Our Board
Chair
Nick Ling
Nick is the father of a child who has experienced the profound impact of speech therapy, inspiring him to join the Board in December 2016. As the Director of Digital Transformation at PwC, Nick works to modernise business processes and create innovative SaaS solutions. He joined the Board to make a difference for children with Down syndrome, drawing from his professional experience and personal insights. Nick spends his free time engaging in various activities, though his primary focus remains on his family and supporting their journey.
Secretary
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. Rod's prior experience with the Trust, and his broad business background provide valuable input and insights into Board matters. Rod is a keen sportsman, playing football and tennis regular, and he is also a regular runner.
Board Member
Cassandra Williams
Cassy is a dedicated mother of three, including her 11-year-old daughter Lacey, who has benefited from the UpsideDowns Education Trust for years. Joining the Board in October 2023, Cassy aims to offer the perspective of a parent of a mostly non-speaking child and to give back to the Trust. With a background in early childhood education and a variety of community roles, including co-hosting a Facebook page for Down syndrome support and participating in the IHC Members Council, Cassy brings a wealth of experience.
Board Member
Mel Watson
Coming soon…
Board Member
Trevor Alborough
Trevor and his wife Viv have a beautiful, chromosomally enhanced daughter Erika, adopted at birth. Trevor has worked as a computer systems administrator for many years. His desire to serve on the board is borne out of a desire to help where we’ve been so encouraged and helped on our journey – especially with Speech Therapy. Trevor’s hobbies include camping and splashing about in wooden kayaks.
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
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.