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.

From the racetrack to a legacy of giving! 🐎🐕 Dorothy Cutts has always known how to lead the way. After a history-making ...
23/01/2026

From the racetrack to a legacy of giving! 🐎🐕

Dorothy Cutts has always known how to lead the way. After a history-making career in harness racing, she’s now helping Kiwis with vision loss find their own path to independence by sponsoring four guide dog puppies every single year.

At 85, Dorothy is still our champion. Swipe through to see how she’s helping us create a future without barriers. 💛

You can find Dorothy’s full story in our latest Community Impact Report via this link: https://blindlowvision.org.nz/about-us/governance/annual-reports/

[Image one] Yellow social media graphic featuring a photo of Dorothy holding a framed picture of a puppy next to a golden retriever. Text: Meet Dorothy! The racing pioneer changing lives, four paws at a time. Swipe to read her story.

[Image two] Yellow background featuring a black-and-white historical photo of Dorothy in harness racing gear, smiling and raising an arm in victory. Text: Breaking Down Barriers. In 1979, Dorothy Cutts made history as one of NZ’s first professional female harness racing winners. She spent her career proving that determination overcomes any obstacle. At 85, she is still leading the way, helping Kiwis with vision loss break down barriers and live with independence.

[Image three] Yellow background featuring a photo of Dorothy wearing a pink blazer, standing in front of a grey metal wall. Text: For over a decade, Dorothy has sponsored four guide dog puppies every year, helping turn playful pups into life-changing companions that give our community mobility, freedom, and friendship. "Knowing I’ve played even a small part in helping that happen is incredibly rewarding."

[Image four] Yellow background with orange decorative doodles. Text: Inspired by Dorothy’s story? Read more in our Community Impact Report!

Friday Floof feels extra special this week as we celebrate Sara’s 2nd birthday! We had so much fun celebrating our girl ...
23/01/2026

Friday Floof feels extra special this week as we celebrate Sara’s 2nd birthday! We had so much fun celebrating our girl turning 2. Happy Birthday Sara! 💛🐾

[Image one] Sara, a black guide dog in training, sits with a red party hat and a big number 2 balloon.
[Image two] Griffin, a cream guide dog in training, runs towards the camera in the enrichment park.
[Image three] Griffin, a golden guide dog puppy in training, sits on his bed with a yellow toy in his mouth, looking at the camera.
[Image four] Ice, a golden guide dog in training, sits on his bed whilst looking at the camera.
[Image five] Priya, a black guide dog in training, stands in the dog wash station, with a towel over her head and her tongue poking out.
[Image six] Robyn, a cream coloured guide dog in training, sniffs a toy in the enrichment room.
[Image seven] Nellie, a cream coloured guide dog in training, looks at the camera with her tongue poking out to the side.
[Image eight] Uno, Vinnie and Tony, three guide dogs in training running through a park, all three holding the same rope toy in their mouths.
[Image nine] Vaitu, a black guide dog in training, sits under a shady tree with her tongue out.

Think vision loss only happens with age? Think again!This silent condition is more common than you think… and it’s almos...
20/01/2026

Think vision loss only happens with age? Think again!

This silent condition is more common than you think… and it’s almost entirely preventable with early detection 💛

[Image one] A bright yellow graphic with bold black text that reads: "Do you know the leading cause of vision loss in working age New Zealanders? Swipe >"

[Image two] A yellow graphic explaining that the answer is Diabetic Retinopathy, an eye condition caused by diabetes that damages blood vessels and can lead to blindness. A black box contains a fact stating that 1 in 4 Kiwis with Diabetes will develop the condition, accompanied by a photo of a patient receiving a digital eye scan.

[Image three] A yellow graphic titled "The 20-Year Risk" stating that time is the biggest factor for vision risk. It features two banners: one noting that almost everyone with Type 1 Diabetes sees eye changes within 20 years, and another stating that about 60% of people with Type 2 Diabetes see changes within that same timeframe.

[Image four] A bright yellow background with the headline "The Good News!". Text: 90% of diabetes-related vision loss is preventable, but it often starts without symptoms. Stay ahead by attending your regular screenings. Not enrolled? Ask your GP or optometrist for a referral today!

Hi my name is Jamie and I have Retinitis Pigmentosa. It is an eye condition with a slow change that leads to tunnel visi...
16/01/2026

Hi my name is Jamie and I have Retinitis Pigmentosa. It is an eye condition with a slow change that leads to tunnel vision and, one day, blindness.

It would be a lie to say I never feel scared. Many people with low vision know this fear too. Some days I wake up and think, what if I lose the rest of my sight today?

But, low vision does not define me. I can do many things. I just do them in different ways.

Blind Low Vision NZ changed my life. They helped me learn and have shown me that I can still carry on with my life without sight. They also opened the door to different ways to live, play sport, learn new skills, and take part in life.

I am learning to live with low vision with pride and strength. I give my best every time I get the chance.

I love walking and spending time outdoors, watching Netflix with audio descriptions, cooking, playing the piano and having fun with my chaotic, lovely daughter 💛

[Image one] Jamie stands outside a brick building, dressed in a lavender suit whilst holding a white cane. Black text over a yellow overlay reads: "Yes I have low vision, but I also..."

[Image two] Jamie sits at piano, practicing with sheet music, accompanied by black text that reads: "Am learning to play piano!"

[Image three] Jamie smiles while embracing her young daughter in an outdoor park setting, with the black text that reads "Am a Mum!"

[Image four] Jamie and her daughter stands in front of a tennis court, holding two rackets. Black text reads "Love to play tennis."

[Image five] Jamie is skiing on a snowy slope, wearing a colorful ski jacket and red pants, with black text reading "Enjoy skiing!"

[Image six] Jamie is in a white Taekwondo uniform with a black belt, striking a powerful pose, with black text reading "Have a black belt in Taekwondo."

Friday Floof is back for 2026! We hope you all had an amazing summer and are feeling refreshed for the year ahead. The p...
16/01/2026

Friday Floof is back for 2026! We hope you all had an amazing summer and are feeling refreshed for the year ahead. The pups have been soaking up the sun and enjoying all that extra playtime! ☀️💛

[Image one] Frances, a wet black guide dog in training, sits on green grass in front of blue hydrangeas, looking up with a happy, open-mouthed expression.
[Image two] Uno a golden guide dog in training, peeps his head out from over his bed, checking if his room is ready!
[Image three] Trish, a white guide dog in training, stand happily in the carpark with her booties on.
[Image four] Frances, a black guide dog in training, runs happily through the enrichment park on a clear sunny day.
[Image five] Hamish, a black guide dog in training, sits happily on a tree stump whilst looking at the camera.
[Image six] Jasmine, a white guide dog puppy, smooshes her face against her crate during crate training.
[Image seven] Gareth, a black guide dog puppy, showing off his pearly whites!
[Image eight] Pia, a black guide dog, sits happily on her bed whilst looking up at the camera.
[Image nine] Jeddah and his siblings, all white guide dog puppies in training, spending time in a puppy play pen. Jeddah is sprawled out on the ground, waiting for a belly rub!

A huge PAW-some thank you to the team at Fit NZ! 🐾✨ We had the best time visiting the FIT NZ office yesterday! Lauren an...
14/01/2026

A huge PAW-some thank you to the team at Fit NZ! 🐾✨

We had the best time visiting the FIT NZ office yesterday! Lauren and Sophie from our Guide Dog team brought along Yohan and Hero to say a massive thank you in person for their incredible support 🐶

Every year, FIT NZ chooses a local charity to support through their Annual FIT Fundraiser. We are so honoured that they chose Blind Low Vision NZ’s Guide Dog services for 2025.

Between September and November, they donated a portion of their sales to our pups, raising an amazing $8,855.00! 🥳

As a family-owned Kiwi business that values "enhancing lives and communities," FIT NZ truly walked the talk. This donation will go a long way in helping us train the next generation of life-changing guide dogs. Thank you FIT NZ!

[Image description] A large group photo of the FIT NZ team standing together in an office in front of a blue "FIT" branded backdrop. On the left, Lauren, a Blind Low Vision NZ trainer, stands with Yohan, a yellow guide dog in training. Hero, a second black guide dog is also seated with the team.

Your guide to a fun, accessible summer! ☀We’ve rounded up our top 5 accessible events happening across Aotearoa, from di...
09/01/2026

Your guide to a fun, accessible summer! ☀

We’ve rounded up our top 5 accessible events happening across Aotearoa, from disability expo's to hit musicals!

Be sure to check with the organisers before booking, in case there have been any last-minute changes, and let us know which ones you’re excited about!

[Image one] Yellow background with black text reads: Accessible events we're excited about this summer.

[Image two] The Rocky Horror Show (Audio Described Performance). When: Tuesday 3 March 2026, 7:30pm. Where: The Civic Theatre, Auckland. Cost: Discounted price of $62.50. NZSL interpreted, guide dogs welcome!

[Image three] 9 to 5 The Musical (NZSL Interpreted). When: Sun 18 Jan 2026, 4pm. Where: The Court Theatre, Christchurch. Cost: $47 - $129.

[Image four] Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. When: Sunday 8 February, 4pm Audio described. Saturday 14 February, 2pm NZSL. Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland. Cost: Adult tickets start at $95.

[Image five] Wairarapa Disability Expo. When: Saturday 28 February, 10am – 3pm. Where: Wairarapa Events Centre. Cost: Free!

[Image six] Bluebeard's Castle NZ Opera with Auckland Philharmonia. When: Sat 14 March, 5:30pm touch tour, 7:30pm audio described performance. Where: Auckland Town Hall. Cost: Adult tickets starting from $66.

03/01/2026

It’s World Braille Day! So naturally… here’s a fun Braille fact!✨

Braille is an incredibly universal tool, used for everything from books to labels to music. Our Accessible Formats team works hard to make sure every kind of Braille is accessible for all our community, wherever and however they need it 💛

[Video description] Footage shows someone reading Braille in the background. Black and yellow text overlay reads: “Braille fact: Braille isn’t a language, it’s a universal writing system used for almost any language, from Spanish to Chinese. There are even Braille codes for music and math!”

03/01/2026

Pool etiquette? Never heard of it 😆💦

Hope you are all enjoying summer as much as Venice is!

You steal it, you wear it Miss Verona! We don't make the rules 🤷‍♀️[Image one] Verona, a black guide dog in training, st...
02/01/2026

You steal it, you wear it Miss Verona! We don't make the rules 🤷‍♀️

[Image one] Verona, a black guide dog in training, stands looking at the camera with a hat in her mouth.
[Image two] Verona sits looking at the camera with the cap on her head, smiling.

Most of us have got the old “go to the gym” resolution on the list… but what about some New Year’s goals that actually h...
01/01/2026

Most of us have got the old “go to the gym” resolution on the list… but what about some New Year’s goals that actually help your neighbours and community? 😉

Share this post to help spread awareness, let’s start 2026 on the right foot!

[Image description] A screenshot of a notes list providing six ideas for New Year's resolutions, titled "Don't have any New Year's resolutions yet? Here's some ideas!". The list of resolutions, presented as bullet points, reads:
Place your rubbish bin off the footpath. Report any roaming dogs you see. Add alt text to all your posts. Park your e-scooter off the footpath. Get your eyes checked!! Learn Braille or NZSL.

30/12/2025

This year has been full of incredible stories, laughter, and achievements, all thanks to our amazing clients and community. Together we’ve made a difference, and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings! Here's to 2026! 💛

Address

Parnell

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.