Blind Low Vision NZ

Blind Low Vision NZ We provide emotional and practical support, so that people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision can keep working and living independently.

Blind Low Vision NZ Community Guidelines

At Blind Low Vision NZ, we’re proud to foster a supportive, respectful, and inclusive community, both online and offline. We encourage open discussion and value your thoughts, experiences, and feedback. To ensure our spaces remain welcoming and safe for everyone, we ask that all participants follow our community guidelines. Respectful and Inclusive Conduct
We believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect. Please avoid making comments or posts that are:

• Abusive, bullying, or threatening
• Use ablest language
• Racist, sexist, homophobic, or discriminatory in any way
• False, defamatory, or misleading
• Containing profanity or hate speech
• Off-topic, irrelevant, or spam
• Sharing confidential, personal, or sensitive information
Our Online Platforms

We want our online platforms to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. While we encourage discussion, any comments containing profanity, hate speech, bullying, or other inappropriate content will be hidden or removed. If an individual repeatedly posts comments that breach these guidelines, we reserve the right to remove or block that person from our page. We also follow the principles of the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 (New Zealand) and the policies of each platform we use. Posts that violate these standards will be reported and removed. Privacy and Security
To protect your privacy, please avoid sharing any personal or sensitive information in public comments or messages. For any personal matters or feedback, please contact us directly through our official channels. Representation and Feedback

We welcome constructive feedback and diverse perspectives. However, posts and comments made by members of the public do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Blind Low Vision NZ. If you see content on any of our platforms that you believe violates these guidelines, please report it to us so we can take appropriate action. Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Trick or treat! Vaitu’s in full Howl-o-ween mode this week 🎃[Image one] Vaitu, a black guide dog in training, sits insid...
31/10/2025

Trick or treat! Vaitu’s in full Howl-o-ween mode this week 🎃

[Image one] Vaitu, a black guide dog in training, sits inside a costume store with a witches hat on.
[Image two] Thatcher, a golden coloured guide dog in training, lays happily on his back in his bed.
[Image three] Vaitu, a black coloured guide dog in training, cuddles his trainer in his bed.
[Image four] Amy, a black guide dog in training, sits on a patch of grass, whilst smiling at the camera.
[Image five] Vaitu, a black guide dog in training, sits in his bed holding a bone, looking curiously at the camera.
[Image six] Scout, a light-coloured guide dog in training, sits patiently in a toy store, the ultimate distraction test!
[Image seven] Sara and Ricki, two black guide dogs in training, pose for the camera, one sitting and one standing, both looking at the camera.
[Image eight] Tyler, a golden guide dog in training, sits in his training coat, looking back at the camera.
[Image nine] Echo, a black guide dog in training, sits on his bed looking at the camera with his tongue cheekily poking out.

24/10/2025

Spend the morning with a guide dog puppy! Meet Rump Dot, our confident, curious, and slightly dramatic pup in training 💛

She and her siblings haven’t been named yet, so our team have put little dots on different parts of their bodies to help tell each pup apart, though Rump Dot’s personality makes her pretty hard to miss! 🐾

Happy Friday everyone! Uno's clearly ready for the weekend 😆[Image one] Uno, a red coloured guide dog in training, layin...
24/10/2025

Happy Friday everyone! Uno's clearly ready for the weekend 😆

[Image one] Uno, a red coloured guide dog in training, laying on his back in the development centre, smiling at the camera.
[Image two] Caleb, a Guide Dogs trainer, sits on the grass with Uno sprawled comfortably across his lap.
[Image three] Gemini, a black guide dog puppy in training, sitting in it's harness on a driveway.
[Image four] Toffee, a golden coloured guide dog, sleeping on his bed with an orange stuffed animal.
[Image five] Zola and Winnie, two cream coloured guide dogs in training, sitting in the back of a Blind Low Vision NZ van, looking at the camera.
[Image six] An action shot of Tui, Trish, and Uno on the free run, running toward the camera.
[Image seven] Toffee, a golden guide dog in training, running towards the camera on the free run.
[Image eight] Frances a 12 week old black guide dog laying on the grass, waiting for a belly rub.
[Image nine] Tyler and Robyn, two cream coloured guide dogs, sitting happily on a big patch of grass, looking at the camera.

Tired of missing the best bits or sitting through ads? 🙌If you listen to podcasts, news, or audiobooks through Alexa, tr...
23/10/2025

Tired of missing the best bits or sitting through ads? 🙌

If you listen to podcasts, news, or audiobooks through Alexa, try this next time:

“Alexa, forward 2 minutes” or “Alexa, back 2 minutes.”

It’s perfect for skipping ads, replaying something you missed, or jumping ahead to the good stuff.

Got a handy Alexa hack or tech tip of your own? Drop it in the comments! 👇

[Image description] A yellow text box on top of a photo of a person near an Alexa. Bold black text reads "Our favourite Alexa hack at the moment: Skip or rewind using just your voice! 'Alexa, forward 2 minutes' or 'Alexa, back 2 minutes.' Perfect for skipping ads, replaying something you missed, or jumping ahead in podcasts, news, or audiobooks."

Accessible event alert! Codeword Cabaret: Firecracker! 🎉Looking for something fun and accessible to do in Auckland? We’v...
21/10/2025

Accessible event alert! Codeword Cabaret: Firecracker! 🎉

Looking for something fun and accessible to do in Auckland? We’ve got you covered!

On Tuesday 4th November, Codeword Cabaret is putting on an audio described performance, making sure everyone in the audience can enjoy the magic of live theatre 🫶

We are all about breaking down barriers to performance art and this show is a brilliant example. Huge thanks to Creative Communities NZ, Platform Interpreting NZ, and Audiodescribed Aotearoa for making it happen!

Grab your tickets via the link in their post, or email codewordcabaret@gmail.com.

Come along, have fun, and enjoy a show that is made for everyone! ✨

For many of us, accessibility isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s what makes everyday life possible.To launch Blind Low Vision ...
17/10/2025

For many of us, accessibility isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s what makes everyday life possible.

To launch Blind Low Vision Month, we turned a popular café into an accessible space, complete with large print and Braille menus, clear signage, trained staff and thoughtful design touches that made moving around easier for everyone.

It was a great reminder that accessibility doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small changes can make a big difference for our community, and for anyone visiting a public space 💛

💬 What’s one change you’d love to see local cafés or businesses make to be more accessible? Tell us in the comments below!

[Image one] A close-up image of a person's hands holding a menu with large print and a section of Braille. Black bold text in a yellow bubble asks "Ever wondered what an accessible café looks like?"
[Image two] A close-up image of a high-contrast menu with Braille. Black text in a yellow bubble reads, "High-contrast menus with left-aligned, large text and Braille."
[Image three] A café staff member guiding a customer by the arm through a doorway. Black bold text in a yellow bubble reads, "Staff trained to guide and serve safely."
[Image four] An image of a bold, high-contrast yellow sign pointing to an accessible bathroom. Text reads, "Accessible bathroom to your right" and "Bold, high-contrast signage."
[Image five] A black guide dog sits under a table in a café next to its handler. Black, bold text in a yellow bubble reads, "Spacious layout with accessible seating."
[Image six] An image of an exterior view of a café with a yellow handrail and high-contrast yellow dots marking the glass door and steps. Text reads, "Clearly marked steps, handrails, and glass doors."
{Image seven] An image of a close-up of a yellow, high-contrast dot on the edge of a café counter. Text reads, "High-contrast dots marking potential hazards and edges."

It's that time of the week again! Happy Friday Floof everyone! 💛[Image one]: Tyler, a golden guide dog wearing his harne...
17/10/2025

It's that time of the week again! Happy Friday Floof everyone! 💛

[Image one]: Tyler, a golden guide dog wearing his harness, sits in front of a pond where several ducks are swimming.
[Image two] Norah, a black guide dog, sits in front of the camera, smiling with her tongue hanging out.
[Image three] Ralph, a black guide dog wearing his harness, sits in front of a pond with ducks and looks toward the camera.
[Image four] Yakira, Yohan, Yoshi, Yumi and Yayla, five guide dogs, run together on the free run while playing with a purple ring toy.
[Image five] Yayla and Yakira, two light-coloured guide dogs, fast asleep together on a bed at the development centre.
[Image six] Wren, a black guide dog, pokes her head out from behind a fence with her tongue out.
[Image seven] 11 week old black guide dog Frances, practicing tether time in her puppy raisers home.
[Image eight] Kiro, a black guide dog, sitting on some grass, looking happily at the camera.
[Image nine] Nellie, a cream-coloured guide dog, lies on her back in the development centre, looking cheekily at the camera.

16/10/2025

Why do so many government and health services fail at accessibility? 🤯

In this episode of our podcast collaboration with , digital accessibility consultant Callum McMenamin shares his journey, introduces his “Accessibility Loser Board,” and unpacks the barriers Kiwis who are blind or have low vision face in health and social care. He also explores the future of accessibility, from government standards to emerging technologies like AI.

Don’t let accessibility be an afterthought. Listen now to find out what needs to change.

🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/sXRGyBvvG1w

We had such a great time at Seniors Week in Wellington with ! 🥰 It was awesome connecting with so many amazing people, h...
11/10/2025

We had such a great time at Seniors Week in Wellington with ! 🥰

It was awesome connecting with so many amazing people, hearing your stories, sharing how Blind Low Vision NZ can help, and meeting those just starting their sight-loss journey. We also loved chatting with folks keen to volunteer or donate, and catching up with other community services to see how we can work together.

Big thanks to Age Concern for having us, we’re already looking forward to the next one! 💛

[Image description] Lily, a community volunteer coordinator, smiles behind a table with Blind Low Vision NZ brochures and materials at a Seniors Week event. The table is covered by banners, one featuring a Guide Dog puppy and the other displaying the organisation's logo and mission.

Did you know Blind Low Vision NZ provides free Schools Awareness Workshops? 👀💛Our workshops give Tamariki the chance to ...
10/10/2025

Did you know Blind Low Vision NZ provides free Schools Awareness Workshops? 👀💛

Our workshops give Tamariki the chance to understand vision loss and connect with someone who has lived experience of blindness or low vision. Students explore what life is really like with low vision, learn simple ways to adapt and make life easier, and discover how they can help make our communities safer and more inclusive. These sessions are all about building empathy, sparking curiosity, and encouraging acceptance of people with different abilities.

All our workshops are:
✅ Completely free of charge
✅ Available for small or large groups
✅ Tailored to suit your school’s needs

Know a school that would love this program? Find more information and book a workshop here: https://blindlowvision.org.nz/resources/vision-loss-in-our-communities-schools-awareness-workshops/

[Image one] Young children sitting on the floor, one holding a yellow textured Braille mat.
[Image two] Dan Shepherd, GM Community & Inclusion at Blind Low Vision NZ, with his black guide dog Ezra on a stage, holding a yellow textured Braille mat.
[Image three] Three children looking and touching a yellow textured Braille mat.
[Image four] A class of children and a woman in pajamas and socks posing playfully in a classroom.
[Image five] Dan Shepherd of Blind Low Vision NZ presenting to a group of children in a hall.
[Image six] A girl examining a yellow textured Braille mat while another child looks on.

Us because it's Friday 😋[Image one] Yumi, a cream coloured guide dog, smiling happily at the camera, with her tongue han...
10/10/2025

Us because it's Friday 😋

[Image one] Yumi, a cream coloured guide dog, smiling happily at the camera, with her tongue hanging out.
[Image two] Black stud dog Bennett looks sadly at the camera as the resident cat is curled up asleep in his bed.
[Image three] Yayla and Yakira, two cream coloured guide dogs, curled up asleep on each other in the Guide Dog Development Centre.
[Image four] 11 week old Frank, a black guide dog puppy, meeting a chicken for the first time.
[Image five] Ricki, a black guide dog puppy, looks at the camera with a toy in his mouth.
[Image six] Black guide dog Yelena, lying down and smiling at the camera in the Guide Dog Development Centre.
[Image seven] Yohan, a cream-colored guide dog, is sitting in the back of the guide dog van, looking sleepy.
[Image eight] Ricki, a black guide dog, resting on the ground in his harness, looking up at the camera.

Meet Phil, in 2008, his life changed overnight. A sudden illness took his sight, hearing, and mobility. What followed w...
08/10/2025

Meet Phil, in 2008, his life changed overnight.

A sudden illness took his sight, hearing, and mobility. What followed was months of darkness, loss, and uncertainty.

But with support from Blind Low Vision NZ, Phil began to rebuild. Through counselling, Braille lessons, and learning accessible technology, he rediscovered his independence, and his purpose.

Today, Phil is studying psychology, advocating for accessibility, and even took on the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge. His story is proof that with the right support, resilience can shine through the darkest moments.

Phil puts it best: “Blind Low Vision NZ has been a lifeline for me. They lowered a ladder into the dark hole I was in. They helped me find the rungs, placed my hands and feet on the rungs and taught me how to climb. As I climbed out, my world began to fill with fresh air and rays of sunshine. I rediscovered who I was, a person of value. I’ve been given independence, purpose, and direction.”

👉 Read Phil’s full story here: https://bit.ly/4nJiinZ

[Image one] Outdoor image of Phil sitting in his wheelchair, holding a small bunch of green leaves while looking down and smiling. Yellow highlight boxes overlay the image with text reading: "Phil's inspiring story" and the quote: "Are you disabled or are you enabled?"
[Image two] Phil shopping for groceries with his independent living skill specialist.
[Image three] Phil using a braille keyboard at a kitchen counter.
[Image four] Phil preparing a meal in his kitchen.

Address

Auckland

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+64800243333

Website

https://blindlowvision.org.nz/our-services/guide-dog-se

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Our Story

Every day, an average of six New Zealanders turn to Blind Low Vision NZ (formerly Blind Foundation) for support with sight loss.

Some are still reeling and are looking for emotional support; many want to find ways to remain self-reliant, to stay in work and get around independently. All want to find ways of doing the things that are important to them.

Blind Low Vision NZ is here to provide practical and emotional support, to advocate for inclusive communities and lead the way in vision rehabilitation.

Our vital work helping people with sight loss is only possible thanks to the generous support of the public.