From Rose Wilkinson, Chief Executive

This is another of those gentle reminders about this year’s AGM and Conference – we hope you have put the dates into your calendar as a placeholder, and that you are considering joining us. This year, we are at the Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill. All registrations are made through our National Office – details are a little further on.

Arrival for most will be Thursday, 8 October, ready for either the side events that day, and | or the 9am start on Friday, 9 October. The two days are full, but enjoyable, where business and guest presenters are interspersed. The work side of our event ends at approximately 5pm on Saturday, 10 October. That evening, award presentations are made during the Conference Dinner. As guest presenters are finalised, we will share this information as widely as possible.

As you will have noticed from the draft Strategic Plan 2027-2030, our theme ‘Times are changing – Are we surviving or thriving?’ is already a focus of our organisational work.

As mentioned in earlier Focus issues, this in part stems from the declining rate of Ordinary (voting) Members, and what Blind Citizens NZ needs to do to remain relevant and sustainable into the future.

Financial assistance for first-time attendees: For Ordinary (voting) Members who are coming to our event for the first time, there is the opportunity to receive financial assistance. To be eligible as a first-time attendee, in addition to this being the first time you would be attending a Blind Citizens NZ AGM and Conference, three requirements need to be met. You must:

• be in a position to make a financial contribution (each situation is determined on a case-by-case basis);
• be an Ordinary (financial voting) Member of Blind Citizens NZ; and
• commit to attending the full two days of the AGM and Conference, including the Conference Dinner (attendance can be daily, or staying at the Ascot Park Hotel).

If you meet the above requirements and would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact the Chief Executive for further information via one of the following options:

• Email: admin@blindcitizensnz.org.nz and put “2026 first-time attendee” in the subject line;
• Post: PO Box 7144, Newtown, Wellington 6242; or Phone: 0800 222 694.

Applications for financial assistance for first-time attendees close 9am, Monday, 10 August 2026. Final decisions about the number of members that can be supported will be made following the close of expressions of interest.

On Thursday evening, the President extends a standing invitation to all first-time attendees to join him for dinner. This is a relaxed opportunity to ask questions about the AGM and Conference and to learn how things are done. You will also hear about some of the unique features of Blind Citizens NZ’s programme, and above all, be encouraged to participate fully.

As per recent AGMs and Conferences, side events will be happening, although there may be new ones that the Board has yet to finalise.

While times are yet to be firmed up, in the meantime, be assured that the following side events are happening:

• Guide Dog Handlers;
• Braille;
• Blind Women;
• Te Tiriti Advisory Group Aotearoa;
• World Blind Union.

Registration: Registering for our AGM and Conference is easy, and you can choose whichever option that suits you best. You’re welcome to register online, download a form and send it in, or you can opt for registering using the paper form.

A quick heads-up that registrations close at 4pm, on Monday, 14 September 2026, so be sure to get yours in on time.

Registration details – you will find all the information you need, such as costs and registration categories, available when completing the relevant registration form online, downloading it or completing the hard-copy version. If paying the full registration cost all at once is a challenge, you are welcome to use our instalment option. To find out more and set up a payment plan, simply get in touch with the National Office. Each request is considered individually, and you’ll receive support that fits your circumstances.

If you would prefer to have a paper copy of the registration form, or you’d like to talk things through and get more information, feel free to reach out to your Branch, Geographic or Special Interest Network, or our National Office. You will find National Office contact details at the end of this Focus issue.

We will also be sharing registration costs | forms, and updates with Branches, Geographic and Special Interest Networks and updates will be posted on our TellMe Bulletin and other organisational social media options. You can also check in with our National Office any time for information for the latest information.