“Extra Touch Award” presented to Darryl Wilson, Chief Executive, Abel Tasman National Park Ltd
For his outstanding contribution providing access to both travel and recreational opportunities for blind and vision
impaired patrons, Darryl Wilson, Chief Executive of Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park Ltd is the recipient of Blind
Citizens NZ’s Extra Touch Award.
Co-ordinating a group of 24 blind and vision impaired patrons to water taxi into the Abel Tasman National Park and
giving the option of picnicking on the beach or staying on board, or assisting with the planning of a weekend in Awaroa,
is all part of the service offered by Darryl Wilson and his team.
“Attention to safety instructions and how to secure our life jackets, detailed descriptions of the surroundings as we
taxied into Abel Tasman National Park, and knowing we could participate in the range of recreational options, all
contributed to an exhilarating sensory experience”, said Amanda Stevens, one of the patrons and Chair of Nelson Branch
of Blind Citizens NZ.
Presented at Blind Citizens NZ’s Conference Dinner on Saturday 17 October, at the Commodore Hotel, Christchurch, Adam
Rossal, Daily Operations Supervisor, received the Extra Touch Award on behalf of Darryl Wilson.
"Disabled people want to enjoy the same things as everyone else", said Clive Lansink, National President of Blind
Citizens NZ, "but we do have additional needs because of our disabilities. We were pleased to recognise Darryl Wilson
because we were impressed by the way he and his staff made sure blind and vision impaired people could safely enjoy the
Able Tasman National Park outdoor experience. They will all now have wonderful memories of their adventure."
The Extra Touch Award recognises a person or company who, as part of the process of catering to the general public,
makes an outstanding contribution towards improvement in access or service to blind and vision impaired people.
ENDS
About Blind Citizens NZ
Founded in 1945, the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand Inc (Blind Citizens NZ) is New Zealand's leading
blindness consumer organisation and one of the country's largest organisations of disabled consumers. Our aim is to
heighten awareness of the rights of blind and vision impaired people and to remove the barriers that impact upon our
ability to live in an accessible, equitable and inclusive society.