Former National Minister Steven Joyce is back in a public role but this time as the new patron of an organisation which supports research into autism.
The Minds for Minds Charitable Trust is run through the University of Auckland, and aims to better understand the genetics behind autism.
The cause is close to Joyce's heart because his eight-year-old son, Tommy, has autism.
"He's non-verablly autistic, he doesn't speak at all and it's been something I've really wanted to do post-politics was to explore a bit more about this disorder and how it works," he said.
Joyce says research into what causes autism is key to helping children with autism
"Why do nearly two per cent of people around the world are on the spectrum and what can be done about that," he said.
He says his new role will mostly be to raise awareness for the organisation.
"Primarily, this sort of thing, talking about it and being prepared to. Then particularly helping with their fundraising."
WATCH ABOVE AS STEVEN JOYCE SPEAKS WITH LARRY WILLIAMS
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