2025 News
All our news from 2025.
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The National Assessment Service (NAS) visit to BLENNZ Wellington
The National Assessment Service (NAS) responded to a request by the BLENNZ Wellington team, to undertake assessment locally for six ākonga.
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A journey with the Auckland South Team
2025 has been a very stable year for the Auckland South Team. The team focus for professional development has been structured literacy pedagogy and programmes.
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BLENNZ NAS Visit Brings Valuable Insights
In early September, the Napier/Wairoa team proudly hosted a three-day visit from the BLENNZ National Assessment Service (NAS).
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BLENNZ Athletics event at AUT Stadium
On 10 October, BLENNZ learners took part in the BLENNZ Athletics Event held at the AUT Millennium Stadium in Rosedale on the North Shore.
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Collaborative Model
Invercargill Visual Resource Centre staff and ākonga enjoy collaborating with Dunedin Resource Centre for professional development and ECC days.
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Developing the skills of ākonga in the areas of Everyday Living and Life Beyond School
In 2025, BLENNZ Palmerston North Inquiry focus was to develop the skills of ākonga specifically in the areas of Everyday Living (EDL) and Life Beyond School (LBS).
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Curriculum Day focused on practical learning and connection
Our Term 3 Curriculum Day focused on practical learning and connection. Students began with Braille Lego activities, building names and sentences while strengthening their Braille skills.
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Expanded Core Curriculum Day Velodrome Experience – Collaboration with Halberg Foundation & Grassroots Trust
On August 11th, BLENNZ ākonga took part in an Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) day at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome, supported by the Halberg Foundation. The event gave ākonga the chance to explore key ECC areas through physical activity, teamwork, and sensory experiences.
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Manawa Tamariki group - Teddy Bears Picnic
Our Manawa Tamariki group got together for the first time with a Teddy Bears Picnic. This is our third Expanded Core Curriculum Group. The focus was on developing Social-, Communication- and Everyday Living skills.
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The Curious Cane Caper
Kea class at BLENNZ Homai Campus School (aged 11–18) has created a short film to enter into the Focus on Ability Film Festival 2025—and we need your support!
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BLENNZ Whangārei Senior Busy Bees Curriculum Day
Once a term ākonga can reconnect with their peers enabling them to foster lifelong friendships as well as work on both Expanded Core and NZ Curriculum Goals.
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Expanded Core Curriculum Day: Exploring the City
Ākonga and their RTVs from BLENNZ Dunedin and Invercargill joined together on 12th June 2025 for an Expanded Core Curriculum Day with an Orientation and Mobility focus.
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Change of staff and location for Gisborne Visual Resource Centre
Big changes at GVRC for the start of 2025.
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Orientation and Mobility Association of Australia (OMAA) Conference in Sydney 2025
Julie Bowen and Alana Bogart attended the Orientation and Mobility Association of Australia (OMAA) Conference in Sydney 2025.
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Professional Development in Structured Literacy Pedagogy
Professional development in structured literacy pedagogy is a key initiative designed to support the BLENNZ Strategic Plan and align with the Ministry of Education's recommendations.
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Developing essential gross motor and sports skills
This term, BLENNZ Wellington has successfully delivered a regular weekly programme for a group of BLENNZ ākonga aged 5-10 years living in the Porirua area.
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Christchurch VRC host the National Assessment team for a visit
The Christchurch Visual Resource Centre (CVRC) recently hosted the National Assessment Team (NAS) in Christchurch.
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Homai Station reopens with blind and low vision in mind
Last month Homai Station reopened with a safer way to access the station following the closure of two pedestrian level crossings.
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Unveilling of the three panel Sensory Wall at Homai
After two years of planning, a sensory wall by Manukau Beautification Trust Boomer Shed was opened on 14th February 2025, featuring local cultural elements.