RNZFB Elections

11 October 2024

Dear Member

2024 RNZFB Board Elections

I am writing on behalf of the RNZFB Board to ask you to take up your right as a RNZFB member (Blind Low Vision NZ) to vote for directors on the RNZFB Board.

As a member of our organisation you have the right to elect those people who you think will govern with our best interests in mind. By voting you will be helping us to determine our direction for the future.

To assist you, enclosed is a short overview of the expectations we have of a director on the Board.

Thank you for giving this your consideration and please do vote in the 2024 election.

Yours sincerely

Diana Chandler
Returning Officer
Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Inc.

Expectations of Directors

This introduction outlines what is expected of directors of the RNZFB (Blind Low Vision NZ) Board. It is your choice to decide who you wish to vote for. It is important that the people you choose to elect have the ability to govern the RNZFB in the best interests of clients, members, staff, volunteers and others who have a stake in the organisation. The following information may help you make your decision.

The RNZFB Board is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages this to be borne in mind throughout the election process.

The Board’s Role

The role of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s Board is governance, rather than management. It focuses on Blind Low Vision NZ’s wider issues of organisational purpose, governance, setting and monitoring of strategic direction and the establishment and monitoring of Board-level policies. The Board works in close partnership with the Chief Executive to ensure that Blind Low Vision NZ objectives and goals are achieved.

Capabilities required of Board members

It is desirable that directors are able to contribute to the following capabilities from their own personal expertise and competence:

  • Understanding of the needs of people who are blind, deafblind and those with low vision, including youth;
  • Leadership;
  • A sound knowledge of the not-for-profit disability sector;
  • Knowledge of finance and financial management, risk management and accounting principles;
  • Understanding of governance and modern boardroom practice;
  • Awareness and understanding of diversity;
  • Knowledge of strategic governance and business planning;
  • Business acumen and analysis;
  • Sound analytical skills and good judgement;
  • High ethical standards;
  • Down-to-earth common sense;
  • Expertise in strategic policy development; and/or
  • Understanding of the law.

From time to time the Board reviews its own capabilities, identifies gaps and offers training or brings in additional professional support or expertise.

Requirements for Board membership

  • Have a commitment to work for the greater good of Blind Low Vision NZ and all of its clients and other stakeholders.
  • Be familiar with Blind Low Vision NZ policies, plans and priorities and demonstrate this through debate and participation in all areas of the Board’s responsibilities.
  • Have a willingness to serve on one or more Board committees or working parties.
  • Have access to information via a computer with an internet connection, or an alternative means of dealing with agendas and reports monthly that are typically over 200 pages of print.

Time commitment

Directors are expected to make every effort to attend all Board meetings, committee meetings and other Board commitments and devote sufficient time to become familiar with Blind Low Vision NZ affairs and the wider environment within which it operates.

Board meetings are currently held bi-monthly on a Friday and Saturday, in different locations across New Zealand. In addition, there are associated meetings such as ad hoc committee meetings, which are scheduled outside these times in order to fit in with the availability of members of the particular committee. Zoom is used when feasible to reduce the amount of travel.

The weekly time commitment asked of directors can vary greatly with some weeks requiring only a few hours in responding to emails. However, in the week leading up to Board and Committee meetings, this will involve several hours in reading agenda papers to adequately prepare for these meetings and more for the chairs of the respective committees.