Blind Citizens NZ

03/12/2025

My Experiences, My Rights: Standard of Living Questionnaire

The Donald Beasley Institute (DBI) is undertaking a research project which aims to monitor disabled people’s right to an adequate standard of living.

They are inviting disabled people to participate in a questionnaire about their experiences of cost of living, standard of living, and cost of disability in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Anyone who is over the age of 18, identifies as disabled or a family member, whānau, aiga, or close supporter, and can provide free and informed consent, can take part in this questionnaire.

The project is part of the disabled person-led monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) conducted by DBI on behalf of the New Zealand Disabled People's Organisations Coalition (DPO Coalition), of which Blind Citizens NZ is a member.

For more information and to take part visit: https://corexmss43gf6x5cw7qm.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3DfXdWZ4XZK5EkS

For more information in alternate formats see: https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/our-projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring

Please fill out this questionnaire about cost of living, standard of living and cost of disability.

03/12/2025

Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston and Ben O'Meara from Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People talk to Thomas Bryan about the new 5-year New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 in this month’s No Labels show.

The show was recorded ahead of the launch of the new strategy in Parliament yesterday.

Minister Upston tells Thomas that the strategy is quite different from previous strategies - covering a five rather than ten year period and being very action orientated. “We don’t want it to be a document that just sits on the shelf.”

The strategy’s goals and actions focus on five areas:
• education
• employment
• health
• housing
• justice

Ben O'Meara speaks about consultation ahead of the launch, what Whaikaha heard from the community, and changes made to the strategy to reflect feedback.

Ben also speaks about the new NZSL Strategy launch and a summer internship programme across government for disabled students and graduates.

You can listen to the show on the Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM website: https://accessradio.org.nz/shows-podcasts/no-labels/

Or you can listen to this month’s edition of the show or any of the earlier editions of the show via your smart speaker or podcast player.

You can read more about the new New Zealand Disability Strategy , including in alternate formats at: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/our-work/new-zealand-disability-strategy-2026-2030

Thomas Bryan and Mike Gourley in the Wellington Access Radio studio Tune in to Thomas Bryan as he explores the diversity of disability issues, with co-host Mike Gourley. No Labels is a programme about your community with a focus on accessibility for all. The show looks at services which might assist...

16/11/2025

Today, the DPO Coalition, together with the Donald Beasley Institute, has released Report 4 – Enabling Good Lives. This is part of the ongoing Disabled People-Led Monitoring research. Blind Citizens NZ, along with six other disabled people’s organisations, compiles the DPO Coalition.

This research monitors whether the New Zealand Government is upholding its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). In this report, disabled people and their whānau shared their experiences, potential and concerns about EGL.
“Being on the Enabling Good Lives demonstration since 2016 has increased my quality of life to no end.” (Focus Group Participant)

The report is available in official languages and accessible formats (Te Reo Māori, NZSL, Easy Read, Braille, Large Print, and audio) from the Donald Beasley Institute’s website: https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-of-the-uncrpd/ (and https://tinyurl.com/22vw7zco)

Key findings:
● EGL: A Way of Life: Disability Sector Leaders described EGL as more than a service or funding model — they believed it is a way of life that empowers disabled people and their whānau, while transforming disability services to become more mana-enhancing.
● Disabled-Led and Building Community and Relationship: Disability Sector Leaders emphasised the importance of the EGL roll-out being disabled-led. They highlighted that strong relationships and inclusive community building are central to EGL’s success. Community meetings were described as valuable spaces where disabled people could connect, share experiences, and strengthen collective advocacy. However, participants noted challenges in ensuring diverse representation and maintaining authentic engagement when government officials led meetings.
● Investment and Information Gaps: Participants acknowledged the positive impact of government investment in EGL pilot sites, calling for continued funding to sustain and expand community-led development. At the same time, many expressed concern about a lack of information and awareness about EGL — particularly in regions where EGL has yet to be implemented. Furthermore, due to the Government’s decision to pause the national rollout of EGL, it is currently unknown when EGL budgets will be consistently and widely available.
● EGL experiences: Disabled participants who live in EGL pilot regions reported improved assessment processes that focus on aspirations rather than deficits. Access to flexible funding gave participants more choice and control, contributing to improved wellbeing. Even so, concerns remain about inconsistencies in funding, uncertainty about ongoing support, and varying levels of understanding of EGL principles among providers.

Recommendations:
Participants made clear recommendations for strengthening EGL’s implementation and impact:
● Implement a whole-of-government approach to adopting and embedding EGL principles.
● Increase government investment and resourcing for EGL and community-led initiatives.
● Establish robust disabled-led monitoring and evaluation to measure effectiveness.
● Develop peer-to-peer mentoring to support disabled people in utilising the EGL approach.
World Blind Union
Pacific Disability Forum
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People\
Deaf Aotearoa
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA
International Disability Alliance
NZ Disability Rights
Blind Citizens Australia
Blind Low Vision NZ
Balance Aotearoa
Muscular Dystrophy Association
People First New Zealand
Access Matters Aotearoa
Ombudsman NZ

https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/our-projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-of-the-uncrpd

Disabled person-led monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

23/10/2025

Blind Citizens NZ is privileged, as a full member, to attend our first-ever Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) in Nadi, Fiji. National President Jonathan Godfrey and Chief Executive Rose Wilkinson have been present since the 2025 PDF Disability Forum started on Monday, 20 October.

We have a few photos, and keep watching for some of the PDF posts we’ll share.

Image 1: A slide promoting the PDF Forum, location, partners and donors.
The slide reads: 20th-24th October 2025. Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi, Fiji. Hosted by the Pacific Disability Forum. Below are logos including those of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the We Decide Programme, and UNFPA.

Image 2: Jonathan Godfrey, our voting delegate on day three – PDF’s Biennial Meeting.
Jonathan sits in front of a laptop holding a small New Zealand flag and smiling at the camera.

Image 3: from left to right, Jonathan Godfrey - Blind Citizens NZ, Cheryl Bates - Deafblind Association Trust, Jacob LaBerge - Deaf Aotearoa, and Michael Nolan - Disabled Persons Assembly are sitting in a row at a table facing the front.
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
Pacific Disability Forum
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
World Blind Union
International Disability Alliance
Deaf Aotearoa
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA
NZ Disability Rights

15/10/2025

International White Cane Safety Day, observed annually on 15 October, is an opportunity around the world to raise awareness about the White Cane, a mobility aid for people who are blind, deafblind, have low vision, or are vision-impaired (blind people).

The White Cane is the universal symbol of independence for a blind person. It is a mobility aid - a sensitive transmitter of information. The White Cane signals the presence of obstacles and changes in contour on pathways, indicating the familiar and warning of the unexpected. More than this, it alerts others who can see to exercise courtesy and common sense when approaching a blind person.

Blind Citizens NZ urges everyone to increase their knowledge and understanding of the needs and rights of blind citizens. This includes ensuring your efforts are contributing towards creating a safe environment for blind pedestrians.

There are things you can do - around your neighbourhood, in shopping centres etc., pathways and footpaths must be clear of obstacles - shrubs and trees overhanging paths and | or protruding into footpaths present hazards for blind pedestrians and can contribute to causing injury. Placing electrical cords across footpaths to enable electric vehicles to be recharged is another example that creates challenges for blind pedestrians. These are potential trip hazards - blind people have the right to get to and from places and spaces safely, independently, with confidence and dignity.

World Blind Union
Living Streets Aotearoa
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Blind Low Vision NZ
Blind Sport New Zealand
Pacific Disability Forum

28/08/2025

Following on from the July radio show, in the latest edition of No Labels Thomas Bryan speaks to three guests featuring more discussion from the recent DeafBlind Association NZ conference: Dr Sally Britnell, Kevin Prince, and Tom Eats.

Sally talks about her teaching role and the research she has been leading.

Kevin speaks about how he got involved with the DeafBlind Association NZ, becoming the president and what he does in his free time.

Tom who is a recent member of the board talks about how he got involved and his interests.

To learn more about the DeafBlind Association NZ and some of the people on the board, you can listen to the show on the Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM website: https://accessradio.org.nz/shows-podcasts/no-labels/

Or you can listen to this month’s edition of the show or any of the earlier editions of the show via your smart speaker or podcast player.

Thomas Bryan and Mike Gourley in the Wellington Access Radio studio Tune in to Thomas Bryan as he explores the diversity of disability issues, with co-host Mike Gourley. No Labels is a programme about your community with a focus on accessibility for all. The show looks at services which might assist...

19/08/2025

People can now have their say on the New Zealand Disability Strategy with public consultation opening today.

The draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 has been released. Whaikaha - The Ministry of Disabled People carried out targeted engagement with disabled people and organisations to develop the draft and are now consulting with the wider disability community and the public.

You can find the draft Strategy and information on how to give feedback on it, here: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/our-work/new-zealand-disability-strategy-refresh

You can read a press release about the consultation from the Minister for Disability Issues Hon Louise Upston here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/consultation-refreshed-disability-strategy

Kia hiwa rā kia hiwa rā. Kia kōkiri ake, kia mataara.  He karanga atu ki te ao whānui, ki te ao whaikaha.  Haere mai ōu whakaaro rangatira ki tēnei kaupapa whakahirahira nau mai e te iwi e. 

14/08/2025

A celebration of Allan Jone’s life will be held on Saturday, 16 August, 1pm to 4:30pm, at the Island Bay Bowling Club, Wellington. If you are not able to attend the service, Annette, and the family wish to share the following link for streaming the service.
https://vimeo.com/event/5291403/3f72c38baf

The family has requested that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Mary Potter Hospice. Bank account details for Marry Potter Hospice are
The Mary Potter Hospice Foundation: 01-0537-0020909-05 (if your bank needs a 3-digit suffix, please enter -005).
Here are links to the Mary Potter Hospice webpage Donate - Mary Potter Hospice and https://marypotter.org.nz/support-us/donations/

Late last year Mike Gourley interviewed Allan Jones on No Labels listening to some of his favourite tracks, his love of music, cricket, and his life. In memory of Allan, Wellington Access Radio is repeating the show. You can check it out via your podcast player, smart speaker or online at:

https://accessradio.org.nz/shows-podcasts/no-labels/

Sorry, we couldn’t find that page

05/08/2025

Check out the latest edition of the Blind Citizens NZ Southland Branch's podcast Blind Spot.

As Blind Citizens NZ is celebrating its 80th year, Hannah Crawford speaks to National President Jonathan Godfrey about the organisation that was started up in the wake of World War II by "a bunch of stroppy Aucklanders who didn't like the way the world was for them as blind people and the way they were treated in society".

Carolyn updates you on goings on for the Association of Blind Citizens Southland Branch!

26/07/2025

Congratulations to all involved in the launch of the website, Whaimana - Support My Decisions. Government's 2014-2018 Disability Action Plan, at the recommendation of the DPO Coalition, introduced an action that would ensure disabled people can exercise their legal capacity, including through recognition of supported decision making. It's fabulous to see the outcome. A big thank you to Alex Snedden People First New Zealand who represented the DPO Coalition on the Advisory Group during this time along with other representatives including from Government, and organisations working across aged care, disability advocacy, health, human rights, and mental health experience.

The website Whaimana - Support My Decisions is about Supported Decision-Making. Take the following link to learn more about what is supported decision-making and the many ways this supports people https://www.supportmydecisions.nz/

People First New Zealand
Balance Aotearoa
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA
Deaf Aotearoa
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
NZ Disability Rights

16/07/2025

In the latest edition of the No Labels radio show, Thomas Bryan talks to two guests - both of whom were presenters at this year’s DeafBlind conference.

Maldwyn Greenwood is a highly respected audio-visual professional with over 20 years of technical experience and a deep commitment to accessibility in New Zealand’s AV industry.

Lisa Seerup is the President of the National Hearing Association. She has over 30 years of experience in hearing health and conservation. Her goal is to make NZ the gold standard in Hearing Health with equitable services for all New Zealanders.

You can hear the show on the No Labels page on the Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM website: https://accessradio.org.nz/shows-podcasts/no-labels/

Or you can listen to this month’s edition of the show or any of the earlier editions of the show via your smart speaker or podcast player.

Thomas Bryan and Mike Gourley in the Wellington Access Radio studio Tune in to Thomas Bryan as he explores the diversity of disability issues, with co-host Mike Gourley. No Labels is a programme about your community with a focus on accessibility for all. The show looks at services which might assist...

23/06/2025

Blind Citizens NZ, along with six other disabled people's organisations, is a member of the Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Coalition. The DPO Coalition has released Report 2 - Consultation and Engagement of the Disabled Person-Led Monitoring research project. This project, led by the awesome team at Donald Beasley Institute, monitors how well the New Zealand Government is implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings are based on interviews with disability sector leaders, disabled people, family, whānau, aiga and close supporters. It highlights their feelings and perspectives about the Government’s engagement and consultation with the disability community about Whaikaha l Ministry of Disabled People, and the March 2024 changes to disability funding criteria. The findings also articulate participants’ hopes and dreams for the Government’s consultation and engagement processes with the disability community in the future.

Key findings include:

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People: Disability Sector Leaders highlighted the importance of the ‘Tripartite Partnership’ between disabled people, tākata whaikaha Māori and the Crown. They recognised that this partnership started strong, but had since been reduced in function and influence. They also shared that system transformation should be designed and led by disabled people, rather than just consulting with disabled people about it. When consultation processes did take place, many disabled participants and their whānau and families felt that most decisions had already been made.

Changes to Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Service: Participants highlighted a lack of consultation regarding the 18 March 2024 changes to Purchasing Rules and Equipment and Modification Services (EMS), which negatively impacted many in the disability community. Participants also felt the changes did not consider the needs of people with intersectional identities such as Māori and Pasefika disabled people.

Check out the report to learn more about the hopes, expectations and report recommendations. The report is available in official languages and accessible formats (Te Reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language, Easy Read, Braille, Large Print, and Audio) from the Donald Beasley Institute’s website: https://www.donaldbeasley.org.nz/projects/disabled-person-led-monitoring-of-the-uncrpd/ (and https://tinyurl.com/22vw7zco)

Deaf Aotearoa
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA
People First New Zealand
Access Matters Aotearoa
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
Blind Citizens Australia
Blind Low Vision NZ
World Blind Union
Pacific Disability Forum

Donald Beasley Institute conducts inclusive and accessible research that enables disabled people to share with us their experiences of human rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. From the project lead and research assistant to monitors, transcribers, and participants, this project embodies the disability....