David Remmerswaal – operations manager, Dubzz Digital Marketing
Harcourts Dancing with the Stars is an amazing event that Dubzz has sponsored and enjoyed attending the last two years. This year I'm looking forward to being part of the show to help fundraise for Hospice.
Couple 2:
Renee Morse
Renee Morse – PA and buyer's consultant, Harcourt's Rotorua
This is such a fun and exciting way to raise money for such an important cause and I would love to do my bit to contribute and raise awareness for the amazing work that Hospice does for our community.
This is something outside of my comfort zone but I look forward to the challenge, the experience and growth this opportunity has to offer.
Deep Thakur
Deep Kumar– chef/writer
I love doing things for the community which has always supported me and my endeavours. I've always loved dancing but have never had the chance to learn, so this is a great way to do something for our community and get out of my cooking comfort zone.
Couple 3:
Abbie Proudley
Abbie Proudley – banking adviser, BNZ
It really is a privilege to be invited to be a part of Harcourts Dancing with the Stars 2018. I'm looking forward to be able to contribute to such an incredible community event that raises a phenomenal amount of money for Rotorua Hospice. Totally excited to take on a new challenge and certainly don't underestimate the hard work ahead.
Ricky Brackfield
Ricky Brackfield – managing director, Rotorua Drycleaners and Apparelmaster
I've accepted the chance to take part this year because life is for living.
Kat Hicks – brand engagement manager, NZME Rotorua
Hospice has been a part of my life before and I'm sure it will be again. The support they give is tireless at a time when you quite possibly could be lost without their help. Being involved in this event is just a small way in which I can give back. Personally this is a wonderful way to step way outside my comfort zone and do something that terrifies me.
Michael Naera
Michael Naera – suicide prevention project leader, Te Runanga o Ngati Pikiao Trust
I got involved to be a role model to my mokopuna, plus I wanted to honour my mum who passed away of cancer in 2011. Hospice were there 24/7 for her and us, so I'm really grateful for what they have done and wanted to give back to them.
This is a great opportunity to do something for a fantastic cause and give back to the community while doing something I love. I have a sporadic history of dance - mostly when I was still at school with ballet, and then just bits and pieces over the years. The size of the challenge has only hit me, but I am also hugely looking forward to the experience.
Wetini Mitai-Ngatai
Weteni Mitai-Ngatai ONZM - kapa haka performer and tutor, businessman
I lost my first wife to cancer 11 years ago now, and we found Hospice to be an amazing support for us, and they continue to provide a great service. So it's a great cause to support. I also enjoy dancing, so I was happy to give this a go.
Couple 6:
Natasha Whitewood
Natasha Whitewood – Maori chef, business manager Ahu Boutique & Adriennne Whitewood
I'm passionate about many things but immediately kai, local business and people. I'm doing this to tautoko (support) my community and Hospice while of course having fun and hopefully shedding some pounds while I'm at it. Let's go Rotorua.
I'm dancing because I'm a pretty shy and awkward guy by default and I'm hoping getting out of my comfort zone will give me some confidence. But, the main reason we're all involved is to raise money for a fantastic cause.
Couple 7:
Monique Avery
Monique Avery – mountainbike champ, teacher
I watched a couple of years ago, and I thought it was so incredible, and thought to myself that anyone who turned down the chance to dance would be mad. I also tell my students to step outside and try something new, so I thought if I didn't do it, I wouldn't be a good role model.
Ricaia Warren
Ricaia Warren – personal trainer, Rotovegas Boxing and Fitness Gym
I made the conscious decision to participate this year in dedication of all those who've lost the fight and to those who won't quit the fight. Boxing boots off and dancing shoes on.
Couple 8:
Evelyn Falconer
Evelyn Falconer – singer, vocal coach
My reason for doing this is simple. Hospice cared for my mum eight years ago and my father last year. Their support of not just my parents but us as an entire family was wonderful. Being part of this event is a small way to thank them for the wonderful work they do.
Alex Wilson
Alex Wilson – chartered accountant, Deloitte
Rotorua Community Hospice has a very important role in providing comfort to our people and their whanau. Hospice has helped many of my whanau members during difficult times and there is no doubt there are whanau that will need this service going forward. This is a good cause, and I am more than happy to be a part of helping out.
My main reason for getting involved was because of the great cause that is Hospice. But my husband (Warren) danced last year and it highlighted what a great experience it was. And I wanted to get a bit outside my comfort zone too.
Mike Whyte
Mike Whyte – senior constable, Rotorua Police
I have spent the last 20 years policing the local community and this opportunity gives me a chance to be well outside my comfort for a great cause. Recently Hospice helped our family in my wife's grandmother's battle with cancer and this is a way I can help give back to them. It's also a way to promote the great work that Hospice does for the community.
I decided to take part because my family has a close friend who is currently under Hospice care. We also have family members who have been involved in the fundraiser both years and I have seen the benefits that can go to Hospice from this event.
Takeshi Endo
Takeshi Endo – student, Rotorua Boys' High School
As an international student, I'm part of the First XI football, Pasifika group, production, choir and Love Soup programme. I joined this for the experience and to challenge myself. I've now come to understand the amazing work Hospice does supporting others, so this is a great opportunity for me to be able to support it.
