Supporting Kaapoo Maaori and Whaanau Throughout Aotearoa
For over four decades, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa has provided culturally-affirming services to blind, vision-impaired, and deafblind Maaori throughout Aotearoa. Our services are designed to honor Te Ao Maaori while addressing the practical challenges faced by kaapoo Maaori and their whaanau.
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.
Taa Maatou Whakahaere aa-Ratonga
Our Service Approach
Our service delivery is guided by these core principles:
Whakamaanawa Ahurea
Culturally-affirming
All services honour and strengthen cultural identity
Aronga Whaanau
Whaanau-centered
We work with the whole whaanau, not just individuals
Puunga Whirikoka
Strengths-based
We focus on capabilities, not limitations
Self-determination
We support tino rangatiratanga in all aspects of life
Whakataunga Wae Kai Pakiaka
Practical solutions
We address real-world barriers with effective approaches
Ratonga Matua
Key Services
Ratonga Tautoko Ahurea
Cultural Support Services
We provide specialized cultural support to kaapoo Maaori and their whaanau, ensuring they can access services while maintaining their cultural identity and dignity.
Aa Maatou Taapaenga · 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.
Ratonga Maatanga moo te Hunga Maaori Kaapoo me oo Raatou Whaanau
Specialist Kāpō Māori and Whānau Service
Funded by the Ministry of Health, this national service helps kaapoo Maaori and their whaanau overcome barriers to accessing Specialist Vision Services provided by other organizations.
Aa Maatou Taapaenga · 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:Maaori of all ages who are blind, deafblind, or have significant visual loss.
Ngaa 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 whaanau 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 Maaori activities.
Our Partners
We work collaboratively with a range of organizations to provide comprehensive support for kaapoo Maaori
Our partnerships strengthen our ability to deliver culturally appropriate services and create positive change at both individual and systemic levels. These collaborations ensure that kaapoo Maaori receive comprehensive support while maintaining their cultural identity.
Strategic Partnership
RANZCO
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
In 2022, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa 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 Maaori eye health outcomes and promote culturally responsive eye care services.
In 2025, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Parents of Vision Impaired New Zealand, establishing them as a strategic partner. POVI NZ provides support and advocacy for families of vision-impaired children and young people. This partnership ensures that whaanau of kaapoo Maaori tamariki receive culturally appropriate support and resources, helping them navigate the education system and connect with services that honour both their children's vision needs and cultural identity.
Our Chief Executive Chrissie Cowan serves 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, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa helps shape national eye health policies and initiatives with a focus on equity for Maaori.
Key Stakeholders
Access Matters Aotearoa Trust
Access Matters Aotearoa Trust
Our Chief Executive Chrissie Cowan serves as a trustee of Access Matters Aotearoa Trust, contributing 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.
Ngaa Tuuhononga Hapori
Community Connections
Community Connections
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. Kāpō Māori Aotearoa's collaborative relationship ensures that Maaori 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 Maaori and helps develop specialized resources and approaches for this community.
Community Connections
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 Kāpō Māori Aotearoa's cultural support work. Through annual grant applications, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa receives funding to enhance service delivery. This collaborative relationship ensures kaapoo Maaori can access rehabilitation and habilitation services while maintaining cultural connection and identity. This partnership helps bridge cultural barriers that might otherwise prevent Maaori from accessing specialist vision services.
Community Connections
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. Kāpō Māori Aotearoa's relationship with BLENNZ helps ensure kaapoo Maaori students receive culturally responsive educational support. We collaborate on transition planning, cultural competency development, and promoting te ao Maaori perspectives in vision education. Their expertise in specialised teaching complements our cultural knowledge to support young kaapoo Maaori through their educational journey.
Research & International
Research & International
University of Waikato
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa has a significant research partnership with the University of Waikato involving collaboration with Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere and Dr. Rebekah Graham. This partnership has been instrumental in documenting the experiences of tangata whaikaha Maaori during the Covid pandemic and advocating for cultural competence in healthcare. The University of Waikato brings academic expertise in Maaori health research methodologies that complement our community knowledge and connections.
Research & International
Health Research Council
Health Research Council of New Zealand
The Health Research Council has funded Kāpō Māori Aotearoa's 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 Maaori perspectives in vision health. This project exemplifies our commitment to knowledge mobilisation and aims to influence health policy and practice for taangata whaikaha Maaori.
Research & International
IAPB
International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness
Kāpō Māori Aotearoa's 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 Chief Executive Chrissie Cowan has presented on indigenous approaches to blindness prevention and management.
Research & International
UN CRPD
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Our Chief Executive Chrissie Cowan has been involved in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) since 2015, serving on the governance group preparing UN reports for New Zealand. This involvement ensures that the perspectives and experiences of kaapoo Maaori are represented at the international level in discussions about disability rights and inclusion. Through this work, Kāpō Māori Aotearoa contributes to New Zealand's compliance with international disability rights standards and advocates for the recognition of indigenous approaches to disability and inclusion.
Me peewhea te whai waahi atu ki aa maatou ratonga
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.
Maaraurautanga
Eligibility
Our services are primarily designed for Maaori who are blind, deafblind, or have significant visual loss and their whaanau. 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?
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."
— Whaanau 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."
— Kaumaatua Member, Gisborne
Whakapaa Mai
Contact Us
If you have questions about our services or would like to discuss how we might support you or your whaanau, please don't hesitate to reach out.
