Inventus Cares Charitable Trust at Eden Park: Giving Back Through Sport

For many of the tamariki who joined us at our annual Youth Sports Day, walking through the Eden Park tunnel was something they’d never imagined they’d get to do. On Wednesday 17 December 2025, that moment became a reality.

Hosted by Kennards Hire and Eden Park, and delivered in partnership with Inventus Cares Charitable Trust, Kennards Kids Day at Eden Park brought together 40 young people for a day centred on movement, connection, and belief.

Starting Where Legends Have Sat

The day began with a bus ride into Eden Park and a walk through the players’ tunnel, the same path taken by generations of Black Ferns, All Blacks and Kiwis before them.

Inside the home changing rooms, Inventus Cares Founder Richard White shared a kōrero about confidence, backing yourself, and taking in the moment. For many of the kids, this was their first time inside Eden Park.

From there, the group lined up in the tunnel and ran out onto Eden Park for a team photo, a powerful moment where each child could picture what might be possible for them.

A Day Built Around Fun and Movement

The group then moved across to the Kennards Hire Community Oval, where the rest of the day was about being active and enjoying time together. Lunch was shared in the Loyalty Lounge, with a sausage sizzle followed by something a little different. The kids got creative decorating their own bikkies with icing and sprinkles.

A Moment of Connection

One of the most memorable parts of the day came when the Indigenous Australian South Sports Academy Global Youth 7s team arrived to join the group. They trained and played alongside our tamariki, signed autographs, and spent time connecting one-on-one. The visit ended with a powerful Aboriginal war dance performed as a thank you.

Why Days Like This Matter

At Inventus Cares, we know that opportunities like this don’t come around often for many young people.

Days like Kennards Kids Day aren’t about performance or pathways, they’re about helping kids feel seen, supported, and connected. About giving them a positive experience to carry with them, especially in a year that’s been tough for many families.

We’re grateful to Kennards Hire and Eden Park for backing this day and helping us make it happen.

For us, it’s simple.

When kids feel valued, good things follow.