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.

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.

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.

MSD

Ministry of Social Development

The Ministry of Social Development is our primary fund holder, providing funding for two key service contracts that support our work with kāpō Māori. MSD is one of New Zealand's largest government departments, responsible for social policy and social services. Our relationship with MSD enables us to deliver targeted support services while advocating for system-level changes that better reflect the needs of tāngata whaikaha Māori.

Whaikaha

Ministry of Disabled People

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People was established in July 2022 as New Zealand's first ministry led by disabled people, for disabled people. Previously these functions were under different ministries. We work closely with Whaikaha to ensure kāpō Māori perspectives are represented in disability policy development and service design, contributing to their vision of transforming disability support systems to be more accessible and responsive to disabled people and their whānau.

Blind Low Vision NZ

Blind and Low Vision New Zealand

Blind Low Vision NZ (formerly the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind) provides essential Specialist Vision Services that complement our cultural support work. Through annual grant applications, we receive funding to enhance our service delivery. Our collaborative relationship ensures kāpō Māori can access rehabilitation and habilitation services while maintaining cultural connection and identity. This partnership helps bridge cultural barriers that might otherwise prevent Māori from accessing specialist vision services.

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.

BLENNZ

Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand

BLENNZ is a national network providing specialised education services to blind, deafblind, and low vision students across New Zealand. Our relationship with BLENNZ helps ensure kāpō Māori students receive culturally responsive educational support. We collaborate on transition planning, cultural competency development, and promoting te ao Māori perspectives in vision education. Their expertise in specialised teaching complements our cultural knowledge to support young kāpō Māori through their educational journey.

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education is a key partner in supporting kāpō Māori students through their educational journey. Our relationship with the Ministry helps ensure educational policies and resources are responsive to the needs of vision-impaired Māori students. We provide cultural advice and advocacy to help shape inclusive education practices that respect tikanga Māori while addressing the specialized learning needs of kāpō Māori tamariki and rangatahi.