Failing eye-sight has not stopped the 2006 RNZFB Chairman's Award recipient from raising a family, having a productive career in the Public Service and leading the community by example.

Paraparaumu's Doug Johnston, 60, received the Chairman's Award for outstanding professional and community service by an RNZFB member.

"More than 30 years ago Doug started losing his sight so he joined the Foundation to learn new skills and carry on his busy lifestyle," says Don McKenzie, RNZFB Chairman of the Board.

"He is not the kind of person who lets limited vision get in the way of his love of life and commitment to public and community service.

"With his personal resourcefulness, positive attitude, fair-mindedness and a straightforward approach Doug is a leader in both his paid and voluntary work. He is someone I greatly admire."

Doug has Retinitis Pigmentosa which means he has tunnel vision (no peripheral vision) and night blindness.

Currently, Doug gives tenancy advice for the Department of Building and Housing throughout New Zealand, a job that entails diplomatic adjudication on the differences between tenants and landlords. This is where his sense of humour and effectiveness as a communicator come into their own – easing many a tense moment!

In the past, Doug worked for the Kapiti Coast District Council, Work & Income New Zealand and other government departments in various roles. He has also owned and operated his own fish and chip shop (at age 19).

Doug's voluntary roles include membership of the RNZFB's Kapiti Advisory Committee for more than 25 years including 10 years as deputy chairman; RNZFB Board Trustee for three years; Association of Blind Citizens (ABC NZ) President for seven years and executive member for 15 years; and champion for mentoring young blind and vision-impaired leaders.

He has been a trustee for the Kapiti Welcome Trust (housing project for disabled people) and trustee for Paraparaumu Primary School and chair of its Parents Support Group.  Doug has also held various roles in Jaycees, Scouts, Toastmasters and Rotary.

Each year the RNZFB's Chairman is faced with the challenging task of selecting one person who, through their professional and/or community service, has made an outstanding contribution to the blind community.

The RNZFB is New Zealand's primary provider of vision-related services to approximately 11,700 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.

Just one-third of the RNZFB's $22m annual operating budget comes from Government sources. The RNZFB has to fundraise the rest.

Ends

For more information or a copy of the photo contact:

Bill Moore, RNZFB Head of Corporate Communications, ph: 0275 508 061
Jane Gower, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, ph: 09 355 6884 or 021 357 412