Our board
Chair
Phil Venables
Phil is the proud father of Josh, who has greatly benefited from the grants provided by the UpsideDowns Education Trust. Joining the Board in July 2021, Phil aims to give back to the Trust by sharing his expertise and supporting its mission. As the General Manager at Service Dynamics, Phil manages a team of experienced Service Management consultants. Outside of work, Phil enjoys going to the gym, drone fishing, supporting the Chiefs, and watching Josh grow into a teenager. He and his wife Kirsten, along with their extended family, are strong advocates for community inclusion and hope to see Josh become an active participant in society.
Treasurer
Rod Marvin
Rod is the proud father of three adult daughters. Rod's wife, Lisa, is the godmother of Annabel who received support from the UpsideDownsEducation Trust when she was younger. Rod has seen first hand how the speech therapy funded by the Trust has benefited Annabel and other children with Down syndrome. Rod and Lisa are majority owners of South Pacific Fire Protection Group, a New Zealand wide company which designs, installs and maintains fire protection systems. Rod has rejoined the Board in 2024, having previously served on it from 2008 to 2013. Now that Rod has more time to dedicate to the Trust and other activities he is involved with, Rod was keen to rejoin UpsideDowns to assist the Board with its Governance and Fiduciary responsibilities.
Secretary
Michael Raynes
Michael is father to three busy teenagers and the apple of their eye, Olivia, who has recently turned 5. Olivia’s arrival and Down Syndrome diagnosis has been such a positive change for our family. We are all determined to help her to live her best life and grow up as independent as possible. Olivia has benefited from funding from UpsideDowns and we know first-hand the impact speech and language therapy makes. Michael has been in the financial services industry most of his life in a variety of advisory and executive roles. He is currently an investment adviser with Forsyth Barr in Hamilton. Joining the Board in November 2024 is a great way to give back to an awesome community, drawing on his variety of skills to help ensure the Trust continues to thrive and more children get the support they need.
Board member
Mel Watson
Mel is mother to two daughters, Claudia (27) & Paris (24). Paris was supported by UpsideDowns for 20 years until her 21st Birthday. Speech therapy has been life changing for Paris’s communication and sociability. Mel joined Upsidedowns a year after it all began and was Chair for around 13 years. Her dedication and hard work took the trust from around 12 members to well over 100. In 2024 Mel played an integral part in bringing back ‘Share the Dream’, an event she organised for many years. She has also rejoined the board. Mel has been in the travel industry for most of her career in executive & management roles in wholesale, retail & airlines. She is currently the Country Manager for Silversea. Mel thrives on being busy and thoroughly enjoys giving back.
Board member
Brett Cronin
Brett is the dedicated father of Lucy, who has been supported by the UpsideDowns Education Trust since she was 2 years old. Joining the Board in October 2023, Brett is eager to give back to the Trust for all the years of support his family has received. An engineer by trade, Brett is truly a jack of all trades, with extensive experience volunteering and serving on various Boards. His diverse skills and commitment to the community make him a valuable asset to the Trust.
Board member
Fiona Kenworthy
Fiona is the Clinical Director of Small Talk Therapy and has 26 years of experience supporting children, young people and whānau in education, health, and justice sectors. With a specialist interest in working with tamariki with Down syndrome, she enjoys listening to and learning from families and professionals, identifying unmet needs, and working collaboratively to find practical solutions to help all children with Down syndrome access therapy. Fiona joined the board in 2026 to help the Trust continue to grow its impact for children with Down syndrome and their whānau throughout Aotearoa.
Board member
Kate Moodabe
Kate is the General Manager of Total Healthcare Primary Health Organisation in Auckland. With a background as a community pharmacist and then a clinical pharmacist, she has long been passionate about advocating for people living with disabilities, bringing both heart and a healthy dose of humour to the role. Kate also has three adult sons — none of them in Auckland — so she spends plenty of time visiting them across New Zealand and overseas, while trying not to take their relocation too personally. Fortunately, they all live near some very good vineyards.