Blind and Low Vision New Zealand’s (BLVNZ’s) new strategic plan puts low vision New Zealanders’ choices at the heart of its services while, for the first time, promising to do more to help people retain their sight.
In a community-spirited launch at its offices in Parnell, Auckland, BLVNZ’s chief executive John Mulka and Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind board chair Rick Hoskin unveiled the organisation’s new four-year plan, marking the charitable foundation’s 130-year anniversary.
The plan was put together following Mulka’s appointment and the organisation’s name change from the Blind Foundation to BLVNZ to reflect its work with low vision as well as blind people, both around July last year. It was developed after assessing feedback from thousands of stakeholders, including members, volunteers, staff and partner organisations, said Hoskin.
“This is a really exciting day for our organisation, tomorrow starts the dawn of a new era for BLVNZ,” Mulka told the audience.
Central to the plan is BLVNZ’s new mission to, “Empower New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or low vision to live the life they choose”. To achieve this, BLVNZ has identified four key priorities:
