Blind Sport New Zealand

06/10/2026

Quick bits! Take a look at our latest quick news send out .. some info on NZ Made Tethers for Sale! Blind Football Sessions! Last Days for Tennis Registrations!

06/10/2026

🎾 Registrations Close This Sunday! 🎾

If you've been thinking about entering the Auckland BLV Tennis Open 2026, now is the time to get your registration in! Here is the link with "Enter Here" button in Red: https://tnz.tournamentsoftware.com/tournament/CF6A3FBF-72DA-40A5-9A44-C1CFBB90797F

As an official Tier 5 event, tennis players have the opportunity to compete in an internationally recognised tournament and earn up to 100 IBTA ranking points if you have a valid classification (which we can assist with). There will also be Have a Go sessions for those new to the game and a space for tennis coaches or volunteers to learn about the rules etc.

This is a HUGE milestone for blind and low vision tennis in New Zealand, with the Auckland BLV Tennis Open being the first International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA) sanctioned tournament ever held in New Zealand.

📅 14-15 November 2026
📍 Albany Tennis Centre, Auckland
🎾 Singles & Doubles (B1-B4)
🌏 International players welcome (but please check your eligibility to get ranking points and regional Blind Sport or Blind Tennis organisation for classification).

Image below is: Dark blue and black poster with white and yellow writing. Auckland BLV Tennis Open 2026. International Players Welcome. Sat 14th to Sun 15th November 2026 Albany Tennis Centre Auckland New Zealand. Singles and Doubles from B1 to B4, please go to Tennis NZ Blind Low Vision Tennis Page to register or email [email protected]
Logos Shown are Blind Sport New Zealand (who is supporting with provisional classification) and

Manukau South Blind Sports Club ABSRC Disability Sport Auckland

24/09/2026

Ever thought about trying archery?
For athletes with a vision impairment, an agent (the sports term for a guide) provides verbal feedback to for aim and shot adjustments, while the athlete is in control of the bow and arrow. You can also use tactile markers for holds, where to place feet or wheels and even use particular DIY stands. For more info and who to contact visit our webpage on archery or go to Archery New Zealand.

Below is a post containing some photos from a recent Archery New Zealand and Parafed Waikato event showing some of the techniques used!

24/09/2026

Sharing an update from the New Zealand Blind and Vision Impaired Indoor Bowls Federation ahead of this year's Nationals in Invercargill in October 2026.

Competitors from Canterbury, Hamilton, Manukau South, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Wellington and Whanganui will come together across Labour Weekend for three days of competition.

Events include Pairs, Singles, Fours and Champion of Champions competitions.

Check out the New Zealand Blind and Vision Impaired Indoor Bowls Federation post below for the full programme, competitor lists and tournament information.

We're sharing the New Zealand Blind and Vision Impaired Indoor Bowls Federation's tournament information below, including the programme, competitor lists and event details.

23/09/2026

Blind Sport NZ News Mahuru | Sept 2026 2026 From the Emerging Athlete Weekend to New Zealand's first IBTA-sanctioned Blind & Low Vision Tennis Tournament, there's plenty happening to catch up on!

Sign up: https://www.blindsport.kiwi/news

Our newsletter is only published quarterly, so for more regular updates, follow us on Facebook or become a free Blind Sport NZ member to stay connected with opportunities, events, and news throughout the year.

23/09/2026

Wellington peeps! Go along and give Golf a try this November. A great sport with a build in guide... your caddy! Below are details shared from Disability Golf NZ who are a great team of people and would be happy to chat with you.

Wellington!
Have a Go!
Free to attend.
Limited spaces so please register!

Peke Waihanga
Permobil
Independent Living
Golf New Zealand
Blind Sport New Zealand
CCS Disability Action
Special Olympics New Zealand
Dsport
Disability Golf NZ

10/09/2026

Sharing an opportunity from the New Zealand Sambo Federation. 🥋
Sambo is a grappling Martial Art sport that combines elements of wrestling and judo, with a focus on throws, control, and technique.

The flyer shared explains they want to hear from people interested in the sport who are blind or have low vision. No previous Sambo experience is required. While current clubs exist in Waikato and Central Auckland, they are interested in hearing from people in other parts of New Zealand to help gauge interest.

Please contact Sambo NZ directly using [email protected] or visiting their website sambo.nz.

10/09/2026

We wanted to give a huge heartfelt thank you to our incredible guest speakers who joined us for the Emerging Athletes Weekend.

Amy, Thomas, and Mary, you were an absolute highlight of the weekend! The way you shared your stories, chatted with our athletes, got stuck in, and showed such a genuine interest in every activity was so appreciated.

We are incredibly grateful for the energy, encouragement, and realism you brought, and we know this will have a lasting impact on those that attended!

Below are some photos that are just a small glimpse of how involved you were throughout the weekend, from cycling and athletics to conversations, presentations, and plenty of fun along the way!
Thank you for being such an important part of the experience.

Mary Fisher - Paralympic Swimmer

07/09/2026

The Rotorua Adaptive Tri is returning for its second year following the success of last year's event! This fun and inclusive event is designed for tamariki and rangatahi aged 5+

When: Thursday 12 November 2026
Where: Rotorua Aquatic Centre
Cost: $5

To enter, please speak with your school or email [email protected] for more information or check out the post and page below Parafed Bay of Plenty

06/09/2026

Cycling New Zealand Ride Together initiative is helping make para cycling more accessible, and they're hosting a free online education session tonight for anyone wanting to learn more about para cycling, classifications, and inclusive cycling opportunities! It is at 7.30pm. Register here to get the link and more details in the shared post below: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=flHZgS7rE0G_GPzz_JMJYrgtPMf-5vtJjmhNI-jN6SpUQkNHOFYzRVRGVU5OUDJHVldFUFg1WTlRUC4u&route=shorturl

They'll also be taking the programme on the road with in-person Activation Days in:
📍 Wellington - 12 September
📍 Southland - 30 September
📍 West Coast - 15 November

Introducing Ride Together 🚲

Supported by the PNZ Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant, this new Cycling New Zealand initiative aims to make Para cycling more accessible by increasing access to adaptive equipment, knowledge, and participation opportunities across New Zealand.

🔗 Check out how you can get involved by heading to our webpage https://www.cyclingnewzealand.nz/pnz-buba-inclusive-para-sport-grant/