The Braille Authority of New Zealand (BANZ) aims to promote and facilitate the use, teaching and production of braille.

BANZ creates and publicises rules for the use of braille in New Zealand as well as providing interpretations and opinions on the use of literary and technical braille codes (English, maths, computing etc.). BANZ also considers the future development of braille codes and formats.

For more information about BANZ, email:banz.

Structure

BANZ was established in 1989 under the auspices of the RNZFB, and includes members representative of the wider braille using and teaching community in New Zealand. BANZ meets at least three times per year.

Unified English Braille (UEB)

Development of UEB constitutes the major body of work carried out by the International Conference on English Braille (ICEB). UEB will unify literary and technical braille codes used for English language braille around the world. For more on UEB see the ICEB website.

The Fourth General Assembly of the ICEB will be held in Melbourne between 6-10 April 2008. Proceedings from the assembly will by broadcast live by ACB Radio. Listen to the Fourth General Assembly of the ICEB.

UEB in New Zealand

On Tuesday 29 November 2005 the Braille Authority of New Zealand held its 16th Annual General Meeting. The following motion was presented and discussed.

Motion: That the Braille Authority of New Zealand adopts the Unified English Braille Code, with the intention that by the end of 2006 an implementation plan, including funding, transition, training and timetable for the production, teaching and learning of braille be developed with all stakeholders involved with braille.

The motion was passed unanimously. The eight voting members included representatives from The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, The Association of Blind Citizens New Zealand, Ngāti Kāpō, Vision Education Agency and Parents of Vision Impaired.

Chairperson of The Braille Authority of New Zealand, Maria Stevens said "This is a momentous decision for the future of braille in New Zealand." She went on to say "Now that the decision for New Zealand to adopt the code has been taken we need to start planning ahead for the implementation process which will take up to 5 years."

The Braille Authority of New Zealand has been encouraged by the interest and support offered throughout this consultation process and is looking forward to continuing these partnerships to benefit braille readers for generations to come.