Here you can keep in touch with our latest activities.
Blind Citizens NZ 2024 National AGM and Conference
Friday 18 October and Saturday 19 October 2024 He Tāngata, He Tāngata, He Tāngata Join us for our 2024 AGM and Conference business sessions and an exciting line-up of Guest Presenters (additional details below). We start at 9am Friday 18 October and we go through to approximately 5:15pm Saturday 19 October. We are live-streaming or…
Focus September 2024
Welcome to our September Focus issue. We have our Focus Editor and Braille Authority of Aotearoa Trust positions to fill, updates about our AGM and Conference and more… You can download the MS Word, PDF, audio, Braille Ready Format (BRF) or you can read it here. List of Articles In this edition Success is not…
Focus April 2024
Welcome to our April Focus issue. You can download the Word, PDF, or audio version, or you can read it here. List of Articles In this edition Taking heart from the past to chart a path forwardby Áine Kelly-Costello, Focus Editor Who’s an Island? Not meJonathan Godfrey, National President Blind Citizens NZ 2024 Scheduled ElectionRose Wilkinson, Returning Officer…
Focus December 2023
Welcome to our December Focus issue. You can download the Word, PDF, or audio version, or you can read it here. List of Articles Welcome to the December 2023 editionby Áine Kelly-Costello Focus Editor Exploring te ao Māori and te reo Māori – whakaaro from one Pākehā blind personÁine Kelly-Costello, Focus Editor He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngataJonathan…
Focus October 2023
Welcome to our October Focus issue. You can download the Word, PDF, or audio version, or you can read it here. List of Articles Welcome to the October 2023 editionby Áine Kelly-Costello Focus Editor Let’s not settle for subpar representation Áine Kelly-Costello, Focus Editor Accessibility and taking chancesJonathan Godfrey National President How secret is your vote in this…
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. DAY ONE DAY TWO Check back for more information about how you can…
Focus June 2023
Áine Kelly-Costello – Focus Editor Welcome to the second edition of Focus for 2023. My editorial takes you on a journey—pun intended—through some of the many facets of a blind-friendly transport system. President Jonathan Godfrey had no idea what he’d write about for his column but wrote one anyway. And long-time tech guru Jonathan Mosen…
Vacancy: Advertisement and Description | Chief Executive Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand
Here you will find the Braille Ready Format (BRF) file of the Job Advertisement and Description for the position of Chief Executive of the Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) New Zealand. For the full advertisement and description including in other alternate formats (Large Print, Audio, Easy Read and New Zealand Sign Language) please see this link Vacancy…
Focus April 2023
Welcome to our April Focus issue, our first for 2023. You can download the Word or PDF versions, or you read it here List of Articles Saying the quiet part out loudby Áine Kelly-Costello, Focus Editor How do I know? Jonathan Godfrey, National President Blind Citizens NZ 2023 Scheduled Electionby Rose Wilkinson, Returning Officer The endless hunt,…
Auckland Severe Weather and State of Emergency
There is a wide range of information about the impact across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as a result of severe weather conditions since Friday 27 January 2023. Some of this information is available in alternate formats on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) website (Braille Ready File, Audio, Large Print, Easy Read, New Zealand Sign Language). The…
Focus December 2022
Welcome to our December Focus issue, our final for 2023. You can download the Word, PDF audio or BRF (Braille Ready Format) versions, or you can read it here. List of Articles In this editionby Áine Kelly-Costello Focus Editor The logistics of reading a book of your choiceby Áine Kelly-Costello Focus Editor What is partnership?Jonathan Godfrey National President…
Focus October 2022
Welcome to our October Focus issue. You can download the Word or PDF version, or you can read it here. List of Articles How Blind Low Vision NZ’s approach to Counselling lost it’s way, and what comes nextby Áine Kelly-Costello Focus EditorHold the Cheese Jonathan Godfrey National PresidentBlind Citizens NZ 2022 Award RecipientsSharing your experiences with the Royal Commission on Abuse…
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) Day One Day Two
National Conference – Blind Citizens NZ (abcnz.org.nz)
Blind Citizens NZ will be holding our AGM and Conference in Invercargill at the Ascot Park Hotel. We start with the official opening Friday morning 7 October, finishing with dinner and organisational awards the evening of Saturday 8 October. If you are interested in attending but yet to register, there is time to do so. You can attend…
Independent Monitoring Mechanism Online Forum, 29-30 March and 5-6 April 2022, Disability Convention: How is New Zealand Doing?
Independent Monitoring Mechanism Online Forum March 29th-30th and April 5th-6th, 2022 Disability Convention: How is New Zealand Doing? An online forum to find out about how the government is progressing on implementing the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Disability Convention) will be held Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 March,…
Annual General Meeting and Conference
Join Blind Citizens NZ in our celebrations of 75 years of blindness advocacy history Come and join Blind Citizens NZ as we celebrate our 75-year blindness advocacy history (Working Together), this October. Business sessions commence 11am Friday 8 October. Saturday is our “open day” with invited guests and speakers. Business sessions conclude Sunday 10. We’re…
June Focus
Along with routine contributions in our June Focus issue, there is information about the election of two Board Members, our 2021 AGM and Conference and celebrating 75-years of Blind Citizens NZ. Check out the balance of items including Kylee Maloney’s contribution, information about EvaTech’s ScripTalk (talking medication labels), Zoom Pharmacy, and the opportunity to have…
New Zealand Blind Advocate elected President of World Blind Union
24 June 2021 Media Release The World Blind Union has announced the outcome of its 10th General Assembly, first ever global accessible online participatory process to elect its new Table Officers for the coming four years (2021-2025). 280 WBU delegates have elected Martine Abel-Williamson as the new President of the World Blind Union. Blind Citizens…
Equity and Governance: 75 Years of Blindness Advocacy in New Zealand 1945-2020 by Greg Newbold
Discounted purchase price to members of the blind community $30 (incl GST). Contact Blind Citizens NZs National Office 0800 222 694 or email admin@abcnz.org.nz Equity and Governance picks up from where Greg Newbold’s previous book, Quest for Equity, left off, and covers the Association of Blind Citizens’ history since 1995. After briefly reviewing the Association’s…
International Day of Disabled Persons
It’s International Day of Disabled Persons, and now more than ever, the voices of our disabled community must be heard!That’s why we are proud to support the DPO Coalition in launching a video series today, amplifying the voices and experiences of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.Play the first episode below for Prudence and Jonathan’s…
2020 Blind Citizens NZ’s Annual General Meeting
Take this link for Blind Citizens NZ’s Annual General Meeting event. We have interesting topics for discussion, guest presenters and we are launching “Equity and Governance”, our 75-year history. Check out the brief programme attached. Do join us… View Livestream
September 2020 Focus
Our September Focus issue brings highlights for Blind Citizens NZ, and news. You’ll also find information about our AGM on 10 October and ways to register (ZOOM or in Person), and the election of two Member-at-Large positions which closes 4pm, 29 September. You’ll also find more information about the General Election and for blind people,…
AGM Registration
This year (2020), Blind Citizens NZ is holding a one-day Annual General Meeting. With the exception of our book launch which updates everyone about the past 25 years of our work, and 75 years in total, our celebratory event is happening next October 2021. Our AGM on Saturday 10 October 2020, is a combination of…
June 2020 Focus
Check out our June issue for information about award nominations, and postponement of our 75 year celebrations. Readers please note there is an extension for nominations for Blind Citizens NZ’s Extra Touch Award. These now close 4pm, Wednesday 29 July 2020. June 2020 Focus (Pdf)Download June 2020 Focus (Docx)Download
Petition re E-Scooters
Before we get to the crux of this communication, please note there is a pictogram and then content that explains why we are seeking support for this petition. Here first is a description of the pictogram. The top two thirds of the oblong are bright gold with black lettering and symbols, towards the left are…
International White Cane Day
Blind Citizens NZ urges, Central and Local Government to support International White Cane Day and to better meet the needs of everyone. Additionally, for everyone to acknowledge where there are obstacles and remove them, and support White Cane Day awareness activities happening around the country today. Here now, is our media release…
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,…
Proposed new Constitution
Here is the proposed new Constitution and introductory comments in both MS Word and PDF format. Financial Ordinary Members receive three months’ notice of the proposed new Constitution. Voting commences on 2 October 2019.
Blind Citizens NZ’s Annual General Meeting and Conference 2019
Blind Citizens NZ’s Annual General Meeting and Conference will be at the Naumi Hotel, Mangere Auckland, Friday 4 to Sunday 6 October. This year’s theme “Getting on with it – A new Horizon”, will profile an exciting line-up of presenters on our Open Day, Saturday 5 October. Business sessions will spread over Friday and Sunday.…
Blind Citizens NZ-Introduction and draft Constitution
Constitution – adopted by a meeting of National Council, 13 June 2017 Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc; amended December 2018 1.Name The legal name is “Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Incorporated”, also known as “Blind Citizens NZ” under which name it shall be referenced throughout this constitution. 2.Badge Blind Citizens…
Draft-Blind Citizens NZ Constitution
Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc Draft Constitution – February 2019 1.0 Name 1.1 The name of the organisation is “Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Incorporated”, an incorporated society under section 8 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. 1.2 The organisation is now more commonly known as “Blind Citizens NZ”, under…
Explanation-Constitution
February 2019 Introduction to the Revised Rules – February 2019 Dear Blind Citizens NZ Member The Board was pleased to see the 2018 Annual General Meeting give the ‘go ahead’ for a revised constitution to be developed embracing the changes that were adopted there. The information that follows will seek to explain where these changes…
Blind Citizens NZ Accessibility Campaign – Transport Animation
Visual Blind Bob, a yellow circle with stick arms and legs, wearing sunglasses and with a white cane slung across his back, zooms diagonally downwards while holding on to grappling hook. The wire extends as far as a bus stop sign mounted on a pole. Bob lets go of the hook and drops down on…
Strategic Framework for the Provision of Braille Services
Launched on 6 October 2018 at Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference, this Strategic Framework for the Provision of Braille Services is a huge achievement and milestone for braille in New Zealand. We recognise and thank our stakeholder partners: Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ, Blind Foundation, and The Braille Authority of Aotearoa Trust.
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…
New Website
We are live with our new website. If you have any concerns please contact us as we are using a new platform.
Focus Magazine March 2017
Publication of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc Volume 53 No 1 – March 2017 In this Issue Breaking news – National President election outcome pg 2 Making informed decisions on who will lead us pg 5 Editorial by Carolyn Weston What’s in a meeting, from Jonathan Godfrey pg 10 …
Taking charge of our money – Banknote gauges facilitate independence and confidence for blind and vision impaired people
Blind Citizens NZ has worked alongside the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for many years, contributing to, and influencing, the design of New Zealand’s currency so that people who are blind or vision impaired, can more easily identify their money. You can learn more about our work, from our media release at this link: Taking…
Taking charge of our money – Banknote gauges facilitate independence and confidence for blind and vision impaired people
Blind Citizens NZ has worked alongside the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for many years, contributing to, and influencing, the design of New Zealand’s currency so that people who are blind or vision impaired, can more easily identify their money.
You can learn more about our work, from our media release at this link: https://abcnz.org.nz-D6/taking-charge-our-money-banknote-gauges-facilitate-independence-and-confidence-blind-and-vision-impa
Listen in to Blind Citizens NZ’s Meet the Blind Foundation Candidates
Each of the six candidates standing for election to the Blind Foundation’s Board of Directors General Seats of which there are two this year (these candidates are elected by governing members), agreed to participate in a “meet the candidates” session, hosted by Blind Citizens NZ the morning of Sunday 9 October, during our AGM and…
Check out Blind Citizens NZ Annual General Meeting and Conference
Our three-day event commences 2pm Friday 7 October, and goes through to approximately 2pm Sunday 9 October. Our theme for this year is “My Life, My Choice – Self Determination Starts with Us”. It is a reminder that to us the term self-determination means taking charge of our own lives as disabled people, speaking for…
Focus Magazine September 2016
Publication of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc Volume 53 No 3 – September 2017 In this Issue What does the future hold, editorial by Carolyn Weston pg 2 From the President, Jonathan Godfrey pg 8 Support the new RNZFB Constitution pg 13 Blind Citizens NZ’s Draft Strategic Plan 2018-2010 pg 16…