Blind Citizens NZ Strategic Plan
2027-2030
From Rose Wilkinson, Chief Executive

Introduction, from the Board

At its August meeting, the Board considered feedback to Blind Citizens NZ’s Draft Strategic Plan. The collective feedback and insights have assisted the Board, influencing amendments that have further shaped the Strategic Plan, reflecting Blind Citizens NZ’s priorities and aspirations.

The Strategic Plan 2027-2030 is now finalised and publicised as intended in our September Focus issue. It will also be included in the AGM and Conference Agenda for information and, as previously advised, there will be an opportunity for discussion if members have questions.

Here now is the Strategic Plan, 2027-2030

Strategic Plan – 2027-2030

Purpose

Blind Citizens NZ exists to give voice to the aspirations and lived experiences of blind, deafblind, low vision and vision-impaired people (blind people) living in Aotearoa New Zealand. We aim to achieve this by heightening awareness of our rights and removing the barriers that negate our ability to live in an accessible, equitable, and inclusive society.

Vision

Aotearoa New Zealand is a nation where blind, deafblind, low vision and vision-impaired people are inspired and supported to live life as we choose, and where we can participate fully.

Note: In the context of this document, the word “blind” includes all people who are blind, deafblind, low vision, vision-impaired, or who use any other blindness term to describe themselves. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, wherever reference is made to Networks, this includes both Geographic and Special Interest Networks.

Values

We value equally the following statements:

• As an organisation, we seek to maximise the self-worth and meaningful engagement of our people – He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata.

The principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi with particular reference to Kāwanatanga (Governance), Rangatiratanga (Self Determination), Rite Tahi (Equality).

• The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the New Zealand Government’s ratification of it.
• Respect for the different ways each of us responds to the challenges of blindness.
• The shared learning and support received from the lived experiences of others.
• Commitment to democratic processes and inclusive practices that ensure our representations have a mandate from our members.
• Commitment to sustained effort in our advocacy.
• Constructive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with other disability organisations;
• Our history and the role we have played in the lives of blind people since 1945.

Our Aspirations

We aspire to:

• Advocate that blind people are treated respectfully, our dignity is upheld, and that we are treated equitably.
• Develop the capability of blind people and the Blind Citizens NZ Branches and Networks in which we are active.
• Maximise the well-being and independence of our members.
• Improve society’s awareness of issues affecting blind people.
• Strengthen the representation of Blind Citizens NZ as an active member and leader throughout the disability sector, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally.

Our Strategic Imperative

To create a stronger, interconnected Disabled People’s Organisation which promotes, resources, and fosters the well-being of blind people by increasing their participation in Blind Citizens NZ activities.

We intend to achieve our aspirations and strategic imperative by addressing the following goals, which are to:

• increase and strengthen our membership year on year;
• increase the number of members who are actively participating in National, Branch, and | or Network activities;
• strengthen our Branches and Networks so they can advocate for their members;
• increase the collective capacity of our community to accept roles as leaders within Blind Citizens NZ and beyond;
• promote the voices of blind people, and their whanau, in advocating for an inclusive and fully accessible society.