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 August 2025 Korero or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

Thumbs Up

BLENNZ Students Visit BLVNZ Parnell

Students from Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ (BLENNZ) recently visited the Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) Parnell office for an engaging information session about the services and support available to them beyond high school. Their adventure began with a train ride from Manurewa to Newmarket, which they thoroughly enjoyed. From there, they walked together to the Parnell office, taking in the character of the old red brick buildings along the way. Many students commented on how light and bright the office felt, with several saying it was the first time they had ever been inside an office like this.

The session offered a broad introduction to BLVNZ’s services, from the role of the Primary Support Providers (PSP), to Sports and Leisure activities, and accessible formatting. The Library services caught their attention, especially the option to enjoy books through Alexa. The students were also excited to learn about the new White Cane Initiative, which launched in July. The technology segment added even more excitement, with apps like Be My Eyes and Voice Memo, sparking lively discussion and even giving our staff a few new ideas.

The visit ended with a cheerful group photo and animated conversation, a clear sign of the enthusiasm and appreciation felt by both students and teachers. They left knowing that we are ready to support them every step of the way, and were encouraged to connect with the Contact Centre and their PSP as they prepare for life beyond school.

This collaboration between BLVNZ and BLENNZ shows the value of working together so that today’s BLENNZ youth grow into tomorrow’s confident and empowered BLVNZ clients. The Employment and Youth Pathways team look forward to hosting many more visits like this in the future.

Image description: A group of BLVNZ staff — Andrea Midgen (CE), Sarah Mitchell, Alix Coysh, David Devenport, Robyn Barry, Hannah Keoghan, Tracy Joubert — along with BLENNZ staff and students, are seated around a large rectangular table in a well-lit boardroom.

Image description: A group photo featuring Sarah Mitchell and BLENNZ staff and students standing in a row by a white wall inside a well-lit boardroom.

2026 Braille Calendars are on the way!

The Accessible Formats team has finished designing our 2026 Braille calendars, and production is now underway. They will be distributed to members in September. This year, we’re moving from the pocket comb bind style to a handy A5 booklet. Early feedback has been positive, and we encourage everyone to give it a try.

The new A5 booklet format is designed to capture more dates, easy to handle, simple to store and quick to produce. Once you have received your calendar and had time to use it, we would value your feedback so we can keep improving.

If you haven’t already, please confirm your order for the launch this month by contacting the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 or emailing afslogistics@blindlowvision.org.nz. Thank you for your support in helping us deliver Braille calendars that work well for our community.

Celebrating Stafford and Sue’s 10.5 years of service

The Waikato Regional Community Committee and Forsyth Fund Committee are delighted to take this opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge Stafford Smith and Sue Hansen-Smith for their remarkable 10.5 years of dedicated service as Chairs. Their tireless commitment, guidance, and leadership have left an enduring mark on both the Waikato Regional Committee and the Forsyth Fund.

The Waikato Regional Community Committee helps guide Blind Low Vision NZ services in the region, ensuring local voices are heard and services meet real community needs. The Forsyth Fund provides grants and supports projects that improve daily life for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, helping them enjoy greater independence and participation in community life.

As Stafford and Sue retired from these roles in July 2025, we reflect with gratitude on their decade of service and the countless ways they have strengthened our community. Their passion, wisdom, and generosity of spirit have inspired many, and their legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

We extend our thanks and warmest best wishes to Stafford and Sue as they begin this exciting new chapter, and we invite all who have worked alongside them or benefited from their support to join us in celebrating their invaluable contribution.

If you are interested, you can find more information about the Forsyth Fund on our support grants page.

New Telephone Dictation Service for Disabled Voters

The Electoral Commission has introduced a new telephone dictation voting service. This service is designed for people who are blind, deafblind, have low vision, or have another disability that makes it hard to complete voting papers on their own. Through this service, people can cast their vote over the phone with the support of trained staff. It ensures privacy, independence, and accessibility during the voting process.

Who is eligible to use this service?

• Being blind.
• Having low vision that prevents you from marking your voting document without assistance.
• Having another physical disability that prevents you from marking your voting document without assistance.

What is dictation voting and how does it work?

Dictation voting is a confidential and secure service that allows eligible voters to cast their vote by telephone. It is strictly limited to eligible disabled voters.

Here’s how it works:

• The voting service is available on weekdays between 9am and 4:30pm, from 9 September to 10 October, inclusive.
• Eligible voters should contact Election NZ’s dedicated call centre on 0800 666 040 to request access.
• You must be ready to vote before calling, to help ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Upon receiving a request, the Electoral Officer will assess eligibility:

• If satisfied the criteria are met, the request will be approved.
• If not, the request will be declined.

Once approved:

• Voters will dictate their votes to the telephone dictation assistant.
• The votes will be read back to the voter to confirm accuracy.
• Once confirmed, the votes will be cast and cannot be changed.

Eligible voters may request access to the service now, but it’s recommended to wait until voting opens on 9 September, allowing the whole process to be completed with just one phone call. As this is a new service, demand levels are uncertain. If call volumes are high, callers will have the option to leave a message requesting a call back.

Please note this service only applies to Councils who are clients of electionz.com/home/.

A full list of those councils is available on the Information Exchange website. Please note that Tasman Council is missing from the list, but it is included. If your Council is not listed, you will need to contact the Electoral Officer of that Council to make arrangements.

Auckland Council refreshes its Disability Action Plan

Auckland Council has relaunched its Disability Action Plan, setting out refreshed actions to make Tāmaki Makaurau more accessible and inclusive. The plan covers buildings, public spaces, services, workplaces, and transport, and progress will be reported twice a year to the Disability Advisory Panel. Since its first release in 2015, it has already led to improvements such as universal design guidance and safer pedestrian access.

One of our board members and Co-chair of the council’s Disability Advisory Panel, Martine Abel-Williamson, says the plan is about more than quick fixes. “It promotes disability responsiveness through lasting changes. Every Aucklander – disabled or not – can help create a welcoming, accessible city,” she says.

If you’d like to learn more about the work of the Disability Advisory Panel, visit Auckland Council’s website to read the Disability Action Plan.

Both the Disability Action Plan (PDF) and a Plain text version (PDF) are available.

Wellington City Council Local Elections – Accessible Voting Options

Voting in the Wellington City Council local elections opens 9 September and closes 12 noon 11 October 2025.

This election, Blind Low Vision NZ clients have more accessible ways to learn about candidates and vote. Candidate profile statements are available on our website in audio, large print, and e-Braille formats. Braille booklets are available at our Blind Low Vision NZ Wellington office (121 Adelaide Road, Mt Cook) and the Election Hub, Te Awe Library, 29 Brandon Street (open 9:30am to 5:30pm weekdays, 10am to 4pm Saturday 4 October, and 9:30am to 12 noon Saturday 11 October).

Candidates also had the opportunity to record a short on-camera interview. To watch the candidate videos, select the ward, board, or mayoral candidate link on the Wellington City Council website. This will open a new page where you can select to view the playlist of YouTube videos from your chosen selection of candidates.

You can also hear candidate statements by phone: Call 04 389 3858, press m733. Need help marking your voting paper? Nominate someone you trust to fill out your voting papers or visit the Election Hub for electoral official assistance.

Telephone dictation voting services are available for eligible voters who are blind, have low vision, or have a physical disability that stops them from voting independently. This secure service runs weekdays, 9am to 4:30pm, from 9 September to 10 October. Make your voice heard in the election by calling 0800 666 040.

All accessible information and resources can be found on the Wellington City Council website.

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 dialling 0800 100 051.

Noticeboard

Funding Opportunities

Spring Into Independence with the Pearson Fund

Spring is a great time to refresh your tools for independence.

The Pearson Fund can help with things like magnifiers, lighting, or other assistive tech.

If you’re a Blind Low Vision NZ member, take a moment to check if you qualify.

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

Oppenheim Tertiary Fund applications now open

The Oppenheim Fund is now accepting applications for 2026.

If you’re enrolled in a recognised course or training programme, this fund could help with your course fees. It’s ideal for school leavers, but adult learners are welcome to apply too.

Applications close 14 January 2026.

Learn more on the Support Grants page and start your application here: Oppenheim Trust – Application Form.

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, visit the MSD Support Funds page and complete either a Training Support Application (PDF) or a Job Support Application (PDF). You can also email Support_Funds@msd.govt.nz or call 0800 551 001 for help.

Daylight saving begins Sunday 28 September

Daylight saving begins on the last Sunday of September. The long, dark hours of winter can be challenging for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. Brighter evenings mean spring has begun, bringing more light, warmer days, and a chance to get outside and enjoy the season.

Remember to put your clocks forward one hour; you’ll lose an hour of sleep, but gain more daylight in the evenings. Most phones and computers will update the time automatically, but only if the automatic time setting is turned on.

Want to know more about what to do when the clocks change? Visit the New Zealand Government daylight saving page.

Upcoming events

Work Ready Webinar: Navigating Employment with Confidence

Tuesday, 14 October, 10am to 11am

Finding your way in the working world can be challenging. But with the right support and information, you can take the next step with confidence.

Be part of a special Work Ready webinar with Paul Hutcheson – an employment lawyer, mediator, and long-time Blind Low Vision NZ client. Paul will share stories and insights from his professional journey, including:

• The highs and lows of finding and keeping a job.
• Tips for preparing for interviews and speaking up for yourself.
• Key employment rights and responsibilities.
• How to know when (and how) to advocate for your needs.

Paul has been blind since childhood. He has worked across probation, HR, and academia, and for the past 17 years, has run his own practice, helping people navigate tough workplace conversations. His experience and practical advice will be helpful whether you’re starting out, changing jobs, or returning to work.

Join the Work Ready webinar on Zoom on Tuesday, 14 October at 10am.

If you are unable to attend the live session, a recording will be made available on our website.

For more information, contact Sarah Mitchell at SMitchell@blindlowvision.org.nz.

Experience The Nutcracker with Audio Description

This summer, the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) brings the magic of The Nutcracker to Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland – with special audio described performances for blind and low vision audiences.

A trained audio describer will provide live commentary, delivered through your earpiece, guiding you through the story, sets, costumes and movement on stage. Before the show, you’re invited to a free Touch Tour and introduction to ballet. You’ll feel set pieces, explore costumes and props, and learn key ballet terms to bring the performance to life.

Audio described performance dates:

• Wellington: Saturday 8 November 2025, 1:30pm.
• Christchurch: Saturday 15 November 2025, 1:30pm.
• Auckland: Saturday 6 December 2025, 1:30pm.

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval.

If you’d like a New Zealand Sign Language interpreted performance, please enquire via education@rnzb.org.nz.

This brand-new Kiwi production of The Nutcracker is a celebration of family, fantasy and Christmas magic. From childhood holidays at the beach to the snowy Southern Alps and the Kingdom of Sweets, it promises to be an unforgettable experience, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s timeless music performed live by orchestra.

Tickets: Adults from $65 and Children from $40.

Ticketing enquiries: Phone 04 831 1056 or email subscribe@rnzb.org.nz.

For more information and to explore all performance times and venues, please visit the RNZB website.

Equipment Store Demo Day Coming to Whangārei

On Thursday, 9 October, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the latest magnification and mobility tools designed to make your life easier. It’s a great chance to explore new devices and see what could work best for you.

You’ll be able to try a variety of video magnifiers, mobility canes, and smart devices, including some of the most popular items from our Vision Store NZ. Our team will be on hand to answer your questions and guide you through the options. You can just drop in at a time that suits you.

When: Thursday 9 October 2025, 11am to 2pm.

Where: Blind Low Vision NZ Whangārei Office, 277 Kamo Road, Whangārei.

RSVP is optional, as the event runs for three hours. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please email us at shop@blindlowvision.org.nz — we’d love to hear from you.

Come along, meet the team, and discover tools that can support your independence. We look forward to seeing you there!

Community Bulletin

Literature Without Limits: Blind Low Vision NZ Month Reads

This Blind Low Vision NZ Month, we’re shining a light on the incredible storytellers in our community.

We’ve put together a collection of unique books by blind and deafblind authors that will have you hooked. On the list you’ll find powerful memoirs that share honest, personal journeys, as well as fictional tales that spark the imagination. All of these titles, and more, are available in accessible formats through the Blind Low Vision NZ Library. You can enjoy them in the format you prefer, including with Alexa. To check out our full list, and for more information, visit the Blind Low Vision NZ Accessible Library.

If you’re not a member of the Blind Low Vision NZ Library yet, or you’d like any help, call our friendly Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 or email library@blindlowvision.org.nz. We’d love to hear from you!

Help us improve how we communicate with you

We want to make sure the information we share is useful, clear, and easy to access. To do that, we need your help.

Blind Low Vision NZ is reviewing how we communicate with clients and members. We are asking for your feedback through a short survey.

You may have already received an invitation to take part, and we apologise that the previous link wasn’t accessible for all. If that link did not work, please use one of the links below.

The survey takes about 10 minutes. You can do it online or over the phone. It is open until 30 September.

The survey is run by Kantar New Zealand, an independent research company. Your answers are private and will not be linked to your name.

• Screen readers: Communications Survey link for users of screen readers.
• Magnification: Blind Low Vision NZ Communications Survey.

If you need help, call 0800 24 33 33. Our friendly Contact Centre team can guide you through the questions and record your answers.

As a thank you, you can enter a prize draw to win one of five $500 Vision Store vouchers.

Your voice matters. Thank you for helping us improve.

Minister’s announcement on changes to assessments, allocations, and flexible funding

On 3 September, the Minister for Disability Issues Hon Louise Upston announced changes to Disability Support Services (DSS) funded supports. Changes to DSS will begin in February 2026 for new clients and from April 2026 for existing clients. Regular reassessments will pause until October 2026 while the new system is introduced.

Read the Minister’s press release, and see the DSS fact sheet and timeline for changes.

1 Million Names in Braille – Country of the Month: Solomon Islands

This month at 1 Million Names in Braille HQ, the country of the month is Solomon Islands. If you know one of the 839,000 people in this Melanesian nation who you think may like to receive their name in Braille for free, email their name and address to julie@thatblindwoman.co.nz.

270 names were written in August, taking the latest 1 Million Names in Braille total to 38,917. Names have now gone to 63 countries around the globe, including in August to Cyril in South Africa and Shamal in Iraq.

You’re welcome to request your own name, or the name of family or friends, at any time throughout the year, even if they’re not from the country of the month. Let’s help spread the power of Braille!

For any questions, contact Julie Woods at 021 913 513.

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 Two: Keeping Your Personal Information Safe

When you’re online, it’s important to protect your personal information, just like you would in the real world…

If you want to learn more, see Vision Australia’s guide Protecting your details online and RNIB’s resource Staying safe online.

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.

See this week’s listings on the Able website.

ReVision Podcast – Braille and Adaptive Technology with international guest Matthew Horspool

In the latest episode of the ReVision podcast, Sam Smith chats with international guest Matthew Horspool, from the UK, about Braille and adaptive technology.

Check out the episode on Buzzsprout (also see the full ReVision podcast feed).

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.

Have your say on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026−2030

Access Matters Aotearoa, Disabled Persons Assembly, and Enabling Good Lives recently hosted a national kōrero on the draft Strategy. You can now share your feedback to help shape government policy and investment in disability.

Closing date: Sunday, 28 September.

You can have your say in several ways:

• Online survey: on the Whaikaha website.
• Email: NZDisabilityStrategy@whaikaha.govt.nz
• By post (free):
  Whaikaha — Ministry of Disabled People
  Reply Paid 262204
  PO Box 1556
  Wellington 6140
• Phone / text: Call 0800 566 601 (Monday to Fri, 8:30 am to 5 pm) or text 4206

Easy Read and alternate formats of the draft Strategy are available on the Whaikaha website.

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.

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.