Dancers take the stage
Lauretta Haskell and Rhys Black are preparing to take the stage for the 2025 NBS Dancing for a Cause. Photos: Supplied.
Ten locals are preparing for a huge journey, training for the 2025 NBS Dancing for a Cause which will return to Trafalgar Centre in May next year. This week we introduce Rhys Black and Lauretta Haskell.
Rhys Black
I'm a migrant from Southland and made the journey up to the beautiful Nelson/Tasman area late in 2018 and have enjoyed calling this place home ever since. My background is in the forestry industry, however, I'm looking forward to branching out onto the dancefloor for the cause. My wife Hazel is a passionate dancer who has been a part of the Dancing for a Cause family since 2020. She has been competing and teaching dance for over 25 years and despite the impressive résumé and the continual questions from family and friends about how I should now be a good dancer, these feet still lack in the coordination department.
In the 2023 DFAC event, I had the 'pleasure' of being called out by Hazel's dance partner as one of his nominees, thanks Ryan Edwards. I'm always quick to put a hand up to help out, especially for a good cause, so I couldn't turn down the opportunity to showcase what these Southland Stumps can do, whilst doing my bit to help the fundraising campaign for Hospice.
I'm looking forward to the journey ahead and ask that everyone get in behind the contestants, to get as much fundraising as possible for Hospice, so they can continue providing their amazing services to those in need. And to Hazel, may the best Black win.
Lauretta Haskell
Ko Lauretta Haskell töku ingoa. Nō Motueka ahau. I am Deputy Principal at Motueka South School and I have worked in the education sector for 20 years - a career that is very rewarding and I'm incredibly passionate about. I am also joint owner of R&R Kayaks in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and I'm a māmā to two awesome tweens, Jett (12) and Monroe (10).
Our kids are very active, playing many sports each season and I love being on the sideline as their biggest cheerleader! Whānau is everything to me and ours also consists of two Labradors and two cats.
I love to dance. However, a dancer I am not! I thrive on challenges and this is certainly putting me well outside of my comfort zone! I'm super excited (and a whole lot nervous) but also really honoured to be chosen as a contestant for Dancing for a Cause 2025.
My sister, Nicci, passed away 11 years ago from breast cancer at the young age of 37. Our families will be eternally grateful for the support and care that Nelson Tasman Hospice gave to Nicci throughout her cancer journey. I cannot think of a better way to honour Nicci's memory than to get out on the dance floor and work hard to raise money for this invaluable resource that helps so many!