about Mandi Large’s journey with retinitis pigmentosa.

 

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.

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.