Nelson · 2027
Glamour, competition, and community — raising vital funds for Nelson Tasman Hospice
NBS Dancing for a Cause is a fundraiser packed with glamour, fun and fierce competition. Local personalities are partnered with professional ballroom dancers and perform in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges.
The Dancing for a Cause Charitable Trust Board is run entirely by volunteers, working tirelessly with individuals and organisations across the Nelson/Tasman regions to put on a spectacular show every two years — raising vital funds for amazing local charities.
In 2027, we return with our most ambitious event yet, in support of the Nelson Tasman Hospice.
Left to right: Robbie Burns, Emma Silke-French, Sam Nicholls, Sarah Goodfellow, Sandra Maxfield, Sonya Thomson, Sally Thomas
Left to right: Stu Dalton, Emma Silke-French, Sonya Thomson, Sally Thomas, Sam Nicholls, Robbie Burns, Sandra Maxfield
Our trustees volunteer their time and work tirelessly to make every event possible. We are grateful for their dedication and passion for our community.
Back row: Garry Hammond, Campbell Rollo, Sandra Maxfield
Front row: Anna Shone, Michelle Jones, Donna Ching-Tregidga, Cheryl Candish, Sonya Thomson · Absent: Tony Gray
Our professional dancers work closely with each contestant to choreograph, rehearse and perform routines in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges.
Emma is back once again — this time returning not only as the Project Manager running the event, but as the Dancing for a Cause Choreographer and Dance Teacher for 2027.
A born and bred Nelsonian, Emma has competed in Ballroom Dancing since the age of 6. She has won the right to represent New Zealand on more than one occasion and holds many New Zealand titles in all styles, both as an amateur and at professional level.
Emma and her husband Derryn French turned professional to give back to a sport they both love. Together they became NZ Professional Champions and trained some of Nelson's top competitive dancers — who have gone on to compete overseas and open their own studios.
Career highlights include representing New Zealand at age 16 at the World Youth Dance Sport Championships in Budapest, winning a professional title with her husband, and watching her young students reach their goals on the international stage.
Hi, I'm Becks and I absolutely love introducing people to the (sometimes weird) but ultimately wonderful world of Ballroom and Latin Dancing. I have been dancing for over 30 years now and moved to the Moutere from the big smoke of Auckland 3 years ago with my two children, husband and not-so-miniature schnauzer Pluto.
I am a former NZ Ballroom champion, a qualified New Vogue and Latin Adjudicator and was a dancer on the first four seasons of NZ's Dancing With The Stars — getting to work with celebrities such as Paul Holmes and Tim Shadbolt. Last year I was lucky enough to dance with Rhys Black on Dancing For A Cause as we jived our way to the top, taking out the trophy.
I love all types of partner dancing and have also dabbled in the world of Salsa, West Coast Swing and Modern Jive. I am on the local Nelson Social Dance Committee and am also a Montessori trained primary teacher — which means I enjoy working with youth and combining my passions of teaching and dancing.
I am super excited to join the Dancing For A Cause team this year as both a dancer and Latin choreographer, and can't wait to get behind our contestants and help them transform into dancers — and raise some important funds for an amazing cause.
Our expert panel of judges and master of ceremonies will be announced ahead of the 2027 event. Expect a prestigious line-up of New Zealand's finest dance professionals.
NBS Nelson Dancing for a Cause proudly supported the Nelson Tasman Hospice at the 2025 event.
Nelson Tasman Hospice provides free specialist palliative care services for people of all ages with life-limiting illnesses, supporting them, their whānau and carers, through illness, death and bereavement. Their specialist interdisciplinary team takes a holistic approach — supporting patients and their whānau with the physical, social, emotional and spiritual impact of illness.
Care is available throughout the Nelson Tasman region, provided in the home, in aged-care facilities, in hospitals, and in their purpose-built Specialist Palliative Care Unit. On average, 210 patients per month receive Hospice services — with 80% of those delivered in the community.
At present, 52% of annual running costs are funded by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. The remaining 48% — approximately $4 million — must be raised every year from the community.
"It takes a community to make a hospice happen, and the Trust is such an important part of ours."
"We could not continue providing these services without the generosity of our community, sponsors or our Hospice Shops. We would like to thank the NBS Dancing For a Cause Trust, and all those involved with this special event, for their incredible support of hospice services in the Nelson Tasman Region. It takes a community to make a hospice happen, and the Trust is such an important part of ours."
Dancing for a Cause wants to help the Hospice in maintaining its services for its growing referrals and demand. You can help by supporting our fabulous contestants, donating where you can, and turning up on the night!
This event would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors. Sponsor details for 2027 will be announced as they are confirmed.
Olive Estate is a stunning Nelson Tasman venue and producer of premium extra virgin olive oil. Nestled among rolling hills with breathtaking views, Olive Estate is proud to partner with Dancing for a Cause as our 2027 Naming Sponsor — sharing our commitment to community and celebrating the heart of the Nelson Tasman region.
Visit oliveestate.co.nz
Join an extraordinary community event that has raised over $1.4 million for Nelson Tasman Hospice. Contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Enquire About SponsorshipThis event is only possible because of the extraordinary generosity of our community — sponsors, donors, volunteers, and supporters.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported Dancing for a Cause over the years. Your generosity has transformed lives in the Nelson Tasman community and helped ensure that no one faces serious illness alone. We can't wait to dance for you again in 2027."
A heartfelt thank you to all who supported our 2025 event and those before it. Your contributions have helped us raise over $1.47 million for Nelson Tasman Hospice.
Our 2027 sponsor and supporter acknowledgements will be updated here as the event approaches. Watch this space.
Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting Nelson Tasman Hospice in providing specialist palliative care to our community.
Online Payments
Secure online payments will be available here soon. In the meantime, please contact us to make a donation.
Contact Us to DonateA receipt will be emailed to you. Dancing for a Cause Nelson Charitable Trust · Charity reg: CC57319
