As cost-of-living pressures dominate headlines, new figures from Blind Low Vision NZ reveal how blind, deafblind and low vision New Zealanders are disproportionately affected, facing not only higher costs but also barriers most Kiwis would never encounter.
According to the Stats NZ Household Disability Survey, 58% of disabled New Zealanders earn $30,000 or less annually, compared with 33% of non-disabled people. For those living with blindness or low vision, financial pressures are compounded by hidden expenses. From taxis that cost more than public transport, to adaptive technology priced in the thousands, to inaccessible medical services.
These inequities extend into the workplace. While one in six New Zealanders identify as disabled, 60% are unemployed or underemployed. For Blind Low Vision NZ clients, 51% of working-age members are without a job, and 74% of youth clients have never had a part-time or summer job, reflecting systemic barriers such as bias, inaccessible recruitment systems and persistent myths about cost or productivity.
Beyond financial strain, the emotional toll is immense. Inaccessible transport reduces independence, while relying on strangers to read medical forms compromises privacy. Census data shows the number of people reporting no or limited sight that affects daily life has risen by about 8% since 2018, to nearly 183,000 in 2023.
For some, support services make a crucial difference. Blind Low Vision NZ client Ethan says orientation and mobility training, Braille and being matched with his guide dog Jack have been “life-changing”. Despite ongoing challenges such as inaccessible websites and public discrimination, Ethan remains determined: “No matter what happens, I’m still going to get out of the house. Don’t hide from the hard stuff. What some people see as a massive inconvenience, I see as opportunity.”
Blind Low Vision NZ supports more than 15,000 clients through services including guide dog training, mobility support, skills for independence, emotional wellbeing programmes, youth employment readiness and tailored support for Māori and Pasifika clients. Demand is rising, with specialist referrals increasing 46% in 2024.
“With 80% of our income coming from donations, community support is critical,” says Bernadette Murphy, Head of Fundraising. “The cost-of-living crisis is hard for everyone, but when you add inaccessible services, higher transport costs and the price of adaptive technology, New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or have low vision are unfairly disadvantaged. Donations help us reduce those inequities and ensure people can live with dignity, equity and independence.”
This October, Blind Low Vision NZ is aiming to raise $500,000 through its Blind Low Vision Month appeal to fund essential services. To donate, visit blindlowvision.org.nz.