“They own the finals and have the discretion to tell you when you’re playing and where you’re playing,” George explained. “They asked about us playing the Eden Park in week one and [I] said I didn’t think that was fair … I genuinely believe that we as a club had earned the right to play our first semi-final at home and we are entitled to play there. To their credit they listened and took that on board for week one.”
The UpsideDowns trust helps New Zealand children born with Down syndrome to access private speech language therapy, which can be life changing, according to Venables.
“Being able to communicate is everything – it opens up the world for our members,” Venables said.
Down syndrome is a genetic condition present in approximately one in 1000 babies born in New Zealand (around one a week), due to a chromosomal variation, usually an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy-21). Individuals with Down syndrome can lead healthy, fulfilling lives but being able to communicate is a vital piece of the puzzle, improving social inclusion, education, employment prospects along with physical and mental health.
Upside Downs member Georgie Pilkinton in a private SLT session.
Photo/Upside Downs Education trust.
Direct speech language therapy is generally not provided by the Government, meaning families need to employ private SLT practitioners. The UpsideDowns trust supports around 350 families, allowing access to much-needed therapy.
The UpsideDowns trust was established in 2003 and has grown exponentially over the last two decades, helping hundreds of Kiwi children access life changing therapy. The All Black Barrett brothers (Scott, Beauden and Jordie) are high profile patrons of the trust and it is a cause reasonates strongly, as one of their sisters, Zara, was born with Trisomy-21.
The “Share the Dream” night is its biggest fundraising event, bringing in around 20 per cent of its annual revenue. They raised more than $80,000 last year. It takes around four months of work to put together and Eden Park is a key partner.
“They provide the hall for free, the lighting and auction gifts,” Venables said. “It wouldn’t be achievable without them.”
Venables points out that if the night had been cancelled, their ability to support new families over the next 12 months would have been severely compromised.
Thanks to generous donors, including Jordie Barrett, an enviable list of sports-related memorabilia and experiences is up for grabs tonight including:
A Wrexham football jersey signed by All White Liberato Cacace.
A signed All Blacks jersey from the recent South Africa tour.
A round of golf with All Blacks second five eighth Jordie Barrett.
A signed Warriors jersey from the record-breaking 2026 season.
A racing shirt signed by Formula 1 star Liam Lawson.
A signed Gael Monfils top from his last appearance at the US Open.
A vintage Burberry bag, seats at the upcoming Robbie Williams concert and a stay at the Outrigger resort in Fiji are among other items on offer.
For a full list of auction items:
https://app.galabid.com/upsidedowns/items?item_type=bidding
For more information about the night:
https://www.upsidedowns.co.nz/share-the-dream-2026
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.