Blind Citizens NZ 2026 Scheduled Election 

From Rose Wilkinson, Returning Officer

This is our final call for nominations for the 2026 Blind Citizens NZ Board election. Two Board Member positions are up for election this year, these being Andrea Courtney and Paula Waby. The current terms for these positions end at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting and Conference (9–10 October).

For the information of voting members, Andrea Courtney has advised that after serving the Board of Blind Citizens NZ for over 20 years, she has decided not to seek re-election in 2026. Andrea hopes that by announcing her decision early, people interested in joining the Board will put themselves forward at the upcoming election in the knowledge that a genuine vacancy exists.

Board members agreed that Andrea has kept the Board grounded, particularly in the realities of life for people with multiple impairments. The Board of Blind Citizens NZ wishes to take this small opportunity to thank Andrea for her service.

Andrea writes…

“I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Board, but it’s time for someone new to bring fresh ideas to the table. I’ve had opportunities to be involved in some really important discussions and to attend key events, such as representing Blind Citizens NZ in meetings with Members of Parliament. I think I have served on every subcommittee over the years at one time or another.”

Call for nominations

Rule 14 Elections, clause 14.2 directs Blind Citizens NZ in its election procedures. This is the second of two notices publicising this year’s scheduled election and the call for nominations. Only those members who comply with the criteria provided in Rule 14.1 are eligible to participate in the election, i.e. you are unable to stand for election if you:

  • have been removed as a Board Member following a process under this Constitution or any Bylaw;
  • are disqualified under any of the factors for disqualification outlined in the Charities Act 2005 or the Act, or you have been found to have breached any qualifying criteria for office in this Constitution;
  • are an employee of, or contractor to Blind Citizens NZ.

Please note that :

  • people currently in these positions are eligible for re-election;
  • the term of office for all positions is three years;
  • successful candidates will commence their term immediately following the conclusion of this year’s Annual General Meeting and Conference (9-10 October);
  • the election of the two positions happens at the same time by a ballot of all eligible Ordinary (voting) Members;
  • nomination forms and | or email nomination procedures are available upon request from the National Office.

The Board has the issue of succession planning “top of mind”, and it hopes that future Board members will possess some of the following qualities, these being that you:

  • are financially savvy;
  • would like to help Blind Citizens NZ modernise itself;
  • like developing policy;
  • understand how blind people outside our membership are faring in life;
  • are prepared to stand up for our beliefs.

The Board meets face to face over five weekends per annum. Meetings are also held in between. Board members need to actively participate in a range of activities, including subcommittees and other irregular meetings held online.

There is substantial preparation time required to be ready for scheduled meetings. If you have any questions about the time commitment, please reach out to any current Board member. Contact details are provided at the end of this Focus issue.

Anyone standing for election is encouraged to take the time to become familiar with the duties and responsibilities of Blind Citizens NZ’s Board Members.

Now to details about timelines and the procedure for the election of all positions. Ordinary financial (voting) Members who are listed as financial on the Member Register | Database by 21 August 2026, held at the National Office, are eligible to take part in the 2026 election of Board Members.

Nominations require two people to support the candidate, i.e. one to move and another to second the nomination. There are two ways nominations can be completed and submitted, i.e. using the paper form or the email process.

If using the paper form, signatures of all three members involved in the nomination are required. Email procedures similarly require the same people to confirm their respective roles in the nomination process. If choosing the email procedure, you are required to contact the Returning Officer at our National Office before commencing this process.

This is important, as there are instructions unique to the email procedure that must be followed.

The email procedure mirrors, as closely as possible, requirements for the paper-based option.

The closing date for nominations is 4pm, 21 August 2026. Candidates are required to provide their CV at the same time as their nomination is submitted to the Returning Officer. Nominations and CVs should be sent to the Returning Officer at one of the following:

If, when nominations close, there are two or fewer nominees for the two positions, no election will be held.

Nominees will be elected unopposed. Any unfilled positions will be treated as vacancies under Rule 14.4 (Filling Elected Board Member Vacancies). If more than two nominations are received, an election will be held.

Voting in the election

Ballot material (names of people standing for election, information they have provided about themselves, etc.) will be sent to all Ordinary Members recorded as financial on the Member Register | Database at National Office as at 21 August 2026.

Ballot material will be distributed in the voting member’s preferred format no later than 11 September 2026.

When does voting close? Completed ballots (votes cast by voting members) must be received at the National Office no later than 4.00 pm, 29 September 2026. Vote counting will take place no later than 6 October 2026.

Ways to get election information for Blind Citizens NZ’s elections: there are several options available for members to participate in the election process. Election (ballot) material about candidates standing for election is available in large print, audio, Braille, by email, and via our National Information Line bulletin on TellMe.

Choose your preferred voting option: When voting in Blind Citizens NZ elections, you can choose one of three options. It is important to remember that the way you vote can be different from the way you choose to receive your election (ballot) material. You can cast your vote using the large print form, the Braille-card option, or TellMe.

TellMe gives voters a fully independent, confidential, and empowering way to vote. You can listen to information about the candidates and cast your vote without assistance. Using TellMe also means you are in control and ensure your vote is received on time. There’s no worrying about postal delays or whether your ballot will arrive before voting closes.

If you’d like to learn more about using TellMe to cast your vote, please contact our National Office (details at the end of this Focus issue).