DiscoverThe Front PageBlind and low vision New Zealanders face rising costs and daily barriers
Blind and low vision New Zealanders face rising costs and daily barriers

Blind and low vision New Zealanders face rising costs and daily barriers

Update: 2025-09-30
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There are huge inequities facing at least 183,000 New Zealanders, and nothing’s being done about it.

New data from Blind Low Vision NZ reveals how blind, deafblind, and low vision New Zealanders face not only higher costs but also the emotional strain of barriers most Kiwis never encounter.

Stats NZ figures show that 58% of disabled New Zealanders earn $30,000 or less a year, compared with 33% of non-disabled people.

So, what does government need to do to make sure this community doesn’t keep falling through the cracks?

Today on The Front Page, Blind Low Vision NZ community and inclusion GM Dan Shepherd is with us to speak about his own lived experience, and how we might be able to help.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Blind and low vision New Zealanders face rising costs and daily barriers

Blind and low vision New Zealanders face rising costs and daily barriers

NZ Herald