Consumer Organisations
The Foundation financially supports and works closely with nine Consumer Organisations that directly represent the interests of blind and partially sighted people. The Foundation partners with these organisations to share information, advocate for change and undertake projects of mutual benefit.
Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc
New Zealand Vision Impaired Empowering Women
Parents of Vision Impaired New Zealand
Support and Education for our Youth, their Families and their Friends
Consumer Organisations have significant input into the strategic
direction of the RNZFB. The New Zealand Blind Consumer Consortium is a
group made of these nine consumer organisations to discuss areas of
collaboration and maximise opportunities to work toward our common
goals.
Principles of Partnership
Consumer Organisations work together with the Foundation according
to the Principles of Partnership.
1. Mutual understanding of and respect for the distinction between the service provision and consumerism.
2. Right to pursue independent policies and objectives (within the terms of the RNZFB Act 2002)
3. Adherence to democratic principles and processes when taking major decisions.
4. Obligation to actively attempt to resolve or understand disagreements through informed discussion.
5. Obligation to advocate through a coordinated partnership on issues which are identified as being of common concern.
6. The right to advocate individually on matters of specific interest, or where unresolved disagreements inhibit a coordinated approach.
7. Public accountability in the use of funding.
8. Obligation to share information and engage in meaningful dialogue.
9. Recognition that all blindness organisations exist in order
to add value to the lives of blind, deafblind and partially sighted
people and their whanau by meeting needs that are directly related to
their blindness.