Eye Health Aotearoa

Eye Health Aotearoa Charitable Trust

Our Chief Executive Chrissie Cowan has served as co-chair of Eye Health Aotearoa since 2023, alongside John Mulka (former CEO of Blind and Low Vision NZ). Eye Health Aotearoa is a collaborative platform bringing together eye health and vision care organisations to advocate for better eye health outcomes in New Zealand. As a member of this trust, we help shape national eye health policies and initiatives with a focus on equity for Māori.

Access Matters Aotearoa Trust

Access Matters Aotearoa Trust

As a trustee of Access Matters Aotearoa Trust, we contribute to nationwide advocacy for accessibility legislation and inclusive design practices. The Trust brings together disability organisations to campaign for a more accessible New Zealand, particularly focusing on built environments, transportation, and digital accessibility. Chrissie Cowan has been actively involved in promoting the Trust's work through various media engagements.

IAPB

International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

Our international reach extends through our connection with IAPB via the iHealth Uluru Trust. IAPB is the global alliance for eye health, bringing together over 150 organisations worldwide to promote universal access to eye health. This connection enables us to represent indigenous perspectives at global forums, including at IAPB's international conferences where our CE Chrissie Cowan has presented on indigenous approaches to blindness prevention and management.

Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand

Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand was formed in July 2022, replacing the previous District Health Boards. We engage with Te Whatu Ora to access health data and services for our members. This relationship allows us to better understand the health needs of kāpō Māori populations and advocate for culturally appropriate health services. With proper processes in place, we can access NHI data to verify information and improve service coordination for our members.

University of Waikato

Our significant research partnership with the University of Waikato involves collaboration with Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere and Dr. Rebekah Graham. This partnership has been instrumental in documenting the experiences of tangata whaikaha Māori during the Covid pandemic and advocating for cultural competence in healthcare. The University of Waikato brings academic expertise in Māori health research methodologies that complement our community knowledge and connections.

Health Research Council

Health Research Council of New Zealand

The Health Research Council has funded our Ngā Kanohi Kitea project 'Ahakoa kahore mātou i te kite kei te kite' (We may be blind, but we have vision). As New Zealand's principal government funding agency for health research, their support enables us to conduct community-led research that centers Māori perspectives in vision health. This project exemplifies our commitment to knowledge mobilisation and aims to influence health policy and practice for tāngata whaikaha Māori.

Deafblind Association NZ

Deafblind Association of New Zealand

The Deafblind Association of New Zealand provides specialized support for people who experience both vision and hearing loss. Our collaborative relationship ensures that Māori who are deafblind receive culturally appropriate support through a combined approach that respects both their sensory needs and cultural identity. This partnership addresses the unique challenges faced by deafblind Māori and helps develop specialized resources and approaches for this community.