Rose Wilkinson, Chief Executive

Blind, deafblind, vision impaired, and low-vision people together with whanau and supporters from across the motu joined together at Blind Citizens NZ’s 2022 AGM and Conference on 7 and 8 October. They were part of the festivities and celebrations when awards were presented during the Conference Dinner on 8 October. As we finalise our Focus issue, the timing is great to share news about who received awards, presented during the two-day event.

Blind Citizens NZ has two supreme awards which are not necessarily awarded every year. The first of these is the Beamish Memorial Medal. This can only be presented to an Ordinary Member of Blind Citizens NZ who has made an outstanding contribution to society in their particular field of service to the community. The second is the Extra Touch Award. This recognises an individual or organisation where, as part of the process of catering to the general public, an outstanding contribution is made towards improvement in access or service to blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people. Here now is information about the recipients of each of these awards.

It’s fair to say this was perhaps the best-kept secret as the person receiving it was our own National President Jonathan Godfrey. It’s not often that he is stuck for words – but when Board Member Martine Abel-Williamson presented him with the award there is no doubt that on this occasion he was taken by surprise. There is much that can be said about Jonathan’s contributions during his 30 plus years as a member of Blind Citizens NZ. Most importantly is the leadership Jonathan demonstrates whenever and wherever he believes necessary.

He is always at pains to ensure the needs of blind, and disabled people are recognised. Perhaps this is why several years ago, Minister Sepuloni invited him to present to her Social Wellbeing Cabinet Committee about the need for disability data, and for officials

to engage directly with disabled people. Today Jonathan is recognised by many government agencies for his knowledge and expertise about data and evidence.

Receiving his award Jonathan said, “I’ve never sought the accolades that have come when I’ve done good things. Contributing to the work of Blind Citizens NZ over the last twenty years, and for other disabled people over the last seven or so, has been a labour of love. Receiving an honour from my own people is a huge thank you, and is even more special given it was not looked for. Thank you all for what you do – it just makes me want to do more.

This was presented to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) in recognition of the significant effort this agency made during COVID-19. Championing accessibility and coordinating information across other agencies for publication in alternate formats for disabled people including for blind people in Braille, Audio, Braille Ready Format Files and Large Print. Fiona Weightman Head of Communications & Public Engagement, COVID- 19 Group DPMC, received the award virtually. Fiona recognised the leadership of DPMC’s Dr Rory McKenzie, Principal Advisor Engagement COVID-19 in all this work.

In receiving the Award, DPMC say… “Thank you to the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand for awarding DPMC the important ‘Extra Touch Award’. We are very grateful to have our team at DPMC recognised for our work to provide accessible information to blind people during the COVID pandemic. It has been an important focus for DPMC to provide accessible material to disabled people on health information and decisions on COVID settings. We have provided the key information in 27 languages and five alternative formats on the Unite Against COVID website.

This has been a team effort in DPMC, working closely with other agencies such as Whaikaha, the Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora. Also I would like to thank Blind Citizens NZ who have provided us with

guidance and support on communications’ needs, information gaps and providing accessible information which is very much appreciated.”

Hannah Pascoe is the recipient of the Johnston Trophy for Leadership. Hannah attended one of Blind Citizens NZ’s first Leadership Seminars in 2005. One of the key elements of the Johnston Trophy is recognising members of Blind Citizens NZ who accept leadership responsibilities both inside and outside the blindness community, and who create an environment where members can be recognised for leadership in their field of endeavour. Hannah Pascoe has achieved all this and more, and many will know also of her Paralympic endeavours and achievements. As the National President was building up to present the award to Hannah, her excitement for that person was evident.

She says “It’s very rare someone can catch me off guard and I can honestly say, I was truly getting excited for the other person only to hear my name being announced. Sitting in other conferences in years past, hearing the names of other recipients who have contributed, it makes me feel honored to be one of these people. I think if Doug sent me out today to hand out chocolate, this would be an easier task compared to 2005. It takes a village, and thanks to a huge village of individuals who have guided, mentored and inspired me over the years, I am lucky enough to have this reward. A special shout out to Carolyn Weston, Victor West, Gordon Georgel, Andrea Courtney, Elmer Curry and Maxine Baker who were on the committee when I first joined Blind Citizens NZ.”

On Friday evening, on behalf of the Southland Branch and its Chair Carolyn Weston, the National President presented Amanda Anderson of the Southland Building Society (SBS) with the Blind Bit of Difference Award.

The award recognises the extent of support Amanda has provided Southland Branch, and her efforts going that extra mile and supporting blind, deafblind and vision-impaired Southlanders.