11 October 2024

Candidates Snapshots and Profiles

2024 RNZFB Board Elections

This document contains the material provided by candidates in respect of their nomination.

Candidates provided a snapshot of their board capabilities (maximum 60 words) and an outline of their background and the reasons why they wish to become a director of the RNZFB (maximum 300 words).

The content provided by each candidate has not been edited. Where contact details have been provided by the candidate, these have been included.

There are 5 candidates in total.

1. Anne Marie Taggart
2. Ron Scott
3. Jaqueline Galiki
4. Paul Geertson
5. Richard Patete

RNZFB Board Elections Voting Form

This voting form allows you to vote for the election of three Directors to the General Seats on the RNZFB Board.

The names of 5 candidates are listed below in random order (the names have been randomly selected out of a hat).

You may cast your vote by selecting the tick boxes in the form below next to the names of candidates you wish to vote for. You may vote for up to three candidates.  After you have selected the candidates you wish to vote for, a message will appear confirming who you have selected before you select ‘submit’.

Voting in this year’s elections closes at 4:00pm on Friday 8 November 2023.  Please ensure you have cast your votes by this deadline.

If you have any questions about the elections process, please phone the Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

This form is currently closed for submissions.

Profile

Through our family’s experience supporting our father who is blind I know that BLVNZ can change lives for the better through the support, services and care that is shown. I have learnt a lot during my first term and wish to continue to serve the members of RNZFB for another term to continue the work I have started as your representative. I had the privilege of being Deputy Chair for 12 months, a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and I have also been Chair of the People Committee throughout my tenure on the Board.

Beyond my personal commitment, I have the professional expertise to undertake governance activities both as a Board member for volunteer organisations and as a senior Public Service leader. I have specialist knowledge in Human Resources and as such have been able to support the Board to re-build our relationship with the management of our organisation so that your needs are met. I have a Bachelor of Business with Majors in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management, an Executive Master of Public Administration, as well as an internationally recognised coaching qualification.

I am not afraid to challenge the norm and ask the difficult questions on your behalf. I am keen to continue to build on the good work that has been done to date but know that there is much still to be achieved. I am pragmatic, compassionate and committed to ensuring that everyone has access to representation that will support them to be treated with respect and care. I believe that the provision of services to people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision should reflect the needs of our diverse community.

Profile

I am Ron Scott, and I am seeking your support for a second term on the Blind Low Vision NZ Board.

I am an elected member of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and a trustee of SILC, a charity supporting 200 people with disabilities. I am a director of Workbridge Holdings Ltd, helping people with disabilities secure employment. My previous role as deputy chair of the Bay of Plenty DHB and my role as a Justice of the Peace (JP) further demonstrate my commitment to community service.

I am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors with over 30 years of governance experience. I teach governance skills and facilitate strategic planning for various organisations, from small groups to publicly listed companies.

Living in Tauranga gives me insight into the unique issues faced by those in provincial areas, away from the major service centres. I am passionate about promoting independence for those with disabilities, especially as age-related conditions like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts become more common. I actively advocate for improvements using the connections I have across my governance roles, such as ensuring council rate demands are readable by those who use screen readers, urging low-vision standards to be incorporated into bus designs, and encouraging Consumer NZ to test for accessibility in product testing.

As an economist, I can interpret financial reports, and as a strategist, I encourage the board to focus on future goals while valuing our members and staff.

I advocate for improved services that empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to live independently and confidently. Together, we can promote initiatives that enhance accessibility in our communities, workplaces, and public spaces.

I look forward to the opportunity to represent you again on the Board. Please vote for Ron Scott.

Profile

Fakalofa lahi atu, Kia ora, hello my name is Jaqueline Galiki. I have been a member of BLVNZ for many years and have an impaired vision due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa. I am currently the South Auckland members group Co Ordinator and am passionate about helping the members build confidence, integrate back into the community and understand what resources are available to help with their disability. A little bit about myself is I am a spiritual person of Niuean descendant and my goal in life is to be a strong, independent, successful role model for helping people.

Over the years I have invested a lot of time in voluntary community work to encourage youth through sport. Before I had my impaired vision I was appointed netball coach for various schools in the Manurewa community, coached Manurewa netball association rep teams and created my own netball club with 8 teams which I coached and managed for 15 years. I was heavily involved in organising and managing various cultural sporting events as the chairman of the Manurewa Niuean sports association. In 2009 I graduated with a Diploma of counselling that led to great opportunities to support people in the community with mental health issues. Through the support of the blind foundation, I started my own counselling business within the community funded by MSD.

Through years of adventure, I have learnt knowledge skills attributes that has enable me to be a strong woman and leader in the community. The passion I have to help people especially those who has some sort of disability has led me to put my name forward for the Board of Directors position.

Profile

I was born with Congenital Glaucoma. Successful surgery saved the sight in my right eye, enabled me to train as a medical radiation technologist (MRT) at Blenheim Hospital.

In 1977 I achieved the role of Charge MRT/Medical Photographer Te Kuiti Hospital.

From 1978-1983 Charge MRT Wanganui Hospital.

In 1983 following traumatic injury to eye, I registered with RNZFB.

Between 1983 and 2001 I returned to employment in these roles: welfare officer, medical records officer, patient travel officer, facilities administrator, with the assistance of the Foundation within Wanganui Hospital. During this period, I served my community as Chairman of my children’s primary and intermediate school boards.

I have participated in short-term missionary work in India and Fiji.

I attended an Outward Bound course sponsored by RNZFB.

From 2000 – 2014 following successful surgery, I returned to my chosen career as an MRT, Hastings Hospital.

From 2002 – 2014 I was responsible for radiology services in the Chatham Islands.

Principal facilitator of staff study days for the central North Island.

In 2011 I did locum work in Australian outback working with the indigenous people.

In 2014 I suffered a new traumatic injury to my eye, resulting in forced retirement.

In 2016 Awarded Honorary Membership of NZMIRT for my contributions to the Institute and my innovations in the area of paediatrics.

In 2018 Nominated for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for community service, I reached the 10 national finalists.

I was awarded Kiwibank Local Hero Award.

Served in pastoral roles in local church for 35 years.

In 2022 I completed my Masters Degree in Theology, which included papers in counselling.

Have an avid interest in music and play over 40 different woodwind instruments

Married 46 years, with three children and 15 grandchildren.

Currently member of Telefriend team with Blind Low Vision NZ.

Profile

I have had the privilege of serving as a RNZFB Director for the last three years. I believe this has allowed me to make a valuable contribution and gain a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of RNZFB. During my term, I was appointed as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, member of the People Committee and the RNZFB Representative on the Foundation Properties Limited Board. These roles have enabled me to contribute to a wide range of governance matters and reflects my commitment to this important role.

I am a Chartered Accountant with 20+ years in senior executive roles, including currently General Manager of a not-for-profit charitable organisation. This has enabled me to bring a wide range of skills essential for an effective Board such as strategic leadership, governance, financial and commercial expertise, health and safety, change and risk management.

In addition, my eldest daughter Renee was born blind, which has given me a strong understanding and empathy towards the needs and challenges faced by the blind, deafblind and low vision community. My involvement with BLVNZ spans 25 years and I am passionately committed to ensuring BLVNZ continues to provide quality services and strong advocacy on behalf of its members. To me, the heart of BLVNZ is its members and ensuring their needs are met, and staff are well supported.

I consider myself a person with an open mind, a calm empathic approach with a strong work ethic, which has stood me in good stead as a BLVNZ Director.

I am excited for BLVNZ’s future, and believe I still have more to contribute to enable BLVNZ to achieve its goals.

Ngā mihi nui koutou.