Blue hue to light up town sights

SUPPORT PEOPLE: Wendy Roesler (left) and Wendy Paterson, both of whom have children with autism, want to ensure support for all those who suffer from the condition in the region..

A NEW Wairarapa charity is going public today, by turning some of Masterton's landmarks blue.

The Autism Wairarapa Charitable Trust is participating in the World Autism Awareness Day "Light It Up Blue" initiative, by illuminating the Masterton Town Hall and Wairarapa Times-Age building in blue light, following in the footsteps of the Empire State Building and the Sydney Opera House.

The blue glow also marks the public launch of the newly-formed trust, the brainchild of former Autism New Zealand field workers Wendy Roesler and Wendy Paterson, designed to support those living with autism in the district.

Ms Roesler said this would be the first time Autism Awareness Day had been marked in Wairarapa by the lighting of buildings; an idea which came to her after the recent birth of Prince George.

"It's something that's been done all over the world, so we thought we'd bring it here," she said.

"We saw how the Times-Age lit up the building in blue for George last year, and we went 'aha'.

"We decided to do the same for Autism Awareness Day, and make it our public launch. The lights also show we're here and we feel privileged to support the community."

Ms Roesler and Ms Paterson, who both have children with autism spectrum disorders, started an autism support group, Autism 4 Life, in 2010.

It was rebranded as a branch of Autism New Zealand last year but, when funding ran out in December, "the two Wendys" began planning a new service.

They were approached by a group of prominent Wairarapa community representatives, including former police officer Graeme Sawyer and Masterton Lands Trust chairman John Bunny, who now make up the new trust's board.

"All our board members are connected with autism in some way," said Ms Roesler. "Which makes it all the more poignant."

Under the trust, Ms Roesler will take up the role of community support co-ordinator, offering educational support, advocacy and resources to families affected by autism.

The trust is fundraising for permanent offices, a new logo design and a car and is also looking at programmes to help those with autism who have other problems as well.

"Under Autism New Zealand, we were restricted in the type of support we could offer our clients," said Ms Roesler.

"In reality, autism is very rarely a condition that comes on its own. People on the spectrum usually struggle with things like anxiety, ADHD or dyslexia."

Under Autism NZ, Ms Roesler said she supported at least 50 Wairarapa families affected by autism. "But there's definitely more out there."

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