Blind Sport New Zealand

11/06/2026

It's encouraging to hear IBSA talking about the future of blind sport and the need to move beyond “just existing.” Their focus on stronger governance, long‑term planning, athlete pathways, integrity, and true global development reflects a major shift in how sport in general is being shaped.

The article highlights a move away from a competition‑to‑competition mindset and toward building sustainable systems, better classification processes, regional development, and more opportunities for athletes at every level. 🏅🎯

It’s a reminder that meaningful progress happens when organisations think bigger and pull together. It’s exciting to see this global direction aligning with the work we’ve been doing at Blind Sport NZ. 🫶

👏Full article link here or bio: https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/arajo-ibsa-no-longer-wants-simply-to-exist
International Blind Sports Federation - IBSA

The member-at-large and liaison with the Americas discussed reforms towards São Paulo 2026 and Tashkent 2027, with the organisation moving through a phase shaped by governance, regional strategy, integrity and sports development.

10/06/2026

The IBSA Goalball World Championships are happening right now in Hangzhou, China (6–16 June 2026), with competition running from today (10 June) through to the finals on 15 June.
Note: New Zealand isn’t competing this year, but we’re looking forward to following the action and feeling inspired!

📺 Watch it live here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com//streams

10–13 June → Pool matches
14 June → Knockout rounds
15 June → Finals & medal matches

Goalball New Zealand ABSRC Manukau South Blind Sports Club

The official YouTube channel of the the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). Watch videos and live coverage of major competitions from a host of sports for athletes with visual impairments. We are the global governing body for IBSA Judo, IBSA Goalball and IBSA Blind Football.

08/06/2026

We’re really proud to share the new Blind Sport NZ website 🙌
Shaped by feedback from whānau across NZ, it’s all about making it clearer how to explore sport and see what’s possible.
A big step forward is our new sports pages, developed alongside National Sporting Organisations, plus a new Sport FAQ section to help answer those key “where do we start?” questions.

Membership is a key part of this.
It’s free for individuals, and organisation membership is also free until our next AGM. Together, this helps us understand where people and organisations are, so we can better connect, support, and grow opportunities across NZ.

A big thank you to Sporty and the for supporting this work.

A great lunge forward... and we are just at the beginning!
https://www.sporty.co.nz/blindsportnz?em=0&ts=0.5668893754022178


Paralympics New Zealand Achilles International New Zealand Cycling New Zealand Equestrian Sports NZ Goalball New Zealand New Zealand Blind and Vision Impaired Indoor Bowls Federation New Zealand Blind Lawn Bowls Association Rowing NZ Blindsided NZ - Vision Loss Support Page Blind Sailing New Zealand Sailability Wellington Snow Sports NZ Swimming New Zealand Tennis NZ Judo New Zealand PGA of New Zealand Disability Golf NZ Parents of Vision Impaired - NZ Blind Citizens NZ

Blind Sport NZ is the National Disability Sport Organisation for blind and low vision sport in Aotearoa New Zealand...

02/06/2026

Sharing the below from Achilles International New Zealand 👇
Young athletes or guides (ages 12–24) can nominate themselves, or be nominated, for the new Youth Rangatahi Ambassador Group.
More details in the post below.
Also a lovely photo of John, chapter leader of Achilles Auckland with the super awesome speedy Bokeh runner NZ smiling away in their bright yellow Achilles kit! 💛

Are you a YOUTH member (12-24 years) of Achilles International New Zealand or do you know someone who is, an Athlete and/or Guide?
We want you to be a nomination for our NEW Achilles NZ Youth- Rangatahi Ambassador Group! We want to hear your voice!

Click the link below if you are keen and fill out the details, by Sunday 14th June - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/x0Kvn6rV4Y

02/06/2026

So exciting to see Emma Foy and Jessie Hodges (pilot) named to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games 🇳🇿🚴‍♀️
Competing in the Women’s Tandem B Sprint and 1000m Time Trial
Woohoo! Let's go!

Check out the details of the other amazing athletes representing NZ in the post shared below.
Paralympics New Zealand Cycling New Zealand

02/06/2026

Absolutely awesome to see such a great number of people taking up Tennis in Auckland! We have loved supporting this mahi with Tennis NZ and look forward to seeing it grow!
The post below is a double whammy showing the numbers turning up at Jellicoe Tennis Centre. Ngatira Tennis Club and Albany Tennis Park have BLV sessions and trained coaches too!

28/05/2026

Big News!:

Our new Blind Sport NZ website is almost here, built to better connect our community with accessible, trusted information.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to our whānau survey, your insights have directly shaped our sports information and new FAQs.
We’re also introducing a new membership section for individuals and organisations. It’s free for individuals, and free initially for organisations, helping us better understand and support the blind and low vision community across Aotearoa.

✨ Stay tuned, we can’t wait to share it with you.

20/05/2026

Exciting news 🎉
We are launching a new website VERY soon, making it easier for athletes with vision impairment, and their whānau and supporters, to find clear pathways into sport, connect with national organisations, and get started.

We also want to hear from you. Our whānau survey helps us understand what information and support would make it easier to choose a sport for you and your child.

Scan the QR code to share your thoughts or click this link: https://forms.office.com/r/2qCRq5N6qf
Your input is helping shape what comes next.

For any questions or general feedback get in touch: [email protected]

14/05/2026

Great to see Archery New Zealand launching their Para Archery Committee 🎯
Blind Sport NZ is excited to be working alongside Archery NZ to help open up more opportunities for people with vision impairment to get involved. Archery is a great fit for people with vision impairment, with a guide (or “caller”) giving clear verbal direction and adaptive equipment like tactile sights helping you line up your shot.
Archery New Zealand

Subject: Introducing the New Para Archery Committee | Archery New Zealand

My name is Carl B***y, and I am writing to introduce myself as a member of the newly formed Para Archery Committee within Archery New Zealand.

Archery New Zealand recognises that there has been a gap in dedicated support for disabled archery over the last 20 years. Our committee has been established to change that. Our mission is to ensure that archery is a sport with no boundaries—one where every club in the country is equipped to welcome disabled and vision-impaired (VI) archers.

Our Vision for the Future

We are committed to revitalising this pathway by focusing on:
** Removing Barriers: Challenging the physical and social hurdles that prevent people taking up archery.
** Specialised Coaching: Developing resources to train coaches in the specific needs of Para and VI athletes.
** Strategic Partnerships: Working closely with organisations like the Halberg Foundation to increase the number of disabled and VI archers and to identify and support new talent.
** The Elite Pathway: Building a sustainable pipeline to the Paralympics and Para World Championships.

Why This Matters

Archery is more than just a sport; it is an exceptional tool for upper-body exercise and rehabilitation. My commitment to this cause is personal. As a member of the New Zealand Defence Force Invictus Team, I have seen first-hand the power of adaptive sport.

Recently, while assisting at the Halberg Games "Have a Go" day, I witnessed the incredible impact of a child hitting the target for the first time. The excitement from the athletes—and the pride from their parents—is exactly what we want to cultivate across all New Zealand clubs.

Next Steps

Members of the Para Committee would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support each other in becoming more inclusive and/or to answer any questions you have about our upcoming initiative.

Thank you for your support in making archery a sport for everyone.

Best regards,
Para Archery Committee,
Archery New Zealand

[email protected]

06/05/2026

Christchurch followers!!!! ParaFed Canterbury and Blind Low Vision NZ are running a 4-week programme in May, including Swish Table Tennis for people who are blind or have low vision. Fun, inclusive, and a great way to get involved.

📅 Saturdays, 11–12
🗓 May 2–23
📩 022 064 3001 | [email protected]

SERVE, SPIN, SMASH & SWISH
Two Exciting Programmes

An introductory, fun and inclusive 4-week Para table tennis programme delivered by Table Tennis Canterbury.

Serve, Spin, Smash! is for those with physical impairments, all ages & abilities, using table tennis to maximise confidence and enjoyment.

We are also excited to work with Blind Low Vision NZ to offer 4-weeks of Swish Table Tennis, a fun and challenging sport which can be played by those with vision impairments. It varies slightly from regular table tennis.

DATES:
Saturday, 11am – 12pm
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd May 2026

LOCATION:
Table Tennis Canterbury
294 Blenheim Road, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

REGISTER:
022 064 3001
[email protected]