Executive View
Page 4
Notes from the Chair
I've been thinking about the old and the new – guide dogs and Information Technology (IT).
Our Annual Guide Dog Appeal in April raised critical funding and publicity helped remind New Zealanders how important guide dogs are for hundreds of our members, including me. While I'm not sure how much my guide dog Senna and I collected I know the buckets were heavy! I'd like to thank the thousands of volunteers – especially the amazing people at Bayleys Realty Group – for their support.
Technology is increasingly important for everyone, blind, deafblind, vision-impaired or sighted. I had the privilege of attending the recent graduation of the 10th Adaptive Technology class. It was a thrill to share in the achievement of these graduates, who were aged in their 20s to 60s and from very different backgrounds. It goes to show you that if you are keen enough, you can do it. This Adaptive Technology programme is possible because of sponsorship by our friends at the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation. Also on the subject of IT, the RNZFB is preparing to launch a new website. Huge effort has gone into ensuring accessibility and functionality. Please visit the website (www.rnzfb.org.nz) towards the end of June and let our staff know what you think.
The RNZFB has been busy on the government relations front. Board directors and CEO Paula Daye met in March with Ministry of Education and key staff from Homai, soon to become Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand (BLENNZ). We agreed that all stakeholders must work together with integrity, transparency and mutual respect to deliver the best education for our blind, deafblind and vision-impaired children.
The Foundation is keeping a careful watch on the government's move to create a single benefit. Staff made several submissions on issues of importance to our members, including Total Mobility. Staff are continuing to work with the Reserve Bank in regards to changes in coins.
Finally I, along with CEO Paula Daye, National Manager Guide Dog Services Joe Walker, and Anzac (the stud dog that Joe serves as guardian for) were invited to a reception in Government House for Prince Charles. Interestingly, Joe and the Prince are "mates", as they met several times when Joe was on the Governor General's staff. This was an excellent opportunity to talk to MPs, government staff and others in the health and disability sectors.
Page 5
Chief Executive's view
As I write this I've just returned from a busy overseas trip and worked with my senior managers to complete our draft business plan for 2005-2006.
The focus of my international travel was Vision 2005, the world's premier event on low vision. It was held in London and attended by nearly 1,000 people from around the world. Massey University Professor Steve La Grow presented the nuts and bolts of our research on low vision, and I provided an overview. Our research, like that done around the world, did not conclusively prove that governments would save on long-term health costs by funding low-vision services. But I hope that we can "pass the baton" to other blindness organisations, and they can build on what we have done.
I was especially interested in a project in Wales that slashed waiting lists that were up to 18 months to a remarkable 3-4 weeks. It's interesting to note that this low vision service is primary based (Optometrists' rooms) while low vision services in New Zealand are tertiary based (at hospitals). In the UK, at the World Blind Union meeting I attended in Japan and in a stopover in Amsterdam, I spent significant time with CEOs and other leaders from blindness and guide dog organisations, especially those from the UK, Australia, Canada and the US. Normally, one would expect these relationships to bear fruit over the years, but we are already benefiting.
While there was much to learn, the contacts also provided me with the assurance that we are "up there with the best of them" and sometimes a little ahead.
This was reinforced in New Zealand in late April as my team completed the draft RNZFB business plan for 2005-2006. In May members, consumer organisations, staff and Community Committees commented on the draft plan which is now with the Board for approval. Thank you to everyone who gave feedback. We are in the second year of our three-year strategic plan. While we got many runs on the board in Year 1, we've needed to carry over some activities. And we have to accept that we are unlikely to see fundraising continue to increase at the rates of the last few years. As a result, we are tasked with working, as they say, "better, smarter, faster".
I also attended the Community Committee regional forums around the country last month. The feedback from them is invaluable and affects how we deliver services.