Áine Kelly-Costello produced their first Focus publication and editorial in June 2022. At the time of their two-year appointment, Áine explained that due to a range of commitments they would likely not be available for a further term. March 2024 is when Áine’s term comes to an end and they will provide their final Focus editorial. It is for this reason that the Board is calling for expressions of interest from amongst Ordinary (financial) Members of Blind Citizens NZ for our Focus Editor position. The Board will consider expressions of interest in the Focus Editor position during its July 2024 meeting.

Key aspects for prospective editors to bear in mind when expressing interest include that:

• the appointment will be for a two-year term (and may be renewed at the Board’s discretion);
• Focus is the official national publication of Blind Citizens NZ;
• Focus is sent to all members who are registered on our database as of 1 July 2018 in their preferred format (audio, Braille, large print, electronically) and it is uploaded on Blind Citizens NZ’s website;
• Focus is the mechanism for communicating a number of constitutional requirements such as notices of the national AGM and Conference and scheduled elections;
• Blind Citizens NZ’s membership is the target audience but the publication is provided to all Members of Parliament, stakeholders, supporters, etc;
• editorials are intended to raise and promote debate on issues that are current and topical to the blindness community, and stimulate reader-interest in submitting ‘Letters to the Editor’; and
• there is an opportunity for the Focus Editor to bring their editorial style to Focus.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact National Office for full details of the position. Áine is also happy to talk to anyone considering applying for the role. You can contact them using their personal email ainekc@gmail.com

Expressions of interest close 4pm, Tuesday 2 July 2024.