Blind Citizens NZ

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today, 8 March, Blind Citizens NZ proudly joins the global celebration recognising the strength, achievements, and leadership of women everywhere.

This year’s theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, reminds us that progress depends on our continued, collective commitment to creating real and lasting change. It is also a timely reminder that the rights and justice we champion must include disabled women.

At Blind Citizens NZ, we are taking steps to support this vision. We have established a Women’s Special Interest Network (the Network) for blind, deafblind, low vision and vision-impaired women and for those who identify as feminine (referred to as blind). The Network will offer peer support, raise awareness of issues and barriers affecting blind women, and advocate for the rights and equity of women in our community, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable Aotearoa New Zealand.

Network Coordinator Judy Small says, “This global call to action highlights the enduring legal gaps, discriminatory systems, and persistent forms of violence that continue to hamper our rights worldwide.”

If you are a blind, deafblind, low vision or vision-impaired woman, or you identify as feminine, and you are interested in being involved with The Network, we welcome you to get in touch with us at WomensNetwork-BlindCitizensNZ+subscribe@groups.io

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
NZ Disability Rights
Judy Small
Pacific Disability Forum
Ombudsman NZ
World Blind Union
International Disability Alliance
People First New Zealand
Balance Aotearoa
Deaf Aotearoa
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
Access Matters Aotearoa

03/01/2026

Today, 4 January, Blind Citizens NZ proudly celebrates World Braille Day — a day that has an impact far beyond the blind community. Braille is one of the world’s most powerful examples of how accessible design can open doors to education, employment, and full participation in society. It represents innovation, equality, and the rights of everyone to read, learn, and communicate.

World Braille Day honours the legacy of Louis Braille, whose invention continues to transform lives nearly two centuries later, and it also calls us to action. It reminds us that true inclusion is achieved when communities stand together to remove barriers, uphold rights, and ensure that every blind person can learn, work, and participate fully.

Later today, from 11pm–12am New Zealand time (10am–11am GMT), the World Blind Union (WBU) and the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) will launch the Global Braille Literacy Campaign. Over the next 12 months, people everywhere will have opportunities to support and engage with this global movement for literacy and inclusion.

You can get involved right now by registering to join the worldwide community committed to ensuring that blind people have the right to learn, work, and participate through Braille. Today’s live virtual event brings together an international panel sharing their insights and experiences. Register at: www.braillists.org/morebraille

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
NZ Disability Rights
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Pacific Disability Forum
Ombudsman NZ
Balance Aotearoa
International Disability Alliance
Deaf Aotearoa
Muscular Dystrophy Association
People First New Zealand
Blind Low Vision NZ
Disabled Persons Assembly NZ - DPA
Blind Citizens Australia
World Blind Union
Access Matters Aotearoa

This meeting includes interpretation. Please find instructions in French and Spanish below: Veuillez sélectionner votre langue de préférence : anglais, français ou espagnol. Pour sélectionner une langue, assurez-vous d’abord d’avoir rejoint l’audio à l’aide d’un ordinateur ou de l’...

31/12/2025

As we welcome 2026, Blind Citizens NZ extends warm New Year greetings to our members, supporters, stakeholders, and the wider blind, deafblind, low vision and vision-impaired community. Our commitment to strong, persistent advocacy remains at the forefront. We look forward to working alongside you all, driving meaningful change, while protecting hard won gains, and championing the rights, inclusion, and independence of all blind people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Blind Citizens NZ warmly congratulates all those recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours. We celebrate the acknowledgement of individuals across the disability community whose significant and diverse contributions continue to make a meaningful difference.
We also take this opportunity to especially recognise and congratulate the colleagues and partners we work alongside, including Jade Farrar (MNZM), Sue Hobbs (MNZM), David Corner (ONZM), Christina Cowan (ONZM), and Helena Tuteao (MNZM).
For the full list of New Year Honours, take the following link
New Year Honours List 2026 | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)

31/12/2025

Blind Citizens NZ warmly congratulates all those recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours. We celebrate the acknowledgement of individuals across the disability community whose significant and diverse contributions continue to make a meaningful difference.
We also take this opportunity to especially recognise and congratulate the colleagues and partners we work alongside, including Jade Farrar (MNZM), Sue Hobbs (MNZM), David Corner (ONZM), Christina Cowan (ONZM), and Helena Tuteao (MNZM).
For the full list of New Year Honours, take the following link
New Year Honours List 2026 | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)

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/

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