National Conference AGM and Conference 2026

AGM and Conference 2026 | Times are changing | Are we thriving or surviving?

This year’s two-day event starts at 9am Friday 9 October. We go through to approximately 5:15pm Saturday 10 October. You can check out our programme, and agenda information here in either MS Word or PDF.

If you wish to join us online for our two-day AGM and Conference, virtual options include our YouTube channel, or you might prefer to register to be part of the ‘virtual’ real-time proceedings on Zoom. If you do want to register, send an email to admin@blindcitizensnz.org.nz

As we will be streaming live throughout the two days, you will find the links below:

Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference 2026 Live Videos

Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference 2026 – Day 1

Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference 2026 – Day 1 Last Session

Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference 2026 – Day 2

Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference 2026 – Awards Dinner

In the meantime, our distinguished guest presenters include:

• Invercargill City Mayor Tom Campbell (Official Opening);
• Associate Professor Brigit Mirfin-Veitch, Kaiuruki Matua – Director, and Dr Robbie Francis Watene, Kairakahau Matua Whaikaha – Disabled Research Lead, Donald Beasley Institute;
• Paula Tesoriero MNZM, PLY, Chief Executive Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People;
• Sir Peter Boshier | Patron Blind Citizens NZ;
• Andrea Midgen, Chief Executive and Dan Shepherd, General Manager Community & Inclusion, Blind Low Vision NZ;
• Dr Greg Morgan, Head of Planning, Auckland Emergency Management.

The achievements of Blind Citizens NZ are made possible not only through the commitment of our members and volunteers, but also through the funding, sponsorship, in-kind support, and encouragement we receive from a wide range of organisations and individuals who share our vision of an inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand. Their contribution enables us to advocate, connect, and create positive change for the communities we serve. We are pleased to acknowledge and sincerely thank:

• Accessible Information and Communications Limited (AI Comms)
• Blind Low Vision NZ
• Intopia
• JC Computing
• Little Rocket
• Lottery Grants Foundation
• Optics Magazine
• South Canterbury Branch, Blind Citizens NZ
• Stebbings
• TBD Digital
• Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People
• Blind Citizens NZ Members and Supporters, many of whom prefer to remain anonymous

National Conference AGM and Conference 2023

AGM and Conference 2023 | Challenging Others, Challenging Ourselves

Our 2023 AGM and Conference starts at 9am Friday 13 October, through to 5:15pm Saturday 14 October. You can check out our programme, and agenda information here as either MS Word or PDF. 

Check back for more information about how you can join Blind Citizens NZ during our two-day AGM and Conference – that is if you are unable to attend in person. Virtual options include our YouTube channel, or you might prefer to register to be part of the ‘virtual’ real-time proceedings on ZOOM.

AGM and Conference 2022

Here’s where you can join Blind Citizens NZ during our two-day AGM and Conference i.e. check out our YouTube channel, or email to be part of the ‘virtual’ proceedings on ZOOM (admin@abcnz.org.nz)

AGM Programme & Attachments

At 2pm Friday 4 October, Blind Citizens NZ starts our AGM and Conference. We will be streaming live throughout the three days, and you will find the link here: https://livestream.com/vidcom/BlindCitizensNZAGMandConference2019

• Check out our programme for the three days (4-6 October), available here in both MS Word and PDF. Key times to note include:
• Friday 4 October, commence business at 2pm through to 5.30pm, then recommencing at 7.30pm through to approximately 9.30pm;
• Saturday 5 October, official opening at 9.15am by Robert Martin, MNZM, Independent Expert (member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), with an exciting array of guest presenters throughout the day concluding at 5pm;
• Sunday 6 October, commence 9am through to 2pm approximately.

Now here are Saturday’s guest presenters…
Brian Coffey, Director, Office for Disability Issues (9.25am-10.10am)
Signs of Progress

Jonathan Mosen, Chief Executive, Workbridge (10.30am-11.15am)
Sharing a Vision

Robert Martin, MNZM, Independent Expert (11.15am-12 noon)

Pic Picot – Pushing New Horizons (1.00pm-1.45pm)

John Mulka, Chief Executive, Blind Foundation (1.45pm-2.30pm)

Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Minister for Disability Issues (3.40 pm – 4.30pm)

Registration Generic

Here is our Registration for this year’s (2019) AGM and Conference. If you need more details, please contact our national office.

2018 AGM & Conference

Blind Citizens NZ starts our 2018 Annual General Meeting and Conference at 2pm, Friday 5 October.

You can check out the programme and what we will be talking about via these two documents (programme and attachments).

We have an exciting line-up of guest presenters, we launch our social media awareness campaign, braille strategy, and there is a workshop. You can check us out at any time over the next three days by selecting from amongst the following three links…

Friday 5 October (Day One) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTYdVrRBdYM

Saturday 6 October (Day Two) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4bwRQl3HC8

Sunday 7 October (Day Three) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TiQ6HENGkU

2014 AGM and Conference Outcome Summary

2013 AGM and Conference Outcome Summary

Conference 2012 Summary

Conference 2012 Programme

Summary of National Conference 2011

National Conference 2011 programme

Summary of National Conference 2010