"We're absolutely ecstatic," said Ms Roesler, formerly a field worker with Autism New Zealand. "Having someone of Pam's community stature on board gives us that credibility - it shows we're not fly-by-night."
With Lady Pam on board, the trustees are hard at work raising funds to support Ms Roesler and fellow field worker Wendy Paterson.
The trust has secured a permanent base in Dixon St and computer equipment for the field workers, and is in the process of buying a car.
The "two Wendys" need further funding to continue their support and education programmes.
"We're starting to gain a bit of horse power, but we still need that financial backing," said Mr Sawyer, whose granddaughter lives with autism.
"The work they do educating the community is so important.
"There's a lot of ignorance out there about autism - people see it as a life sentence. But with the right help, autistic children can play an important role in the community and can be employed as adults."
Trustees have made applications for funding to the Lotteries Commission and the Community Organisation Grants Scheme, and recently received a grant from the Eastern and Central Community Trust.
It will also be running community fundraising events and public seminars.
"It's all starting to feel real now," said Ms Roesler.
