Brian O'Malley says having his guide dog Flynn by his side for the past two years has transformed his life.

Mr O'Malley, who is from Kawerau and has been a member of Blind Low Vision NZ for over 30 years, said having Flynn had given him freedom and confidence that he never had before.

“Guide dogs do such an incredible job, and I am very reliant on Flynn now. When I come to Whakatāne, I don’t get out the car unless I have him. It is life-changing without a doubt.”

However, it was a long wait to get Flynn, a four-year-old golden retriever cross. “It took five years to get him,” Mr O'Malley said.

Guide dogs undergo up to nine months of intensive training, although it took two years with Flynn because Covid interrupted his training.

Raising, training, and matching these extraordinary dogs costs $175,000 a dog.

“The simple fact is guide dogs are totally donor funded, there is no government funding whatsoever,” said Mr O’Malley. “There is huge time and money invested.”

After the training, the dog is matched with a suitable person or “handler”, based on their lifestyle and needs. For Mr O’Malley, this means a dog he can take with him on his travels.

Along with golden retrievers, standard poodles are commonly trained to be guide dogs.

For many of the 193,000 New Zealanders living with blindness or low vision, a guide dog is more than just a pet – it’s a lifeline.

Mr O'Malley’s vision started failing when he was about 40, and by the age of 45, he had to stop driving.

He has a degenerative retinal disease, a genetically inherited condition that has caused his vision to deteriorate over the years.

“I was legally blind in 1999, and it’s just got worse since then,” he says.

“Before Flynn, I felt very restricted. I spent years relying on a cane, and I was walking into cars parked across footpaths, or tripping over bikes and scooters. My vision got worse and worse to the point I was reluctant to go out. Now, Flynn just cruises around everything, and it’s remarkable.”

Mr O'Malley and Flynn regularly venture into town together: “When we reach a kerb, Flynn waits for my instructions,” he says. “He even watches out for quiet electric vehicles, which I can’t hear.

“The training guide dogs receive is “absolutely phenomenal,” Mr O'Malley said.

Flynn joins O'Malley at cafes, restaurants, meetings, and even on aeroplanes and in the caravan.

Guide dogs are protected under the Human Rights Act, which grants them the same access rights as people. They cannot be refused entry into most places.

It’s also tempting for people to want to pet a guide dog, especially one as cute as Flynn. “He’s a gentle giant, a big mellow puff,” O'Malley laughed. “But it’s important for the public to remember that guide dogs are working dogs and shouldn’t be distracted while on the job.”

Mr O'Malley encourages the public to support Blind Low Vision NZ’s fundraising efforts this month, which help train more guide dogs for people with low vision.

The need is huge, and every contribution makes a difference.

Guide Dog Puppy Appeal 2025

This March, Blind Low Vision NZ has its annual Guide Dog Puppy Appeal, raising crucial funds to provide highly trained guide dogs for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

The need for guide dogs has never been greater, with up to 50 New Zealanders waiting for a guide dog each year. Blind Low Vision NZ receives no government funding for this essential service.

“With an average wait time of eight to nine months and 27 clients currently awaiting a match, your support can make a huge difference by helping us raise and train more guide dog puppies,” said Andrea Midgen, Chief Executive of Blind Low Vision NZ.

Each year, Blind Low Vision NZ breeds around 100 potential guide dogs, of which approximately 25 graduates serve as trusted companions. There are 129 guide dogs presently in training and 144 active guide dog teams.

Support Blind Low Vision NZ and donate online at blindlowvision.org.nz