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