Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand - Home.


ABC NZ
Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc.

About ABC NZ | Join ABC NZ | Feedback Line | Issues & Advocacy | Media Releases | News & Events | FAQs | Links | Ways To Access This Site | Site Map | Help

Home > About ABC NZ

About the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc (ABC NZ)

 

The Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand (ABC NZ) is New Zealand's

  • Oldest advocacy organisation in the disability sector, (founded in 1945)
  • Largest, generic, blindness consumer organisation.

ABC NZ's Philosophy and Role

Our philosophy: "blind people speaking for ourselves".

Our role: to advocate on behalf of our members and blind and vision impaired New Zealanders in general to:

  • Government;
  • providers of blindness and disability-specific services (including the  Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind);
  • providers of services where blind people have particular requirements that should be taken into account.

ABC NZ Structure

The ABC NZ is governed by a Board which comprises:

  • National President - Clive Lansink
  • Vice-President - Jonathan Godfrey
  • World Blind Union Representative - Martine Abel-Williamson
  • Members at Large (up to seven positions): Dave Allen, Linda Beck, John Corder, Andrea Courtney, Geraldine Glanville, Jonathan Godfrey, Lynette Simon

Board Members are elected by financial Ordiary Members via ballot.  The election of National President, and four Member at Large positions occurs in odd-numbered years whereas the election of World Blind Union Representative and three Member at Large positions occurs in even-numbered years. 

The position of Vice President is not an elected position - it is appointed annually by the Board from amongst elected Board Members.  As soon as practicable following the conclusion of Conference the Board meets to appoint the Vice President.  

All candidates standing in the 2008 election were elected unopposed.  Positions filled in 2008 are: Martine Abel-Williamson (World Blind Union Representative).  Andrea Courtney, Jonathan Godfrey and Lynette Simon (Members at Large).

The Board is tasked with interpreting and implementing Association policy, and developing its strategic direction . Policies are established by resolution of the Association's annual national Conference.

ABC NZ National Office and Branches

The ABC NZ has:

  • A National Office located in Wellington.
  • 15 geographical  branches around the country.
  • Special Interest Branches may be established from time to time.

Categories of Membership

  • Full membership: the status of Ordinary Membership is open to anyone eligible for full registration with the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.
  • Junior membership (up to 16 years).
  • Associate Membership: sighted spouse, friends, family etc who support the Association's philosophy and work may join as an Associate Member.

For membership details or an application form, go to Join ABC NZ.

 

  

About This Site / Contact Us / Feedback

ABC NZ National Office, 113 Adelaide Road, Newtown, Postal address: PO Box 7144
Wellington South, New Zealand. Phone + 64 4 389 0033 Email: enquiries@abcnz.org.nz

 Top of page.