NBS Dancing For A Cause 2025 Raises Record $670,000 For Nelson Tasman

The final fundraising total is in — and it’s nothing short of extraordinary.

At a special thank-you celebration held on Thursday 29 May, the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust proudly announced that NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 has raised an incredible $670,000 in support of Nelson Tasman Hospice.

This record-breaking figure marks the highest amount ever raised by the biennial event and will directly contribute to providing free specialist palliative care for patients and their whānau across the region.

Held over two unforgettable nights on the 16 and 17 May at the Trafalgar Centre, NBS Dancing for a Cause 2025 brought together ten extraordinary locals and their dedicated dance partners, who gave it their all in a dazzling display of community spirit, storytelling, theatre and dance.

“This journey has been about more than just dancing,” said Jayde Howe, BNZ Financial Adviser and winner of the Most Funds Raised award. “It’s about making a tangible difference in our community. The support I’ve received has been overwhelming, and I’m honoured to contribute to such a vital cause.”

Jayde raised a remarkable $250,660 through multiple fundraisers, including a quiz night, gala dinner, and G.J. Gardner home build — a shining example of just how powerful community giving can be.

The Overall Judges’ Award went to Rhys Black and dance partner Rebecca Higham, whose dynamic jive wowed the judges and earned the top spot on the leaderboard.

“The competition was fierce with everyone committed to their journey through their own respective experiences with palliative care” said Rhys.

“These performances honoured not only loved ones passed or facing hardship, but also for those who remain and are committed to stepping up in whatever way to help the team at Nelson Tasman Hospice, so they can continue to help our community when we need them most. It’s been an absolute privilege to share this journey with the Dancing for a Cause team and connect with remarkable community leaders. With fantastic performances across both nights, it could have been anyone's game - but especially sweet to get the result, managing to edge out my wife, professional dancer Hazel Black, earn a lifetime of boasting rights and keep the trophy here in Wakefield!”

Ed Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of Sport Tasman, and his partner Brooke Silke-Atkins won the Yondi Foundation People’s Choice Award on both performance nights for their unforgettable tango.

“With Brooke by my side, I was determined to enjoy the moment and make her proud.” said Ed. “I am immensely proud of our collective fundraising, the profile we have generated for Hospice and importantly how we have connected with our community. Vitally we have brought the community together and created time and space for critical conversations and support. I feel very honoured to have been part of something so special and am committed to keep supporting Hospice.”

More than 4,000 people attended the two-night event, and countless others supported contestants through raffles, events, and donations — all united in support of hospice care.

Garry Hammond Chair of the Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust says we are simply blown away with what the combined team have achieved, both creatively and from their fundraising. This event is made possible from the hard mahi of so many people and championed by Emma Silke-French who has for the last 18 months worked tirelessly to make it all happen. Since it’s beginning’s Dancing for a Cause has contributed $1,469,000 in support of free hospice service and we are so proud of this achievement and the difference it makes in our community.

Nelson Tasman Hospice CEO Tony Gray says the biennial event makes a direct impact on our ability to do what we do:

“This total means so much to our teams, our patients, and their families. It reflects the compassion and strength of our community. We are immensely grateful to every single person involved — from the dancers to the donors, the volunteers, sponsors, and audience members. Together, we have made something truly meaningful happen.”

The $670,000 raised will help Nelson Tasman Hospice continue to provide specialist palliative care to approximately 210 patients and their whānau/families every month. With nearly half of hospice funding needing to come from the community, NBS Dancing for a Cause is vital to enabling us to provide our services free over the next twelve months.

The Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust, along with Emma Silke-French, would like to express heartfelt thanks to all involved for their dedication, generosity, and enthusiasm.

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