Blind Low Vision NZ

28/11/2025

Inclusion starts with education 💛

At our Schools Awareness Workshops, Tamariki get the chance to understand vision loss and connect with someone who has lived experience, like Nevé. These sessions give students a glimpse into what life is like for Kiwis who are blind or have low vision, and show them how small changes can make our communities safer and more inclusive.

We want to bring these workshops to every school across Aotearoa, tag your local school below and let us know where we should visit next! 👇

28/11/2025

It's our favourite time of the week again! Friday floof!

Check out what our pups have been up to this week 💛

[Image one] Zane, Wren and Bingo, three guide dogs in training, stand in a grassy field smiling at the camera.
[Image two] Robyn, a white guide dog in training, sits in the back of the guide dogs van with a giant toy in her mouth.
[Image three] Sleepy heads Trish and Vinnie, cuddled up on a bed in the Development Centre.
[Image four] Enya, a black guide dog in training, runs through the enrichment pool, with her ears flying everywhere.
[Image five] Wren, a black guide dog in training, sit on her bed with a toy in her mouth, looking at the camera.
[Image six] Verona and Sara, two black guide dogs in training, snuggle up together on the floor of the Development Centre.
[Image seven] Elsie and Cam, two guide dogs in training, snuggling up on the floor of the Development Centre.
[Image eight] Ali, a black guide dog in training, sits on a Christmas bauble seat, in front of a large Christmas tree.
[Image nine] Wren, a black guide dog in training, sits in a grass tunnel in the guide dogs enrichment area, smiling at the camera.
[Image ten] Baby Ice with his Dad Elton and Uncle Justin, all three dogs are sitting in the guide dogs offices, looking at the camera.

25/11/2025

8 months late, how long will they keep our future uncertain?

The Total Mobility Scheme is the lifeline that guarantees our independence, how we get to medical appointments, work, and stay connected.

The crucial government review is eight months overdue, yet they're already considering reducing subsidies. We need our community to come together to protect our independence.

Sign the petition here to ensure your voice is heard: https://bit.ly/43zGpgL

[Image one] A man walks outdoors on a footpath, using a white cane, with a dark coat on. Overlay text reads: "The Total Mobility Scheme is under threat. Swipe to find out more."

[Image two] Text on a yellow background about the Total Mobility Scheme's benefit, next to an image of a Total Mobility Card. Text reads: "The Total Mobility Scheme subsidises transport for thousands of disabled Kiwis, including the blind and low vision community. It's key to independence, enabling access to essential medical care, shopping, and social connection. A Total Mobility card can give disabled users 75% off necessary travel."

[Image three] Text on a yellow background detailing the status of the Total Mobility Scheme review. Text reads: "Where the Scheme stands right now. The results of the Total Mobility Scheme review were due in March 2025 and are now eight months late, leaving thousands of users uncertain about their future. Scheme costs have risen because more disabled people rely on the service than ever, alongside growing financial pressures caused by an ageing population and inflation. Despite rising demand, the government's looking to reduce subsidies, which will directly limit the essential trips and independence of disabled New Zealanders."

[Image four] An image of disability advocate Nick Ruane. Text reads: "Disability advocate Nick Ruane's petition demands the government protect and maintain the scheme's funding. Nick Ruane. Wellington-based accessibility advocate."

[Image five] Black text on a yellow background reads: "Restricting the scheme will cost New Zealanders their independence and significantly reduce the participation of disabled people in their own communities. Sign the petition today."

24/11/2025

A Massive Thank You to Glenn Bolton and Shamir Lenses!

We want to shine a light on the incredible support we’ve received from Glenn Bolton of ILS in Christchurch and the team at Shamir Lenses.

Glenn, a wholesaler supplying high-quality, NZ-made lenses nationwide, has generously spearheaded a nationwide fundraising promotion for Blind Low Vision NZ! This campaign, running from October 1st to December 31st, 2025, is 100% supported by Glenn. He is covering all costs, from the development of eye-catching in-store displays to the exciting feature in NZ Optics magazine!

A special nod to our board member, John Billings, who is lending his familiar face to the campaign displays!

Thank you Glenn and Shamir, for your inspiring commitment to the Blind Low Vision community in New Zealand. We are so grateful for your support!

Find your nearest Shamir Lenses store here: https://shamir.com/nz/for-consumers/lenses_and_more/practice-locator/

[Image description] Glenn and his team stand in front of their lens-processing equipment, which is a large blue and white machine. They are wearing company polos. A graphic overlay on the image reads "Thank you to Shamir Lenses!"

21/11/2025

What does it take to make the world more accessible? 💛

From Braille buttons in elevators to high contrast signage in buildings, our Accessible Formats Service is behind it all, making sure information is accessible to everyone, no matter how they read or navigate the world.

Hear from David Davenport, our Accessible Formats Service Manager, as he explains what they’re really out to do and why accessibility matters to him.

21/11/2025

A very festive friday floof this week! Not long to go now! 🎄🎁

[Image one] Robyn, a cream coloured guide dog in training, sits in front of a Christmas display in a shopping centre.
[Image two] Tully, a black guide dog in training, sits in her blue life jacket, waiting for a swim.
[Image three] Trinity and Venice, two guide dogs in training, sit in the van after a swim, looking at the camera.
[Image four] Baker, a golden coloured guide dog in training, sits happily in front of a Christmas display.
[image five] Ralph, a black guide dog in training, sits on a patch of grass, showing his little teefs to the camera.
[Image six] Zane, a black guide dog in training, fast asleep in his bed after a hard days work.
[Image seven] Verona, a black guide dog in training, sits on her bed with an empty bowl in her mouth, she is looking at the camera.
[Image eight] Wren and Bingo, two guide dogs in training, sit happily in a field of grass, with little daisies on their heads.
[Image nine] Robyn, a cream guide dog in training, sits happily on a Christmas display at a shopping centre.
[Image ten] Tui and Uno, two guide dogs in training, sit in the enrichment area at Guide Dogs.

19/11/2025

This week, our client Paul Glass and his Guide Dog, Clayton, were victims of a brutal attack by an out-of-control dog in Timaru.

Clayton, Paul's guide and loyal companion, sustained significant wounds to his legs and torso. The situation was terrifying for Paul, who was unable to see his guide dog being attacked. "He is a very big part of who I am," Paul shared.

This is not an isolated incident. It’s a growing and deeply concerning problem. Guide dogs are simply out in public doing their job. When roaming or uncontrolled dogs approach them, it puts our clients’ safety and independence at risk and can leave these highly trained dogs with injuries or long-term trauma. We are so sorry Paul and Clayton had to experience this.

We need your help to stop this from happening again. Here’s what every New Zealander can do right now:

-Make sure your fencing is secure.
-Keep your dog on a short lead.
-Report roaming or uncontrolled dogs to your local council as soon as you see them.

Please share this message and help us keep our community and their guide dogs safe.

[Image description] A close-up image of a black Guide Dog in a red-brown leather harness and a white handle, walking on a path with its handler (wearing dark trousers and a watch). A large, bright yellow text box covers the center of the image with the bold black text: "Roaming dogs are putting lives at risk."

17/11/2025

Meet Wellington's Cutest Commuters! The 2026 Dogs of Wellington Cable Car Calendar is here! 🗓️

We are so happy to announce that the Wellington Cable Car, one of our incredible, long-time supporters, has once again featured our amazing guide dogs in their beautiful annual calendar. The best part? All proceeds go directly towards the life-changing services provided by Blind Low Vision NZ!

Don't miss out on this perfect gift! Grab one (or ten!) and support our mission today: https://bit.ly/49PxTy2

[Image description] Two black Guide Dogs, wearing their harnesses, sit side-by-side and look directly at the camera. They are in front of the iconic red Wellington Cable Car.

14/11/2025

Wanting something fun and accessible to do in Auckland?
Step into the world of Pat Basse and her exhibition Visual Diary of an Astral Traveller! Pat has been creating art for over 40 years, and painting continues to bring her joy and inspiration. Her work is a beautiful reminder that creativity has no limits.
Exhibition runs: Now – 17 January 2026.
Where: Malcolm Smith Gallery, UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture, Howick.
Cost: Free.
Special event: Artist Talk & Audio Described Tour.
Date: Thursday 28 November, 11am.
Hear from Pat and enjoy detailed audio descriptions. Guide dogs welcome, wheelchair accessible, no booking needed.
Come and be inspired – discover a world of colour, courage, and creativity.

𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱

UXBRIDGE Arts and Culture is pleased to announce the opening of Pat Basse’s 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 - the Malcolm Smith Gallery’s final exhibition for 2025.

On display from 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟴 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, this exhibition is an exploration and a metaphysical journey of the creative process. Reaching out within her daydreams, imaginings, and ruminations, artist Pat Basse creates a surreal realm of strange familiarity.

For more information, please click the link below.
www.uxbridge.org.nz/exhibitions/visualdiaryofanastraltraveller/

PLEASE NOTE: the gallery will be closed for installation from 𝟯 - 𝟳 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.

Image courtesy of the artist.

14/11/2025

Weekly floof drop incoming! Featuring Iona with the sweetest puppy dog eyes 🥰

[Image one] Iona, a golden guide dog puppy in training, sits inside her puppy raisers home, looking at the camera with the sweetest puppy dog eyes.
[Image two] Cooper, a golden guide dog in training, stands in the enrichment area with his tongue out beside a water sprinkler.
[Image three] Tony and Vinnie, two black guide dogs in training, tug playfully on the same orange toy while standing on a patch of grass.
[Image four] Donna, a white guide dog in training, stands in the Development Centre after a swim, she has a green towel draped around her head.
[Image five] Tui, a black guide dog in training, lies on her back while Uno, an orange guide dog, stands over her as they tug on the same toy.
[Image six] Zeus, a black guide dog in training, stands facing the camera with a field of cows behind him.
[Image seven] Zeppelin, a black guide dog in training, sits on his bed in the development centre, looking at the camera.
[Image eight] Trish, a white guide dog, and Vinnie, a black guide dog, peek their heads out of the guide dogs van.
[Image nine] Trish, a white guide dog, and Vinnie, a black guide dog, share a bone in the back of the guide dogs van.

11/11/2025

A huge thank you to John Billings and the Association of Dispensing Opticians of New Zealand (ADONZ) community! 💛

We want to give a special shoutout to our board member John and the ADONZ community for their incredible support at the ADONZ annual conference in October.

John kindly ran a Blind Low Vision NZ stand over the three-day event, raising an amazing $2,481 for Blind Low Vision NZ! We especially love this photo of John all dressed up for the Halloween-themed gala 🎃

We are so grateful for this support, thank you John and ADONZ!

[Image description] John Billings, board member at Blind Low Vision NZ, stands with Vanessa Cummings, past president of ADONZ, and Courtney Chellow, current ADONZ president, all dressed up for Halloween.

11/11/2025

What does accessibility really look like in our healthcare system? 🏥💭

In this episode, disability advocate and senior lecturer Dr Sally Britnell discusses the barriers people with disabilities face in the healthcare system, and what true inclusion should look like.

Sally shares her own experiences working in health, the importance of representation in the workforce, and how universal design and education can help build a more accessible future for everyone.

Tune in to hear how we can create healthcare that works for all 💛

🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq9sBxRAmTk