Out and about with Sandra
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Message from the Chief Executive
Summer is well and truly here, and I hope you’re all looking forward to a well-deserved break. Personally I’ll be putting my feet up after a hectic but enjoyable time being Mother-of-the-bride for my daughter!
At the end of another busy year, it’s great to reflect on some of our recent highlights.
We were fortunate to host the Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, at our Christchurch office just days after he accepted our invitation to become the RNZFB patron. He was extremely complimentary and said: “…this is an organisation committed to ensuring its community is well supported during the difficult times they have faced in Canterbury, making a significant contribution to the social fabric of our country and its people”. We look forward to engaging His Excellency in our work during his patronage.
We’ve had four outstanding members nominated for this year’s Attitude Awards. The Awards, celebrated in December, recognise those who achieve amazing things while living with a disability.
Also our former Board Chair, Don McKenzie, has been nominated for the New Zealander of the Year Awards. The Awards recognise inspirational people who make us proud and embody pure Kiwi spirit. We agree that this is definitely Don
Photograph: Sandra Budd with a RNZFB puppy in training.
With the recent arrival of more DAISY players, we’re on track to
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reach our goal of every library borrower receiving books on CD by Christmas. If you haven’t received a letter or filled out the form to receive the new digital service, please contact the library on 0800 24 33 33 option 2 or email library@rnzfb.org.nz
You may be aware that some of our offices have been undergoing changes in the past few months, as we have identified the locations where our clients need us most, now and into the future. We haven’t closed any of our offices, but have altered the placement of some of our staff members. We believe these moves will mean we can meet our members’ needs more successfully across the country.
As part of this work we’re refurbishing both our Wellington and Hamilton spaces. Our priority is to ensure better access for members for such things as centre-based services and recreation.
We have learnt this year that we need to more actively communicate with our members during these periods of change, so we hope you’ll notice an increased flow of information from us.
Photograph: The Governor-General visits the RNZFB Christchurch.
You may know that we’ve also embraced some new ideas for Blind Week this year. Thanks to our staff, supporters and volunteers for all their work during the appeal. I look forward to updating you on its success early in 2012.
So where to next year? We will continue to focus on ensuring we deliver our core services effectively. At the same time we want to remain innovative, so we will be putting technology and accessibility at the forefront for our members.
As always, please feel free to contact me directly. I do appreciate hearing from you.
Warmest regards,
Sandra Budd
Chief Executive