For over four decades, we have been Aotearoa New Zealand's only national Indigenous organisation founded by and for blind, vision-impaired, and deafblind Māori. We provide essential services, research leadership, advocacy, and community connection through a kaupapa Māori approach.
Tō Mātou Moemoea
Our Vision
"Mā te whakapono, te tūmanako me te aroha mātou e whakatūtuki i ngā moemoea kia puta ki te whai ao ki te ao mārama"
With truth, hope and love we will realise our dreams and bring them to the world of enlightenment.
Tō Mātou Whāinga
Our Purpose
"Kia tū tāngata whenua ai tātou"
Being strong in our indigeneity
Our work is guided by the principles of Rangatiratanga (self-determination), Kawanatanga (governorship), and Oritengal (equality).
Ō Mātou UaraOur Values
Our values guide everything we do at Kāpō Māori Aotearoa, reflecting our commitment to serving and empowering our community through indigenous wisdom and modern innovation.
Mana Kāpō
Indigenous authority of Māori who are either blind, have low vision, vision and/or deaf blind.
Whakapapa
Establishing kinship through indigenous and kāpō genealogy.
Whānaungatanga
Building meaningful and mutually respectful relationships through working together, sharing experiences and strengthening each other.
Kotahitanga
Unifying tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau.
Kaitiakitanga
Managing and protecting KMA and our indigeneity.
Hāuoratanga
Tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau holistic wellbeing.
Te Awhi tāngata
Supporting tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau to use their indigeneity on their whanau ora (family wellbeing) journey.
Wairuatanga
Tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau spiritual values in Māori wellbeing.
Te Manaaki tāngata
Caring for and helping tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau to realise their indigeneity.
Te Tautoko tāngata
Encouraging tāngata whaikaha Māori and whānau to use their indigeneity to achieve their potential.
Tō Mātou Wātaka
Our Timeline
2020s
Digital Inclusion and Health Equity
Leading innovative digital inclusion projects and health equity initiatives.
2010s
Research and Innovation
Under new leadership, we established important research partnerships and international connections.
2000s
National Expansion
The new millennium saw significant growth in our reach and advocacy efforts.
1990s
Development of Specialist Services
Throughout the 1990s, we expanded our service offerings to include specialised cultural support services.
1980s
Founding and Early Growth
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa was established in response to the unmet needs of kāpō Māori who were not being adequately served by mainstream vision services.
Ngā Whainga PouOur Strategic Priorities
Our strategic priorities guide our organization's direction and focus, ensuring we remain true to our mission while adapting to meet the evolving needs of our community.
01
Te Kopere (Infrastructure)
Intensification of organisational structure, systems integrity and capacity.
02
Taurikura (Prosperous and thriving)
Progressive realisation of economic and workforce sustainability.
03
Whakaauaha (Creative and innovative)
Indigenous centered programs and service innovations.
04
Ngā Hononga (Relationships)
Strong and enduring external (regional, national and global) relationships.
05
Hautanga (Reputation)
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa is an icon of indigeneity.
Ā Mātou MahiOur Work
Through our diverse range of services and initiatives, we work to empower and support kāpō Māori across Aotearoa.
01
Cultural Support Services
We provide cultural connection and support for kāpō Māori accessing vision services.
02
Advocacy and Representation
We advocate at local, national, and international levels for the rights and needs of kāpō Māori.
03
Specialist Vision Services Liaison
We work collaboratively with mainstream vision service providers.
04
Research and Knowledge Development
We lead and participate in research initiatives that improve understanding of kāpō Māori experiences.
05
Community Building and Connection
We bring together kāpō Māori from across the country through hui and conferences.
06
Information and Resources
We develop and distribute culturally appropriate information in accessible formats.
Ngā Kete e Toru o te MātaurangaThree Kete of Knowledge
On March 12, 2017, Te Kahui Tumuaki confirmed the introduction of the Kāpō Māori Aotearoa NZ 'Three Kete of Knowledge' Investment Plan.
Te Kete Hinengaro (Mind)
Development of tertiary educational grants and research fund to support our members and their whanau.
Te Kete Tinana (Body)
Developing programs and activities that build member confidence and physical capabilities.
Te Kete Wairua (Soul)
To support member self-awareness through engagement in Te Ao Māori activities.
Te Kahui TumuakiNational Board
Te Kahui Tumuaki (National Board) provides governance and strategic leadership for Kāpō Māori Aotearoa. Our board members bring diverse expertise in disability advocacy, cultural leadership, and governance to ensure we continue to serve kāpō Māori effectively.
Nigel Ngahiwi
President
M.N.Z.M
Iwi: Maniapoto
Nigel has been a member of Te Kahui Tumuaki since 2001. Nigel has a Bachelor of Literary Performing ...
Natasha Swann
Vice President
Iwi: Ngati Maniapoto
Natasha joined KMA in 2015. She has since met other members from similar backgrounds and struggles b...
Raewyne Lovich
Executive Member
Iwi: Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua
Raewyne joins Te Kahui Tumuaki with over 25 years in Governance. In her former role as Executive Ass...
Gaylene Te Rauna
Executive Member
M.N.Z.M
Iwi: Ngāti Porou, Tuhoe
Gaylene grew up in Ngaputahi, in the Urewera National Park. She worked for the NZ Childcare Associat...
Wiremu Kohere
Executive Member
Iwi: Ngati Porou
Wiremu joined KMA in 20114. He has since met other members from similar backgrounds and struggles bu...
Tō Mātou TīmaOur Team
Meet the dedicated team behind Kāpō Māori Aotearoa. Our staff members work tirelessly to support and empower kāpō Māori across Aotearoa.
Leadership Team
Chrissie Cowan
Chief Executive
Iwi: Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou
Member since 2011
Of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou descent
Nasim Ali
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Member since 2023
Nasim formally joined KMA in 2023 and she is a 3rd generation Fijian Indian.
Tarewa Cowan
Governance and Operations Liaison Officer
Iwi: Ngāti Kahungunu
Member since 2019
Tarewa formally joined Kāpō Māori Aotearoa in June 2019 as our Communications Officer, working closely with our rangatahi group; Ngā Rōpu o Manaaki Tā...
Field Team
Delayne Tūtemāhurangi
Tangata Whaikaha Kaimahi (Hapori Māori)
Iwi: Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Taunui, Te Whanua a Apanui
Member since 2017
Based in Taumarunui, Delayne has been with Kāpō Māori Aotearoa since March 2017.
Bernadine Rangi
Tangata Whaikaha Kaimahi (Hapori Maori)
Iwi: Te Aitangi ā Hauiti
Member since 2023
Kia Ora My name is Bernadine Rangi and I am one of the new kaimahi joining the KMA whānau. I currently live in Paraparaumu, Wellington and look forwar...
Administration Team
Lisa Edwards
Customer Services
Iwi: Tainui, Ngati Kahungunu, Rangitane, Kāi Tahu
Member since 2019
Lisa had previously volunteered every year for Kāpō Māori Aotearoa since 2016. As of June 2019, Lisa is Kāpō Māori Aotearoa's Data Projector, helping ...
Josh Nathan
Kaiwhakahaere Pūhana (Systems Administrator)
Iwi: Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa
Member since 2024
Josh joined KMA in 2024 as a systems administrator. His background stems from working in several different environments as a freelance audio engineer....
Ngā HonongaOur Partnerships
We work with a range of organisations to improve eye health outcomes for Māori
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa works with a range of organizations to ensure comprehensive support for our members. These partnerships strengthen our ability to create positive change at both individual and systemic levels. Our collaborative approach ensures that kāpō Māori receive culturally appropriate services while maintaining their cultural identity.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic Partnership
RANZCO
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
In 2022, we established a formal 'Tata Ponamu' partnership agreement with RANZCO, making it one of our key strategic partnerships. RANZCO is the professional body for ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training, education and setting standards of eye health care. Through this partnership, we work together to address disparities in Māori eye health outcomes and promote culturally responsive eye care services.
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.
Key Stakeholders
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.
Key Stakeholders
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.
International Relationships
International Relationships
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.
Funders
Funders
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.
Funders
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.
Funders
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.
Health Partners
Health Partners
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.
Research Partners
Research Partners
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.
Research Partners
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.
Education Partners
Education Partners
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.
Education Partners
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.
Tō Mātou Pānga
Our Impact
40+Years Serving Kāpō Māori
100sMembers Nationwide
15Regions Served
Voices of Our Community
"Kāpō Māori Aotearoa has been my lifeline to both my culture and to services that truly understand me."
— Rangatahi Member, Auckland
"The support from Kāpō Māori Aotearoa has transformed how our whole whānau approaches vision loss."
— Whānau Member, Rotorua
"As someone who became blind later in life, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa helped me reconnect with my cultural identity."
— Kaumātua Member, Gisborne
Ture me KaupapahereLegal and Policies
Our policies and legal documents ensure transparency and accountability in all our operations.
