Supporting Kāpō Māori and Whānau Throughout Aotearoa
For over four decades, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa has provided culturally-affirming services to blind, vision-impaired, and deafblind Māori throughout Aotearoa. Our services are designed to honor Te Ao Māori while addressing the practical challenges faced by kāpō Māori and their whānau.
We support our members to navigate mainstream service systems, advocate for their rights, connect with cultural identity, and achieve independence. Our approach is both holistic and practical, recognizing that wellbeing encompasses cultural, spiritual, physical, and social dimensions.
Tō Mātou Huarahi
Our Service Approach
Our service delivery is guided by these core principles:
Culturally-affirming
All services honour and strengthen cultural identity
Whānau-centered
We work with the whole whānau, not just individuals
Strengths-based
We focus on capabilities, not limitations
Self-determination
We support tino rangatiratanga in all aspects of life
Practical solutions
We address real-world barriers with effective approaches
Ngā Ratonga Matua
Key Services
Cultural Support Services
We provide specialized cultural support to kāpō Māori and their whānau, ensuring they can access services while maintaining their cultural identity and dignity.
What we offer:
Cultural advocacy when accessing mainstream vision services
Support to navigate health and disability systems from a cultural perspective
Assistance connecting with cultural resources and knowledge
Creating culturally-safe environments within mainstream services
How to access:Contact our team on 0800 770 990 to discuss your cultural support needs.
Specialist Kāpō Māori and Whānau Service
Funded by the Ministry of Health, this national service helps kāpō Māori and their whānau overcome barriers to accessing Specialist Vision Services provided by other organizations.
What we offer:
Support to access assessments, habilitation, and rehabilitation services
Assistance with developing and following pathway plans
Cultural brokerage between members and specialist services
Help with transitions between different service providers
Who is eligible:Māori of all ages who are blind, deafblind, or have significant visual loss.
Advocacy and Navigation
We support kāpō Māori to understand their rights and navigate complex service systems effectively.
What we offer:
Assistance understanding entitlements and rights
Support in meetings with service providers
Help with paperwork and applications
Guidance on making complaints when needed
Connecting members with appropriate services
How to access:Our staff can work alongside you in person, via phone, or through video calls to ensure your voice is heard and needs are met.
Ngā Kete e Toru
Three Kete of Knowledge Investment Plan
Our unique approach allows Tangata (financial) members to choose how they wish their membership fee to be invested across three areas:
Te Kete Hinengaro (Mind)
Development of tertiary educational grants and research funding to support our members and their whānau in their communities.
Te Kete Tinana (Body)
Programs and activities that build member confidence and physical capabilities.
Te Kete Wairua (Soul)
Support for member self-awareness through engagement in Te Ao Māori activities.
Ō Mātou HoaOur Partners
We work collaboratively with a range of organizations to provide comprehensive support for kāpō Māori
Our partnerships strengthen our ability to deliver culturally appropriate services and create positive change at both individual and systemic levels. These collaborations ensure that kāpō Māori receive comprehensive support 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.
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.
Me Pēhea te Toro Atu
How to Access Our Services
Accessing our services is straightforward. You can:
Our team will work with you to understand your needs and connect you with the most appropriate services.
Whai Wāhitanga
Eligibility
Our services are primarily designed for Māori who are blind, deafblind, or have significant visual loss and their whānau. However, we welcome anyone who supports our kaupapa and values to register as a member.
There is no registration cost to become a member, though you can choose to become a Tangata (financial) member through payment of an annual subscription fee, which entitles you to fully participate in the governance and ongoing strategic development of Kāpō Māori Aotearoa.
Want to learn more about becoming a member?
Tō Mātou Pānga
Our Impact
"Kāpō Māori Aotearoa helped me navigate the complex health system while honoring my cultural identity. For the first time, I didn't have to choose between being Māori and getting the support I needed as a kāpō person."
— Rangatahi Member, Auckland
"The cultural support service transformed how our whānau understands and responds to vision loss. We've moved from isolation to connection, from confusion to confidence."
— Whānau Member, Rotorua
"As kaumātua who became blind later in life, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa helped me maintain my role in my community. Their understanding of the cultural dimensions of disability makes all the difference."
— Kaumātua Member, Gisborne
Whakapā Mai
Contact Us
If you have questions about our services or would like to discuss how we might support you or your whānau, please don't hesitate to reach out.
