Jordan Ikitule, the founder of autism support group ASD Dads, is passionate about creating safe spaces for families to connect and share their experiences of raising neurodiverse tamariki, something he understands well. Jordan’s son Storm has severe non-verbal autism.
In August, The Wiri Licensing Trust was proud to provide free venue hire at Woodside for ASD Dads NZ and donate entry tickets to an event that ASD Dads wanted to bring to South Auckland. The event was a special Parents’ Night Out – a chance for mums, dads and extended family members raising children on the autism spectrum to connect with others who truly understand the unique challenges they face. For many, it was the first time in a long time that they could relax, share stories, and build new friendships in a supportive environment.
Jordan’s feedback after the event was positive.
“The night was a fundraiser to help support our in-person Autism Support Parents Meetings, while also giving parents a much-needed night out with others who truly understand the challenges they face. Even with some changes along the way, we still had just over 60 people attend — and now they’re all asking for another one! Truly appreciate you backing us — and I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can do together in the future.”
Jordan’s story is one of resilience and community. He founded ASD Dads after experiencing first-hand the isolation many parents feel when raising autistic children. What began as a small social media post quickly grew into a thriving movement, with fathers and families coming together across South Auckland — and now beyond.
Through ASD Dads, Jordan has created a space where parents can talanoa openly, learn from each other’s journeys, and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. The group has hosted everything from sensory-safe play days to boxing gym sessions, always with the aim of making whānau feel supported and connected.
Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green and Jordan Ikitule have connected several times over the past year, after Jordan reached out wanting to collaborate with local organisations and funders who share his vision. Together, they have been exploring how ASD Dads and the Trust can support and partner with each other in meaningful ways. As part of this, WLT is excited about sponsoring the April 2026 Run 4 Autism and is even planning to swap out staff uniforms for advocacy shirts throughout April to help spread the message. While final arrangements are still being worked through — with family life always taking priority — both Kim and Jordan are committed to making it happen. Watch this space!
ASD Dads is busy preparing for the annual Run 4 Autism event, which raises vital funds to provide autistic children with access to speech therapy through Finding Voices Speech Therapy, as well as free community workshops such as “What is Autism?” and navigation sessions to help families connect with the right support. It also enables child-friendly experiences like the Autistic Have-A-Go Day, private sensory sessions at venues such as Chipmunks and local pools, and other inclusive events that bring joy and connection to neurodiverse tamariki who are so often left out. Read more about Jordan’s journey here.
Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green says supporting Jordan and ASD Dads aligns strongly with the Trust’s kaupapa:
“We are so proud to back Jordan and the incredible work ASD Dads is doing in our community. His passion for creating a safe and supportive space for parents is inspiring, and it’s exactly the kind of grassroots leadership we want to stand behind. Both our organisations share a commitment to supporting local people and staying true to our purpose — building stronger communities together.”
The Wiri Licensing Trust looks forward to continuing its partnership with ASD Dads — from parent nights at Woodside to the Run for Autism and beyond. Together, we can help create spaces of understanding, hope, and connection for families across South Auckland.
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
