Rotorua’s Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancers revealed

Couple two: Paul and Deborah Kay

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancers Paul and Deborah Kay.

Paul: I am self-employed. Dancing for Hospice is such a great cause, it gets me out of my comfort zone, it’s a great challenge and I love dancing with my wife.

Deborah: I am the owner of helloworld travel Rotorua. I was so excited and incredibly grateful to be asked to dance for Hospice this year, and to enjoy this experience with my husband while raising funds for such a worthwhile and deserving charity really inspires me.

Couple three: Mike Cook and Drisana Sheely

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple Mike Cook and Drisana Sheely.

Mike: I’m Mike, the owner of Speedy Signs Rotorua, and I’m dancing for Hospice because they cared for my dad nearly 18 years ago. They do an amazing job supporting local families, and it’s a privilege to be able to give something back – even if I do have to get out on the dance floor.

Drisana: I am a lawyer at Tompkins Wake. I am dancing because Hospice is a great charity and gives so much to the community that this would be a way for me to help give back to them. I’ve also always wanted to ballroom dance and thought why not do it in the most terrifying way possible!

Couple four: Dan Nicholson and Siobhan Griffiths 

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple Dan Nicholson and Siobhan Griffiths.

Dan: Self-employed (tyre business). I am wanting to dance because Hospice has really helped our family and after some massive life and mindset changes recently, I would love to give back!

Siobhan: Operations and sales manager for Urban Homes Rotorua, previously worked as a nurse at Rotorua Hospital for 24 years. Years ago, I said I’d love to do dancing for Hospice, and this is finally the year – it’s a privilege to dance for Hospice who bring comfort, dignity and support when it matters most.

Couple five: Scott Tipiwai and Emma Clapperton

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple Scott Tipiwai and Emma Clapperton.

Scott: I’m the business development and client manager at Dufty and Co Builders and also co-owner of New Zealand Home Loans Rotorua alongside my amazing partner Sally. I’m dancing for Hospice because I understand the value of showing up for people in their hardest moments, something Hospice does with incredible dedication every single day. It’s a cause worth getting out of your comfort zone for.

Emma: Client solutions manager at Personnel Resources. When a friend recently lost her son to cancer, I realised I didn’t know how to help, but Hospice did, and it hit me how critical their mahi is to the community. Saying yes was pretty easy after that, even if it is scary!

Couple six: Andrew Strickland and Aroha Dorset

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple Andrew Strickland and Aroha Dorset.

Andrew is a family group conference co-ordinator with Oranga Tamariki and is dancing to help raise funds for Hospice in gratitude for the care they provided to his family during his father’s final hours.

Aroha is the director of Awhi Rōpū Consultants. Every person deserves dignified and compassionate care and that’s what Hospice provides; getting behind this event is my small contribution to this important work.

Couple seven: Thomas Cousins and Jemma McDonald 

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple Thomas Cousins and Jemma McDonald.

Thomas: Accounting nerd, running enthusiast and plant collector. I’m dancing to get involved and give back to Rotorua Community Hospice, who tirelessly provide an essential service to our community.

Jemma: Registered Nurse prescriber at Ranolf Medical Centre. I am dancing to support Hospice and give back to the Rotorua community. This is a great opportunity for me to do something completely outside my comfort zone for a fantastic cause.

Couple eight: Barry Bird and Selina Zhang

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple Barry Bird and Selina Zhang.

Barry is co-owner/operator of Pilates Focus Rotorua with his wife Sandy. Although he is active in musical theatre, he is a reluctant dancer and has decided to step out of his comfort zone and help support Hospice to raise funds so they can continue to do their important and invaluable work for the Rotorua community.

Selina: As a Harcourts Rotorua real estate consultant, I’m proud to be part of Dancing for Hospice and celebrating 10 years of Harcourts being naming sponsor of this incredible event. As a member of Rotorua’s Chinese community, I hope my involvement helps raise awareness of Hospice and encourages others to support the vital work they do. Stepping on to the dance floor is a real challenge but I’m excited to push myself beyond my comfort zone, for a cause that makes such a meaningful difference in our community.

Couple nine: Zach Dunkley and Chloe Steadman

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple Zach Dunkley and Chloe Steadman.

Zach: I work at Harcourts, and I chose to dance because of the great work that Hospice does in the community, and I just wanted to do something to be a part of that.

Chloe: I work for Electrical Solutionz, and I am dancing for Hospice because they provide incredible care, and support to people and families during some of the most difficult times in their lives. By taking part in Dancing for Hospice, I hope to help raise funds, give back to an amazing charity, and support the valuable work they do in our community.

Couple 10: David Groot and Audrey Russell

Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026 dancing couple David Groot and Audrey Russell.

David: I am a teacher at (and former student of) John Paul College. Dancing releases endorphins, these make you feel good, I want to feel good, so I dance. It also feels good to help others. So, as Hospice helped my father at the end of his days, I hope to make a positive contribution in enabling that helpful service to continue.

Audrey: Former nurse and one of Hospice’s volunteers. I am dancing for Hospice, as I believe it will be a fun and energising way to raise funds for this wonderful cause.

Hospice sets fundraising goal of $120,000

In a media statement, Rotorua Community Hospice fundraising and marketing manager Jessica Meade said fundraising was becoming more challenging, and the cost of living was making it harder for people to give.

“That’s why events like Harcourts Dancing for Hospice are so important. They help shine a spotlight on hospice care while creating an opportunity to bring the community together and raise as much money as possible for local Hospice services.”

The statement said the hospice aimed to raise more than $120,000 on the night.

“Our clinical team cares for around 120 patients and their whānau every month, and without our community this simply wouldn’t be possible,” the statement said.

“We receive around 50% of our funding from the Government and rely on the generosity of our community to raise the remaining 50% – around $1.2 million every year – to ensure our services remain free of charge for anyone living with a life-ending illness.”

Tickets will be on sale in mid-July and will be announced on the Harcourts Dancing for Hospice Facebook page.