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 March 2026 Korero or call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 if you would like to receive Kōrero in Braille.

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Good News

Get ready for Blind Low Vision Month – Access makes more possible

This year, Blind Low Vision Month is shining a spotlight on access and what it can make possible for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

Throughout October, we’ll be sharing stories about our services, support, and the difference they can make in people’s lives. We’ll also highlight how access to the right support, information, and technology can help people take part in their communities and do more of the things that matter to them.

With the arrival of Meta glasses, we will round out Blind Low Vision Month with an event to showcase this new technology and a range of other exciting technology projects we want to share with you. More information will be coming out soon!

A huge thank you to everyone who has agreed to share their story for Blind Low Vision Month, we are super grateful. This is just one of those stories. In this video, Graham Bolton explains how a white cane helped him reconnect with his community. Click on the image to play the video on the Blind Low Vision NZ Youtube channel. Alternatively, you can download Graham’s video transcript.

We look forward to celebrating Blind Low Vision Month with you!

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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.

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Congratulations to Blind Low Vision NZ Clients Rhonda and Janet, who have been nominated for the 2026 Enabling Good Lives Awards. The Awards recognised the remarkable achievement of blind author Rhonda Comins (writing under the pen name Carrot Peelings) and illustrator Janet Williamson (known artistically as Pansy Potter). Their work represents a wonderful example of leadership, innovation, and community contribution by people with lived experience of blindness and low vision.

Rhonda, author of the Bella Buttercup children’s book series, was nominated in the Education category. Janet, a tactile artist, was nominated in the Education and Wellbeing category.

Bella Buttercup is a series of four children’s books inspired by real events. The stories explore nature, community, resilience and inclusion, and show how people of all abilities can work together and support one another.

Congratulations to Rhonda and Janet on this wonderful recognition!

New resources for inclusive emergency planning

The Human Rights Commission has launched new resources to help make emergency planning, response and recovery more inclusive for disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori.

The resources were developed with disabled people and are designed to help communities, councils and emergency management agencies plan for the needs of all people before, during and after an emergency.

The resources are available in accessible formats, including Braille, large print, Easy Read, audio and NZSL.

Find out more and access the resources on the New Zealand Human Rights Commission website at TikaTangata.org.nz. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jac from Te Kāhui Tika Tangata New Zealand Human Rights Commission at jacI@tikatangata.org.nz or 04 471 6750.

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Community Bulletin

Enrolling to vote offline – Enrolment Hubs

Not yet enrolled to vote? Blind Low Vision NZ has partnered with the Electoral Commission to offer enrolment hubs at some of our offices in October. If you need to complete a paper enrolment form, our hubs can help make the process easier.

You must be enrolled to vote by Sunday 25 October. Visit the Blind Low Vision NZ website to find your local hub dates, learn how to enrol, and access information about accessible voting.

If you have any questions, please email our Policy Advocacy team at PA@BlindLowVision.org.nz or phone our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

Tell us about your Braille experience

If you use or have used Braille, are learning Braille, exploring whether Braille is right for you, or have experienced barriers to accessing Braille, we would like to hear from you.

The Blind Low Vision NZ Braille User Survey is open until 11pm on Wednesday 30 September. Your feedback will help us better understand how people use Braille, what they value, and where there may be gaps in access or support.

There is still time to take part. We really encourage you to share your experience. Your feedback is critical to ensuring our services continue to meet your needs, both today and into the future.

If you have not received an email about the survey but would like to take part, please let us know or you cancomplete the 2026 Braille user survey on Medallia.

If you have any accessibility issues or need help completing the survey, please contact our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 or email GeneralEnquiries@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

For questions about the survey, please contact James Carrick at JCarrick@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Update from RNZFB Redress Group

The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (RNZFB) Redress Group is establishing a register for people who experienced harm while in the care of, or under the significant influence of, the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind between 1950 and 1999.

Registering is an expression of interest only and does not require you to share your story or make a claim.

Find out more about the register and how to get in touch with the Redress Group on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.

Should you wish to discuss your experiences with someone from The Survivor Experience Service, which was established by the government upon completion of the Royal Commission of Enquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care, you can visit the Survivor Experiences website at SurvivorExperiences.govt.nz.

Have your say at the Disability Election Forum

With the next election on the horizon, it’s a chance to hear what political parties are proposing for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau and friends.

IHC New Zealand is hosting a Disability Election Forum on Wednesday 7 October, bringing political representatives together to discuss issues that matter to the disability community.

Blind Low Vision NZ have been working alongside IHC and other disability organisations to help organise this event.

Five candidates have confirmed they will take part, representing the Green Party, Labour, National, New Zealand First and The Opportunities Party.

You can attend in person in Wellington or join online. The event is free, and you can submit questions for the candidates.

When: Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Time: 4 – 6pm.

Where: Te Wharewaka o Poneke, Wellington, or online.

Cost: Free

Find out more and register for the Disability Election Forum.

International music competition for blind and low vision musicians

Blind and low vision classical and jazz musicians are invited to apply for the 2026 Bella Music Foundation International Music Competition.

With USD 10,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity for first prize winners to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York, this is an exciting opportunity for emerging musicians.

Applications close 1 October 2026.

Classical musicians must be aged 10–30, and jazz musicians 15–30.

Find out more and apply on Bella Music Foundation website.

Fully funded SAMBO(Self-defence without weapons) trip to Uzbekistan

A fully funded trip to Uzbekistan is available in November for Sambo athletes aged 18 and over who are interested in taking part in the World Sambo Championships.

Flights, accommodation, meals and transfers are covered for the athlete and their accompanying coach. The five-day trip is open to male and female blind vision impaired athletes.

Applications close 30 September 2026. Medical documentation is required as part of the application.

This information has been shared with us by the New Zealand SAMBO Federation. If you are interested in taking part or have any questions, please visit the New Zealand Sambo Federation website, call 027 272 7100, or email NewZealand@sambo.sport.

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Noticeboard

Perkins Braille Typewriters are available for members!

Blind Low Vision NZ members can request a Perkins Braille Typewriter on permanent loan.

A Perkins Braille Typewriter is a practical tool for learning Braille, building confidence, taking notes, labelling items, and maintaining Braille skills over time. Loans are free for client members, and servicing and distribution is also provided free of charge.

Accessible Formats Service (AFS) has recently improved the Perkins Braille Typewriter servicing process. Wait times have reduced from 30 days to less than a week, and pre-serviced machines are available for quicker loan or swap-out when needed.

You can request a Perkins Braille Typewriter when you need one. If you prefer to purchase your own, you can visit the Blind Low Vision NZ online Equipment Store to buy one directly.

To request a loan or servicing support, please contact our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. You can also email AFS Logistics at AFSLogistics@BlindLowVision.org.nz or email Accessible Formats Service at AFSInfo@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

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Work Ready Webinar: Career insights with CEO of Southern Cross Pet Insurance

When: Tuesday 13 October, 9am.

Work Ready Webinars are here to support you in your employment journey. Hosted by Sarah Mitchell, Head of Employment and Youth Pathways, these monthly sessions are designed to help you build skills and confidence for work or study.

In October, we’re joined by special guest Anthony McPhail, CEO of Southern Cross Pet Insurance.

Anthony has lived with low vision throughout his life and now uses a white cane and adaptive technology. He will share how his career developed from an entry level administration role into executive leadership, including 14 years as Chief Operating Officer, before becoming CEO.

Join us to hear Anthony’s story, learn how he navigated challenges along the way, and discover practical insights that could help you on your own pathway into work or study.

Join the October Work Ready Webinar on Zoom.

If you have any questions, please email Sarah SMitchell@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Work Ready Webinar Recordings & Resources

Can’t make the live webinar? You can catch up in your own time.

Listen to Work Ready Webinar Recordings at your leisure on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.

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Board Talk

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

This month, the RNZFB Board held a meet and greet with clients in south Auckland. We went along to hear what you had to ask them. A snapshot of question and answer session can be followed in the below video. Click on the video to hear more about the Auckland Meet and Greet on the Blind Low Vision NZ YouTube channel.

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Here are links to the key items:

• Download the full Board minutes from our website at BlindLowVision.org.nz
• The September edition of the Chair’s Newsletter is available on the Blind Low Vision NZ Website
• Find out more about how you can have your say on Constitutional change discussions on our Governance page at BlindLowVision.org.nz.

Other key dates:

• Board Elections 16 October – 13 November. Find out more about the Board elections on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.
• Nominations close for the 2026 Chair’s Award Sunday 18 October. More information about the Chair’s Award is available on the Blind Low Vision NZ website.
• RNZFB Annual General Meeting 9:30am on Saturday 21 November 2026 in Dunedin

RNZFB Annual General Meeting

The Board are looking forward to welcoming members to the 2026 Annual General Meeting at 9:30am on Saturday 21 November 2026 in Dunedin. All members are welcome to attend.

On Friday 30 October, we will send the Annual Report (Community Impact Report) and the Performance Report (financial statements) for the 2025–26 financial year to every member who has chosen to receive them. If you would like a copy in your preferred format, please call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

If travelling to Dunedin isn’t convenient, there are two other ways you may be able to take part:

• Join from a local office: If there’s enough interest, you can watch the Dunedin meeting live from another Blind Low Vision NZ office.
• Join online: You can also come along by Zoom, just book your spot first.

If you’re planning to attend in Dunedin, join a linked meeting or take part by Zoom, please let the Board Secretary know by Friday 30 October. Please email BoardSecretary@BlindLowVision.org.nz.

If you have a question that may need some background research, please send it to the Board Secretary by Friday 30 October. This will help us provide a fuller and more useful answer at the meeting.

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Newsroom

• From Para cycling to published author: Hannah Pascoe’s new chapter

Read about Hannah’s journey from international para cyclist to published author, and discover her new three-book romantic suspense series in the Paralympics New Zealand article at Paralympics.org.nz.

• Dan Shepherd talks smart glasses on The Panel

Listen to Dan Shepherd, our GM Community & Inclusion on RNZ’s The Panel with Wallace Chapman, discussing the positive ways smart glasses could benefit the blind and low vision community. You can download the MP3 file of Dan’s interview with RNZ.

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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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