Harcourts Dancing for Hospice

18/06/2026

It's National Volunteering Week 🙂

Volunteering to learn to dance with a complete stranger and performing in front of a huge audience after only 15 weeks of practice would be a daunting prospect for many people, but our amazing Harcourts Dancing for Hospice dancers are rising to the challenge beautifully!

They are putting in hours of hard mahi practicing so they can put on a show to remember on 19 September 💃🕺

A huge thank you to our dancers and their families for giving us the gift of their time ❤

12/06/2026

Were your guesses correct? 👀

Our 2026 dancers all revealed!

Harcourts Rotorua

Ten dancing couples will take the stage on September 19.

11/06/2026

👀 Any guesses?

Behind these question marks are 20 Rotorua locals who have agreed to step well outside their comfort zones and learn to dance for Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2026.

This year's group includes business owners, community leaders, volunteers, professionals, and some fantastic young people who are already making their mark in our community.

Some of them might be exactly who you'd expect. Others might surprise you.

Who do you think has signed up?

Pop your guesses in the comments below and see how many you can get right.

We'll be revealing our 2026 dancers over the weekend as we celebrate the 10th year of Harcourts Dancing for Hospice.

💙 Every dancer is giving their time, energy and courage to help raise funds for Rotorua Community Hospice, so we're pretty excited to finally introduce them.

17/05/2026

As Hospice Awareness Week comes to a close, we’re sharing one final story from behind Harcourts Dancing for Hospice — and another reminder of the very real reasons people choose to step onto the dance floor for Rotorua Community Hospice.

When asked what he would say to someone who doesn’t know much about Hospice, 2022 dancer Arash Alaeinia spoke about the importance of a compassionate society — one that looks after people receiving palliative care, while also supporting the families walking alongside them.

And when asked what he would say to someone thinking about dancing for Hospice this year? His answer was simple:

“Just do it.”

Because behind every step is a reason Hospice matters.

15/05/2026

As part of Hospice Awareness Week, we’re continuing to share the stories behind Harcourts Dancing for Hospice — and the personal reasons people choose to step onto the dance floor for Rotorua Community Hospice.

Melanie Short danced for Hospice in 2021 after seeing firsthand the care and support Hospice provided to two of her family members through Hospices in the Manawatū and Waikato regions.

Reflecting on her Dancing for Hospice experience, Melanie says one of the most memorable moments was stepping onto the stage on show night and realising she wasn’t nervous at all. The confidence she had in both her own preparation and her dance partner meant she was able to be present and enjoy every moment of the performance.

And for anyone thinking about dancing for Hospice in the future? Melanie’s advice is simple:

“Get into it.”

Because behind every step is a reason Hospice matters.

14/05/2026

As part of Hospice Awareness Week, we’re sharing the stories behind Harcourts Dancing for Hospice — because while the event is known for the entertainment and excitement, the reason people step onto the dance floor is often deeply personal.

Thomas Falconer danced for Hospice in 2019 and says he was enthusiastic about being involved from the very beginning. But his reason for dancing came from seeing firsthand the support Hospice provided his family.

Two of Thomas’ grandparents were cared for by Hospice, and one memory in particular has stayed with him. While caring for his grandfather on his own, Thomas found himself needing help — and recalls one of Rotorua Community Hospice’s clinical team members stepping in and supporting him through the moment with compassion and care.

When it came to dancing itself, Thomas says nothing could compare to the feeling of stepping onto the stage on show night. In fact, he describes it as the biggest adrenaline rush he’s ever experienced — even more than being behind the wheel of a high-horsepower drift car.

Because behind every step is a reason Hospice matters.

12/05/2026

As we mark Hospice Awareness Week, we’re sharing some of the stories behind Harcourts Dancing for Hospice — an event that may be known as one of Rotorua’s most glamorous nights out, but at its heart exists to raise vital funds and awareness for Rotorua Community Hospice.

In 2023, Katie Hickey took to the dance floor for Hospice. Her connection to the event already ran deep — her husband, Paul Hickey, has been involved with Harcourts Dancing for Hospice since its inception, both as a dancer and as MC.

But dancing for Hospice became even more personal for Katie after her grandfather was cared for by Hospice before he died in April that same year.

When reflecting on her Dancing for Hospice journey, Katie says one of her favourite moments was the day of the show itself — seeing everyone come together and sharing the experience.

Because behind every step is a reason Hospice matters.

11/05/2026

This week is Hospice Awareness Week — and while Harcourts Dancing for Hospice is known as one of Rotorua’s most glamorous nights out, the event exists to raise vital funds and awareness for Rotorua Community Hospice.

In 2022, Arash Alaeinia danced for Hospice. While he is community-minded in everyday life, dancing for Hospice carried a much deeper meaning.

Arash’s mum was cared for by Hospice, and he wanted to give back to the organisation that supported him and his family during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Because behind every step is a reason Hospice matters.

30/01/2026

Registrations of interest from people 'keen to dance' are now open. 💃🕺

29/01/2026

💃🕺 Harcourts Dancing for Hospice is BACK! 🕺💃

We’re thrilled to announce that Harcourts Dancing for Hospice returns on Saturday, 19 September 2026!

This much‑loved event is all about everyday people stepping out of their comfort zones, learning something new, and having fun while supporting Rotorua Hospice. If you’ve ever thought “I could give that a go”, this is your moment!

✨ Registrations are now open ✨
To register your interest, email us at 📧 [email protected]

Let’s make 2026 our biggest and best year yet 💙