Consumer organisations

We financially support and work closely with a number of consumer organisations that directly represent the interests of blind and partially sighted people.

We partner with these organisations to share information, advocate for change and undertake projects of mutual benefit.

Who are the consumer organisations?

Our consumer organisations are:

We also work closely with the Albinism Trust.

How does it work?

The consumer organisations jointly form the New Zealand Blind Consumer Consortium (NZBCC). We work under a principles of partnership. Together we discuss areas of collaboration and maximise opportunities to work toward common goals.

 

Consumer organisation contact details

Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand

Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc. (ABCNZ) offers peer support and promotes social, economic and political opportunities for New Zealand's blind and vision-impaired citizens. Founded in 1945, it is the oldest advocacy organisation in the disability sector. It is also the country's largest generic blindness consumer organisation. ABCNZ has a Wellington based national office and 15 geographical branches throughout the country.

Publication: 'Focus' is a quarterly newsletter available on the ABCNZ website
Contact: Rose Wilkinson, Executive Officer
Phone: 0800 ABC NZ INC (0800 222 694) or (04) 389 0033
Fax: (04) 389 0030
Email: enquiries@abcnz.org.nz
Website: www.abcnz.org.nz 

Blind Sport New Zealand

Blind Sport New Zealand is the national sporting organisation for blind sport, recognised by Government and Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC). Formed in 1991, Blind Sport promotes opportunities for blind athletes to participate in national, international events and the Paralympics. All blind sport includes cricket, fishing, goalball, golf, hockey, indoor bowls and sailing.

Contact: Daniel Te’o, President
Phone: (09) 355 6898
Email: sports@blindsport.org.nz or dteo@rnzfb.org.nz
Website: www.blindsport.org.nz  

Deafblind New Zealand

Deafblind New Zealand Inc. arose from the need seen for a seperate society to be run by deafblind people themselves. Formalised as an Incorporated Society in 1989, they strive to raise the needs of their members with decision-makers in New Zealand. They provide assistance, friendship and support, and can refer to professional help. Deafblind NZ assists anyone over the age of 18 who would like information on deafblindness. They have branches located throughout New Zealand.

Contact: Merv Cox, President
Phone: (04) 477 2314
Email: deafblindnz@clear.net.nz
Web: www.deafblind.org.nz (coming soon)

Guide Dog Society

The Guide Dog Society Inc. is a consumer support organisation for those with an interest in guide dogs in New Zealand. They provide social get-togethers, peer support and some advocacy on guide dog related issues.

Contact: Errol Maffey, President
Phone: (03) 344 1175 or (03) 940 0700
Email: guide.dog.society@gmail.com 

New Zealand Vision Impaired Empowering Women

New Zealand Vision Impaired Empowering Women (NZ VIEW) is a support group for blind and partially sighted women. It was formed in 1989 to promote the independence, self-worth and dignity of women with vision impairment.

Publication: 'Viewpoint' is a quarterly newsletter produced by the organisation.
Contact: Ailsa Morgan, National Administrator.
Phone: (07) 348 2765
Email: aislabie@clear.net.nz 

 Ngāti Kāpo o Aotearoa

Ngāti Kāpo o Aotearoa Inc. is a national Māori health and disability service provider that is driven by and for Māori blind or partially sighted consumers and their families. They were founded in 1983 upon the vision of self-determination and improving the quality of life of kāpo Māori and their whānau.

Phone: 0800 770 990
Email: ngatikapo@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.kapomaori.com

Parents of Vision Impaired New Zealand

Parents of Vision Impaired New Zealand Inc. (PVI)  is a support group for parents whose children are blind or partially sighted. Their aim is to achieve the best opportunities for their bind or visually impaired children. Formed 25 years ago, they have a current membership of 2000 parents nationwide. PVI’s mission is: “Supporting and Empowering Parents and Whanau." PVI has a strong advocacy focus and has been influential in achievements such as the Carers Strategy; the Homai School rebuild; and collaborative initiatives with the United Blindness sector concerning blind children's education needs, that saw an increase in “Resource: Teachers of Vision.”

Publication: 'Vision' is a bimonthly magazine available on the PVI website.
Contact: Paul Manning, Executive Officer
Phone: 0800 312 019
Email: paul@pvi.org.nz
Website: www.pvi.org.nz

Retina New Zealand

Retina New Zealand Inc. supports individuals and their families or friends with Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Retinal Detachments and other rare retinal dystrophies. It promotes public awareness of retinal disorders, provides information and support to individuals and their families, and fosters research into treatments.

Publication: 'Newsletter of Retina NZ Inc' is a quarterly publication found on their website
Contact: Fraser Alexander, President
Phone: 0800 233 833
Email: retina@retina.org.nz
Website: www.retina.org.nz

Support and Education for our Youth, their Families and their Friends

Support and Education for our Youth, their Families and their Friends Inc., better known as SEYFF, is the country's newest blindness and vision-impaired consumer organisation. Formed in 2003, it is a support and education network for 17 to 30 year-olds. It aims to build friendships between vision-impaired peers and help families understand the emotions and feelings experienced by family members.

Contact: Donna McCaskill, Secretary
Phone: (09) 355 6900 or 021 02354395
Email: seyff@xtra.co.nz

Other organisations we partner with

Albinism Trust

The Albinism Trust is a national voluntary peer support group with an interest in full participation and  equal opportunity for people with Albinism.  It provides information, support and advice to individuals with Albinism their families and friends plus Medical, Educational, Employment  and Academic interests.  Albinism Trust is a Registered Charity and works collaboratively with Australian, United Kingdom, Canadian and United States sister entities plus World Albinism Alliance. 

Contact: Allen Little
Phone: (06) 367 5900 or 021 025-33-330
Email: albinism@inspire.net.nz 
Website: www.albinism.org.nz