author
Clutha N. (Clutha Nantes) Mackenzie
1895–1966
Blinded at Gallipoli, he turned a life-changing injury into decades of public service, advocacy, and writing. His story links war, politics, and a determined campaign to improve opportunities for blind people in New Zealand and beyond.
1 Audiobook
The Tale of a Trooper
by Clutha N. (Clutha Nantes) Mackenzie
About the author
Born in Balclutha, New Zealand, in 1895, Clutha Nantes Mackenzie served in World War I and lost his sight at Gallipoli. He later became well known as a public figure in New Zealand: for a short time he served as a Member of Parliament, but he is remembered even more for his work on behalf of blind people.
Mackenzie played a major role in the development of services for blind and partially sighted people, including leadership at what became the New Zealand Institute for the Blind. He also worked internationally on braille and blindness advocacy, helping push for clearer standards and greater recognition of blind people's needs.
Alongside that public work, he wrote from lived experience and practical knowledge, bringing authority and immediacy to his books and articles. He was knighted in 1935, and when he died in Auckland in 1966, he left a legacy shaped by resilience, public service, and a lifelong commitment to independence for blind readers and citizens.