25 Days for 25 Years - Tautoko mai, tautoko atu!

25 Days for 25 Years - Tautoko mai, tautoko atu!

For 25 years, Atamira has proudly stood at the forefront of Māori contemporary dance by providing the space, stage, and support to create, perform, and teach. Through creativity, endurance, and evolution, we've built a foundation grounded in cultural identity and artistic excellence. 

At the heart of it all are our artists. For our 25th birthday, we’re celebrating the incredible dancers and choreographers who have worked with us in 2025 through stories, reflection, and gratitude over 25 days.

But as the tides shift, so does the funding landscape. That’s why we’re calling on our wider whānau to stand with us. 

Will you support Atamira, to support our artists?

Atamira Dance Company is a leading force in Māori contemporary dance, fostering artistic excellence, nurturing talent, and creating transformative experiences that resonate globally. It uplifts, inspires, leads, and celebrates the richness of te ao Māori through performances, collaborations, and advocacy, honouring mātauranga Māori through storytelling that connects celestial wisdom with earthly expression.

The Kaitiaki of Atamira Dance Company:

Poari | Board of Trustees:  

• Dolina Wehipeihana (Co-Chair)
• Moana Nepia (Co-Chair)
• Puawai Cairns
• Natasha Pearce
• Mereana Beconcini 

Te Kāhui | The Team:  

• Bianca Hyslop (Kaihautū | Director)
• Marama Lloydd (Kaiwhakaputa Auaha | Creative Producer)
• Ashley M. David (Kaiwhakahaere | General Manager)
• Abbie Rogers (Kaiwhakahaere Tairanga, Kaiwhakahaere Ako | Marketing and Education)

We’re raising $12,500 to uplift and sustain artists.

Every dollar goes directly toward creating meaningful opportunities for our dancers, choreographers, and creative collaborators in 2026.

Your support could enable any of the following:

• 20 weeks of studio hire to create new work or remount existing repertoire
• 8 weeks of artist fees
• 5 weeks of a choreographer’s residency
• 25 school or community workshops

For 25 years, Atamira has led Māori contemporary dance, providing space and support for artists to create, perform, and teach. 

Over 25 days, we’re celebrating this milestone by sharing stories and gratitude for the dancers and choreographers who defined our work in 2025. 

We’re raising $12,500 to uplift and sustain our artists - supporting studio time, dancer and choreographer fees, and workshops.

This year, more than 2,500 people watched our performances. If each attendee donated $5, we would reach our goal. 

Each year, we sustain Māori contemporary dance with care and professionalism. Our independent artists thrive across the sector, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem that needs continued support. 

When you give to Atamira, you invest in the future of Māori contemporary dance, its artists, and the communities whose stories it shares.