E5 The advocate, the agitator and the diminishing hearing

In The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen Story

Glen Gordon continues exploring Jonathan Mosen's life by discussing the epic struggle for governance reform of the Blind Foundation in New Zealand, another initiative that was to attract international interest. Jonathan was instrumental in ensuring blind New Zealanders took ultimate control of how the Board of the agency was put there. We learn how he became the only person to have led the consumer movement in New Zealand, and chaired the board of the agency, although of course not at the same time.

Jonathan discusses some of the things he is most proud of from his four years as President of New Zealand's blindness consumer organisation.

As well as advocating to politicians, Jonathan has stood unsuccessfully for New Zealand's Parliament twice. We learn the story behind those campaigns.

The cause of Jonathan's blindness, Norrie Disease, also results in progressive hearing loss. Jonathan discusses this journey and its impact on his life.