Who we are

Autism Connex is a fast-growing reputable charity group supporting more than 200 families in Taranaki. We have identified an urgent need to support our Autism community.

Our Vision

To continue and extend existing services. To provide a Taranaki-based Autism Centre.

Our Mission

To support, empower and celebrate autistics and their families.

Our Patron: Sir Michael Jones

A man in a dark suit and bow tie standing at a podium with a microphone, holding a tablet, speaking at an event called The Sapphire Ball organized by asdconnex, with a large screen behind him displaying the event's logo and name.

As well as being an All Blacks legend, successful former coach, and a national hero in his rugby career starting in the late 80s, Sir Michael ‘Ice Man’ Jones is still being recognised today for setting up community trusts and even a high school, designed to help Pacific children in New Zealand complete their education and achieve their goals. In 1990 he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Pacific community. In 2003 he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame for his achievements in rugby as an All Black and as a coach and player for Samoa. Most notably, he became a knight companion in 2017 for his services to the Pasifika community and youth. Sir Michael is married to Maliena and has three children.

“As Patron of Autism Connex, I am truly privileged and humbled to be associated with such a worthwhile and transformative initiative for our tamariki and their families living with Autism. I am moved and motivated by the passion and dedication of the impressive Board and leadership team plus the many volunteers who tirelessly serve this cohort of our community who previously have not been provided and supported to the extent that they deserve. Autism Connex’s vison “To encourage, to support, to celebrate families living with Autism” speaks to the spirit and desire of founders Theresa Tongi and her colleagues, to make a real difference in the lives of our children and their whānau living with Autism.

Aroha, care and compassion underpins all of the work of Autism Connex. Ultimately, what inspires all of us associated with Autism Connex though, are the amazing tamariki who the Trust was set up to serve and cater for. Our children are our taonga and a gift to us all, seeing them live to their full potential within a thriving whānau that is best equipped and supported to journey with them, is at the very heart of this amazing work.

As Patron, on behalf of Autism Connex, we are very grateful for the support of the wider community. It is a truism that it takes a village to raise child – thank you for being a part of the ‘village’ in the lives of the Autism Connex children, so that they will thrive, flourish and fulfil their full potential in life.”

Signature on paper with handwritten text

Our Trust Members

  • A woman with gray hair tied back, wearing a white shirt, large woven earrings, and a pink flower in her hair, holding a colorful woven fan, outdoors with blurred greenery and lights in the background.

    Theresa Upulasi Tongi

    FOUNDER

    Talofa lava, mālō e lelei, o lo’u igoa o Theresa Upulasi Tongi mai Moata’a, Vaie’e, Alamagoto ma Vailima, Samoa. Both born and raised in West Auckland, Theresa and her husband Pat moved to New Plymouth in 2013 shortly after their son Henry was diagnosed autistic. When their third child Andrew was diagnosed at the age of three, Theresa resigned from her 12 year career in the Police to focus on being a full-time mum to her four children, Victorhea,Henry, Andrew and Viola. Now navigating a whole new world of takiwātanga, Theresa and Pat see the importance of regularly meeting with other parents with autistic whanau so in 2014, started Autism Connex (formally ASD Connex).

    “This God inspired vision which initially started as a monthly support group for parents and their children, is now an unapologetic mission to create a better world for our autistic community! My hope is that  Autism Connex will continue to create new and innovative services and supports that have value for autistics and their families”.

  • A smiling man in a light-colored button-up shirt posing against a plain white background.

    Dion Maaka

    Dion Maaka (Ngāruahine) is Taranaki born and raised.

    With a Bachelor of Business Studies and a wealth of management experience, Dion has utilised his skills across the globe, and back home in Taranaki.

    While working in London, Dion met his wife Claire and in 2009 they returned to Taranaki to settle with their two children.

    Dion is the Finance Risk and Group Strategy Leader at TSB Community Trust. He is humbled and proud to be leading Autism Connex into an exciting time of growth and innovation.

  • A woman with glasses and earrings, wearing a brown cable-knit cardigan and a white top, sitting outdoors on a wooden bench with her hands resting on the rail. She has her hair tied up in a high bun with a red scrunchie. The background shows blurred trees with red and green foliage.

    Kelli Te Huia

    Kia ora, I’m Kelli Anne Te Huia. I was born and raised in New Plymouth and have been a Teacher Aide at Marfell School for 15 years. I love working with kids because every day is different, and it’s a privilege to watch them grow and discover what brings them joy.


    I’ve been with my husband Ben for 26 years (married for 1.5) and we have four kids. Outside of work, I enjoy bike riding, hiking, arts and crafts, and spending time with whānau.

    I’m also a carer at Autism Connex and lead the Holiday Programme, supporting tamariki and giving families a well‑deserved break.


  • A smiling woman with short hair, wearing a patterned sleeveless dress, a necklace, and a watch, sitting outdoors at a wooden table with a blurred green background.

    Valerie Barraclough

    Born and raised in Southern Germany, I met my Kiwi husband Tristan when I travelled around New Zealand in 2004. 

    We lived in London for several years, where I enjoyed the busy big city life, and I studied for a Master’s in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy before working in the music charity sector.

    We then moved to my husband’s home town, New Plymouth, in 2014 to raise our family. We have two sons, and our youngest was diagnosed as autistic at the age of three. Since then, we have been committed to learning more about autism and creating a more inclusive community. I’m grateful to be part of the Autism Connex board and support our community.

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length hair.

    Abi Hackling

    Originally from Somerset, England, I moved to New Zealand in 2006 & haven’t looked back!

    I have a background in the arts & teaching & have been a professional photographer with my own business since 2015. I live with my patient husband, two beautiful boys, a couple of hairy Briard dogs & a couple of cats. I am a lover of The Goonies, tea, making cakes & lounging in my pjs.

    My autistic journey officially started with the diagnosis of my eldest son & I am passionate about educating others & celebrating neurodiversity. As a family, we are proud to support the Autism Connex team; connecting & assisting other families within the autistic community.


  • A woman with dark hair in a bun, wearing a black and white patterned blouse and white earrings, smiling while leaning on a wooden railing outdoors. Blurred green trees and warm light bokeh are in the background.

    Monica Peka Farquhar

    Tēnā koutou, Ko Monica Peka tōku ingoa Nō Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Porou, Te Atiawa ahau.

    My tama Reazon was diagnosed at 3. After months of research, trying to understand what autism is, all I could find was from a negative westernised view….until I heard the word and meaning takiwātanga. I then decided to take control and explore from a Te Ao Māori approach and channel in to the mātauranga, pūrākau and teachings of my own people to learn and advocate for my son and others.

    Being a part of Autism Connex, I aspire to hold a space for Māori whānau who are navigating the challenges of takiwātanga

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and glasses, wearing a denim jacket and a black top with colorful patterns, smiling outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

    Candice Armoogam

    I am originally from the island of Trinidad, a small Caribbean Island in the West Indies. Through my work with Methanex I was relocated to New Zealand site along with my family in 2019. I am married, my husband is Avin and our daughter is Nikola (12 years old) who is on the autistic spectrum.

    I hold a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management with my academic study focused in sciences. My twenty-year career has been in the petrochemical/oil and gas industry. I’m in the role of Contracts Manager, Methanex New Zealand. My skills set is in the areas management systems, audit and continuous improvement.

    In 2020 with the closure of an OSACAR programme in Bell Block, my husband and I we determined to step in to keep the essential Before and After School care service running and stepped in to open the Lemon Club providing OSCAR accredited care in our community. We ran a fully accredited service for approximately 2 years when the demands of our full time work and critical worker shortages forced us to close our doors.

    I am a passionate foodie and I enjoy cooking, creating and exploring in the kitchen. I love reading and am very thankful that I had access to great books and literature throughout my early years and can often be caught scouring the bookshelves at the library or being lost in a great book.


  • Smiling man with short hair and a beard wearing a light blue t-shirt and backpack, standing in front of a decorative horse sculpture.

    Pat Tongi

    Pat is a father of four, with two non-verbal autistic teenage sons. His experiences raising children with additional needs, and being part of the community, influence his work with Autism Connex, where he serves on the board alongside his wife, Theresa.