Community Sparkles At NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 - A Record-Breaking Weekend For Nelson Tasman Hospice

The glitter has settled, and the scores are in: NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 lit up the Trafalgar Centre this past weekend with two shows that dazzled more than 4,000 audience members, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, and brought the Nelson Tasman community together in extraordinary support of Nelson Tasman Hospice.

With the final numbers not yet in, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has already raised $587,000 a record-breaking total that will make a lasting impact on the work of Nelson Tasman Hospice. This incredible amount will directly support the care of approximately 210 patients and their whānau every month, ensuring that specialist palliative care remains accessible, compassionate, and free for all who need it.

A final total raised will be announced in the coming weeks, when all the totals have been tallied.

Held over two spectacular nights on May 16 and 17 at the Trafalgar Centre, this year’s event once again showcased the power of community. Ten local personalities, each paired with a trained dance partner, took to the stage and shared not just their dance moves, but their personal connections to hospice and what this cause means to them.

"The energy across both nights was absolutely contagious," says organiser and dance instructor Emma Silke-French. "What stood out was the heart behind every performance, every fundraiser, and every moment shared on that stage."

Event Highlights

• Overall Winner
  The coveted Judges’ Award went to Rhys Black and their partner Rebecca Higham, whose breathtaking jive performance captivated the panel of professional judges and earned top marks.
• Yondi Foundation People’s Choice Award
  Voted by the audience, this year’s Yondi Foundation People’s Choice Award was won on both nights by Ed Shuttleworth, CE of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins, for a captivating tango that brought the house down.
• Most Funds Raised
  A special mention goes to Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser, who not only delivered an elegant rumba but also raised an astounding $250,000 through events including a G.J. Gardner home build, a quiz night, and a Gala Dinner. Her fundraising efforts were a shining example of generosity and commitment.

Through raffles, community events, storytelling, and tireless practice, each of this year’s contestants brought their community along for the journey - all in support of hospice care in the Nelson Tasman region.

Tony Gray, Chief Executive of Nelson Tasman Hospice, says:
“This event is not only a highlight of our community calendar — it’s a lifeline for our services. We are overwhelmed by the generosity, time, and talent poured into making this weekend such a success. On behalf of all our colleagues, patients and families - thank you.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dancing for a Cause Charitable Trust, every single contestant, dancer, sponsor, volunteer, and the thousands who attended, donated, and supported the event. This incredible result wouldn’t be possible without the combined effort and generosity of so many.

Photos, video highlights, and official fundraising totals from the weekend will be available soon on the

NBS Dancing for a Cause website and Nelson Tasman Hospice’s social media in the coming days.

© Scoop Media