Sir JK's Drive for Five campaign and cool auction

Sir John Kirwan has toured NZ to promote a $5m campaign for Mitey. Photos: Mitey

Sir John Kirwan is rallying New Zealanders behind an ambitious $5 million campaign to expand mental health education for Kiwi kids, culminating in a world-record attempt that will bring 521 children onto the field at Eden Park. 

Sir John’s Mitey mental health education programme launched its 2026 'Drive for Five' campaign that raises funding for more primary and intermediate schools across Aotearoa. 

The nationwide campaign saw Kirwan drive to 18 regional stops, inviting communities to engage with the Mitey mission.

Sir JK with prizewinners Sam Cummins and Maisie Saili will play in the Mitey Match.

At each stop, children had the chance to win a trip to Auckland and a place in the world-record-breaking Mitey Match at Eden Park, where 521 kids will take on a squad of sporting legends and celebrities in a non-contact curtain-raiser ahead of the Bledisloe Cup match on October 10. 

"We are rallying the ultimate team to get behind Mitey’s cause," said Kirwan. "The Mitey Match isn't just a rugby game; it’s a historic moment that mirrors the scale of our $5 million fundraising ambition.”

Mitey is an evidence-based, school-wide mental health education program for children in Years 1 to 8, founded by the All Black legend, Sir JK, through the Sir John Kirwan Foundation.

The Bledisloe Cup also toured NZ with Sir JK.

It teaches emotional wellbeing and mental health literacy to children early in life to help combat New Zealand's mental health challenges.

Alongside the tour of New Zealand, there is an auction of 52 items, including  A round of golf with former Prime Minister Sir John Key and Sir JK; for the foodie, an Italian Long Lunch with Taika Waititi & Sir JK; and a tour of Grant Baker’s private Ferrari collection, followed by lunch at Soul Bar & Bistro, plus a signed Liam Lawson helmet.

The silent auction closes at 8pm on Friday 23 October 2026.