Seeing Streets Differently campaign launch at Government House, Wellington  

On Friday 14 March, Blind Low Vision NZ hosted a special campaign launch, Seeing Streets Differently, at Government House in Wellington. The evening brought together 85 guests, including Their Excellencies, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Richard Davies hosting us at Government House to highlight the experiences of people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision and to advocate for a more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by our Head of Policy and Advocacy, Jelena Zidov, with contributions from client and General Manager Community and Inclusion Dan Shepherd, and guide dog handler, Sue Emirali. The discussion drew on real-life experiences to highlight accessibility challenges, the importance of inclusive urban design, and the ways we can all help create a world that is easier to navigate for everyone.

Matt MacDougall, Head of Philanthropy, opened the evening with a karakia, followed by opening remarks from Her Excellency, The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand. You can read Dame Cindy’s speech on the Governor-General website. 

Attendees then enjoyed a thought-provoking panel session and a hands-on demonstration led by Blind Low Vision NZ staff. The demonstration, led by Service Team Manager Central Kate Kerr and Rehabilitation Instructor Spencer Townsend showcased some of the key tools and strategies people use to navigate public spaces safely and independently.

Thanks to our videographer, Ram Kaza, for capturing the event so beautifully with a short highlights video, which can be viewed on Youtube via this link. The highlights video includes action shots of RNZFB Board Directors and other guests being greeted on arrival and guided to their seats, Dame Cindy’s opening remarks, the panel discussion, the guiding demonstration and guests happily mingling.

Guests had the opportunity to mix and mingle over refreshments, engaging with our team and experiencing first-hand the impact of our advocacy and support services.  The evening was supported by two tactile NZSL interpreters, and Jacqui Iseli, Deafblind Coordinator who provided social haptics to ensure full accessibility for deafblind guests. Live music added to the atmosphere. You can view photos on the Governor-General’s website. 

A huge thank you to the team at Government House for their hospitality.