
My Perfect Family: Mahia & Tipene
Mahia and Tipene Stephens were born with a congenital eye disorder, causing their eyesight to deteriorate rapidly. As they grow into young men, mum Lane is determined to foster their independence.



My Perfect Family: OCD
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My Perfect Family: OCD



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My Perfect Family: No Respite



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Awards Night is the highlight of the social calendar for a vulnerable workforce at Southland Disabil...
My Perfect Family: Southland Lockdown



My Perfect Family: Trailer
Exploring the day today lives of tight-knit families, who are managing complex or unusual conditions...
My Perfect Family: Trailer



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My Perfect Family: The Fergusons Part 2



My Perfect Family: The Fergusons Part 1
The Fergusons are an average family of five; they have fun, they fight, but mostly they get along. ...
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My Perfect Family: Hunter
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My Perfect Family: Hunter



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My Perfect Family: Kat and Ella



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Blind since birth, Martine Able-Williamson is now a global leader in the blind community. In this i...
My Perfect Family: Martine



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My Perfect Family: Cystic Sisters
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My Perfect Family: Cystic Sisters



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Brothers and Sisters
The unique perspective of those closest to us, our brothers and sisters.
Brothers and Sisters



My Perfect Family: Mahia & Tipene
Mahia and Tipene Stephens were born with a congenital eye disorder, causing their eyesight to deteri...
My Perfect Family: Mahia & Tipene



My Perfect Family 2020
Exploring the day today lives of tight-knit families, who are managing complex or unusual conditions...
My Perfect Family 2020
Mahia and Tipene Mahia and Tipene Stephens were born with the congenital eye disorder, Rod-cone Dystrophy, a condition that is causing their eyesight to deteriorate rapidly.
“6/6 is perfect vision, 6/60 is legally blind.” says Lane, “Mahia is 6/72. You’d get a bit of an idea of his vision if you looked through toilet rolls and put bubble wrap over the top.”

At first, the diagnosis of the boys were hard to come to terms with as Lane thought of all the experiences they would miss out on. But as they grow into young men, she is determined to foster their independence by teaching them important life skills and encouraging them to give everything a go.
“I wish I had millions of dollars and I could take them around the world and give them visual memories.”
“I wish I had millions of dollars and I could take them around the world and give them visual memories.” says Lane.
But instead, she works hard to give them the best experiences she can while they still have their sight.
“I don’t have to own lots of stuff and have a big flash house and car. I’ve got amazing children… that’s what’s important.”

From acting classes and Jiu-Jitsu lessons, to golfing and woodworking, the boys and their siblings Tia and Kaea try anything at least once.
Knowing Mahia would likely not get the opportunity to drive in his adult life, Lane has him drive go-karts to experience driving while it was still possible.
He takes on any new situation with gusto just like any other seven-year-old boy and track owner, Shawn modifies it to keep giving him a challenge.
“He memorises the track and he could drive it without seeing, so I change it” he says.

Both Mahia and Tipene do jujitsu as another outlet for their energy, but more importantly, Lane sees it as an opportunity to be a part of an awesome club, “a whanau outside of their own whanau.”
Mahia also takes piano lessons, “he might find it a little bit difficult to have structured lessons but once he’s got it he’s got it. Music is just in his being.” says Lane.
At 6/24, Tipene’s vision is better than Mahia’s but knows it will decrease over time. But that doesn’t stop him being a fiercely loyal young man.

“I wish for all of my children to be really happy in their adult life and I think with happiness is with connections and relationships.



My Perfect Family: Martine
Blind since birth, Martine Able-Williamson is now a global leader in the blind community. In this i...
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Though born with CHARGE syndrome, 22-year-old Sarah Dalton doesn’t let it define her. She’s an avid ...
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My Perfect Family: Mahia & Tipene
Mahia and Tipene Stephens were born with a congenital eye disorder, causing their eyesight to deteri...
My Perfect Family: Mahia & Tipene



Being Me: Rachael Leahcar
Australian singer-songwriter, Rachael Leahcar, was born with retinitis pigmentosa and at 25-years-ol...
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Camping with young Kiwi blind kids. In an effort to build confidence, they're leaping out of their c...
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Music isn't just something you listen to; some people feel it emotionally and spiritually. Music is ...
Ese The Blind Musician



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Being Me: Ivan
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Inside Outside: Josh Davies
Josh Davies is a stand-up comedian, a proud cat dad, and he only has about 15% vision in his one goo...
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