The establishment of Blind Citizens NZ’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi Advisory Group marks an important milestone in our organisation’s ongoing commitment to honouring Te Tiriti and strengthening relationships with tāngata whenua | whanāu hauā. This journey has unfolded over several years, shaped by collective aspiration, member advocacy, and a clear call for action via a Remit in 2021 to our AGM and Conference. The outcome set the direction for meaningful, sustained action.

The Board established the Te Tiriti o Waitangi Advisory Group in 2022, appointing six members to begin this mahi. Their early work, guided by Te Huia Bill Hamilton, laid the foundations for Blind Citizens NZ’s growth in cultural capability and understanding. We acknowledge with gratitude the leadership and commitment of the inaugural members: Daniel Phillips (Kaumātua), Harete Phillips (Kuia), Joe and Francie Twomey, Victor West, John Puhara, Maria Stevens, and Tewai Halatau. Their willingness to shape the kaupapa from the ground up has been invaluable.

The mahi continues with clear priorities for the next phase. Current members are Victor West, John Puhara, Peter Allen, Russell Lowry and Maria Stevens. Following the Advisory Group’s recommendations, the Board co-opted Peter Allen and Russell Lowry in August 2025, each serving a two-year term.

This strengthens the presence of Kāpō Tāngata Whenua within our governance structure and ensures their perspectives are embedded across the organisation’s mahi before decisions are made.

Recently renamed Te Tiriti Advisory Group Aotearoa, the group is progressing plans for a national hui to bring our Kāpō Tāngata Whenua and Haka pono ki te kaupapa community together for kōrero and shared learning. This includes taking a transparent and inclusive approach to selecting or electing Kāpō Tāngata Whenua to the Board of Blind Citizens NZ. The Advisory Group is also developing an organisational Karakia that reflects our identity and values. They are also exploring ways to strengthen the use of te reo Māori within Blind Citizens NZ, including reo that reflects the experiences of Kāpō tāngata whenua – blind, deafblind, lowvision and vision-impaired Māori.

This mahi is about embedding Te Tiriti values at the heart of our organisation. It is ongoing, evolving, and essential to ensuring that Kāpō Tāngata Whenua see their language, tikanga, and perspectives reflected in who we are and how we operate.

As we look ahead, we acknowledge both the progress made and the responsibility still before us. The Advisory Group’s leadership continues to guide Blind Citizens NZ toward a future that more fully honours the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.