10 September 2026
The War Memorial Theatre was lit red on Wednesday 9 September to mark International FASD Awareness Day.
Council was approached by Kathy Hunter of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Care Action Network (FASD-CAN), seeking support by lighting buildings or structures red.
The date marks the ninth day of the ninth month, symbolising the 9 months of pregnancy when alcohol should be avoided.
Liveable Communities Director Michèle Frey says the gesture is a simple way to get people talking about FASD.
“Lighting the theatre red helps us start conversations about FASD with our community. The more people understand it, the more we can support whānau living with it.”
Frey says the timing lines up with a new FASD hub for Tairāwhiti, part of a $9 million Government investment announced in July.
“With this new hub launching in our region, this is a great moment for Council to back FASD awareness.”
The Tairāwhiti hub is delivered by Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui a Kiwa, in partnership with Tūranga Health. It’s one of 3 new community-based FASD services set up across the country offering assessment, diagnosis and ongoing support for whānau closer to home.
This year’s FASD Awareness Month theme is: It takes a community, “everyone plays a part” or “ka whai wāhi ngā tangata katoa”.
To find out more about FASD, FASD Awareness Day and where to get support, visit the FASD-Can website