The Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust (BANZAT) has vacancies for three trustees. The closing date for expressions of interest is Monday 14 September 2026.
BANZAT sets standards and makes rulings on Braille code and format usage within New Zealand, maintaining consistency with Rules and Guidelines set by the International Council on English Braille. Trustees uphold the agreement with Kāpō Māori Aotearoa about rules for transcribing te reo Māori into Braille. BANZAT also accredits practitioners involved in Braille production. Trustees monitor the adherence of all Braille producers to the standards set by the Trust and, where appropriate, draws attention to breaches of standards in quality or accuracy of Braille produced within New Zealand. The Trust promotes Braille as the prime literacy medium for blind people.
The Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust welcomes expressions of interest from anyone in New Zealand who would be willing to serve as a BANZAT Trustee. Your three-year term begins on 25 November 2026 at the conclusion of the Trust's Annual General Meeting, and will conclude at the AGM in 2029. Trustees are eligible for reappointment.
Applicants should demonstrate knowledge, experience or lived experience relating to the Braille community. All trustees must be able to read uncontracted Braille by touch or sight, and the Trust seeks to maintain a balanced mix of advanced Braille expertise, recognised qualifications, technical knowledge, teaching or transcription experience, and an understanding of and respect for current Braille standards and practice.
For details of the qualifications and experience necessary for trustees please refer to section 3.3 of the BANZAT Trust Deed.
You can find out more about the Trust from this website.
The closing date for expressions of interest is Monday 14 September 2026. Trustees plan to make their selection by the end of September in time for the successful candidates to attend the Annual General Meeting of BANZAT on Wednesday 25 November 2026.
For further inquiries or to send your expression of interest please contact the Secretary of The Braille Authority of New Zealand Aotearoa Trust:
Mary Schnackenberg
Email secretary@banzat.org.nz