Blind Low Vision NZ seeks volunteers ahead of Blind Week
Blind Low Vision NZ, formerly the Blind Foundation, is seeking volunteers to support this year’s Blind Week street collection on October 16 and 17.
Volunteers play a crucial role in raising funds needed to provide practical and emotional support for New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or have low vision.
“Last year’s street collectors raised over $220,000 to empower Kiwis living with vision loss to live the life they choose. We’re hoping to go even further this year but we need your help,” Blind Low Vision NZ chief executive John Mulka said.
The money raised goes towards providing personalised vision rehabilitation services for people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision to fulfil their goals - whether that’s providing adaptive technology to stay in employment, orientation and mobility training including guide dogs, or developing tools and strategies to keep doing the things they need and want to do.
Mulka said every day an average of six Kiwis turn to Blind Low Vision NZ for support with sight loss.
“Volunteering two hours of your time by shaking a bucket and collecting donations is a way that you can help make a difference in people’s lives,” he said.
As well as supporting individuals, Blind Low Vision NZ seek to make big-picture change by advocating for inclusive communities and for optimal eye care services for all New Zealanders.
To sign up to collect during Blind Week visit blindweek.org.nz or call 0800 787 743.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43.4% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Poll: What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?
Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s only 5-star airport hotel, given its incredibly close proximity to the airport, the convenience of walking to the airport is a major highlight but there are plenty of other features that make it special.
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5.3% Unmatched runway views with a private lounge
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45.9% Exceptional service from arrival to departure
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5.3% Gourmet dining featuring New Zealand's finest, celebrating Te Ao Māori kai
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36.3% A soundproof oasis with all desired amenities
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7.2% Māori culture reflected throughout, creating an architectural marvel
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