Cheering Simon on: Celebrity Treasure Island 2026
We’re Simon’s Chosen Charity!
We’re incredibly proud to share that beloved broadcaster Simon Barnett will be competing on this season of Celebrity Treasure Island in support of White Matter Brain Cancer Trust. Raising funds and awareness for families living with primary brain cancer in Aotearoa is a cause deeply personal to Simon, following the loss of his wife, Jodi, in 2023.
“Returning to Celebrity Treasure Island wasn’t an easy decision but the decision to support the Trust was.
After losing Jodi, I really stepped away from everything and wasn’t sure I was ready to put myself through something like this again. But when the opportunity came up, and I spoke with my daughters, it just felt right.
What they do for families facing primary brain cancer is extraordinary, and I’ve seen firsthand just how much it matters. Of course there’s a competitive part of me that wants to win — but not for myself. Winning $100,000 for them would be truly life-changing. That’s what’s driving me to step outside my comfort zone and give this everything I’ve got.”
– Simon Barnett
Join the Watch Party!
Simon will be taking on the physical and mental challenges of the island — all while playing for something far bigger.
Every challenge, alliance and blindside is part of his effort to raise awareness for families living with primary brain cancer in Aotearoa, and to support the work of our Trust. It’s a chance to bring this cause into living rooms across the country, sparking conversations and helping more people understand the realities faced by those affected.
Whether he’s pushing through a tough challenge or navigating island drama, your support at home plays a part too — helping shine a light on a cause that matters deeply.
Watch Party Bingo
Starts Monday 27 April, 7pm
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 7pm
TVNZ 2 / TVNZ+
Play along for a good cause!
We’ve created Celebrity Treasure Island bingo cards to make your watch parties even more fun. Download the bingo kit for instructions and four unique cards for your household. Print them out or send us an email if you’d like us to pop some in the post for you.
Tag us in your watch party photos!
We’d love to share your watch party moments with Simon – so make sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and Facebook: @whitematterbraincancertrustnz