Ngaa Ratonga Tautoko moo te Kaapoo
This guide brings together the key services, funding options, and support available for kaapoo Maaori and whaanau across Aotearoa. Whether you're newly diagnosed, looking for additional support, or helping a whaanau member navigate the system — you'll find useful information and contacts here.
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa (KMA) has been supporting kaapoo Maaori and their whaanau for over four decades. We provide kaupapa Maaori services that honour Te Ao Maaori principles while addressing practical challenges faced by our community.
Funded by the Ministry of Health, this service helps kaapoo Maaori access assessments, habilitation, and rehabilitation services. Our team can advocate on your behalf and help connect you with the right support for your needs.
Blind Low Vision NZ offers tailored services for Maaori and Pasifika communities, including:
Blind Low Vision NZ offers several grants for eligible individuals:
Contact Blind Low Vision NZ to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
The Aka Ora support group was established in October 2023 to support Pasifika and Maaori individuals in the blind and low vision community. Based in the Wellington region, the group focuses on:
If you're in the Wellington area and looking to connect with others who share similar experiences, Aka Ora may be a great fit.
BLENNZ (Blind and Low Vision Education Network NZ) provides educational services to aakonga (students) who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, from birth to 21 years:
BLENNZ integrates Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Maaori model of health, into its educational practices. This holistic approach addresses the social, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of learners — ensuring tamariki Maaori receive education aligned with their cultural values.
Whaikaha funds a range of support services for disabled New Zealanders. In the 2024/25 Budget, the government invested $1.1 billion over five years to address demand and cost pressures on support services.
The Ministry of Health's Disability Support Services funds equipment to support daily living, work, or study. This may include:
Equipment is loaned free of charge for as long as needed. An EMS assessor will evaluate your needs and submit a request on your behalf.
Enable New Zealand delivers government-funded equipment services south of the Bombay Hills. They work with assessors to provide equipment that supports independence and daily living.
Total Mobility provides subsidised taxi services for people who have a disability that prevents them from using public transport. Discounts of 50% (up to a maximum fare) are available in most regions.
The Assistive Technology Alliance New Zealand (ATANZ) offers grants to support assistive technology service provision, including:
Some grants are available to Maaori, whaanau, and assistive technology users.
Karu Ora is a Kaupapa Maaori research initiative led by Renata Watene, focused on improving Maaori eye health outcomes. The research analyses current eye health services through an equity lens and develops tools to improve services for Maaori.
Eye Health Aotearoa works across the eye health sector to improve outcomes for all New Zealanders, with a focus on equity and accessibility.
Te Whatu Ora has established the Eye Health National Clinical Network to improve access to eye health services and equalise health outcomes. The network focuses on conditions like retinopathy, keratoconus in young people, and improving Maaori eye health.
Connecting with others who understand your experience can make a real difference. Options include:
Hei Whakapiki Mauri is a Whānau Ora initiative supporting disabled Maaori and their whaanau through Te Ao Maaori approaches. They provide whaanau-centered support and work alongside families to achieve their goals.
In 2024, more than 193,000 New Zealanders were living with blindness, deafblindness, or low vision. This number is projected to rise to 225,000 by 2028. If you or your whaanau need support, reach out — you are not alone, and help is available.
