31/10/2024
📣 A Thank You Statement from The New Zealand Dance Festival Trust Board (NZDFT) 📣
Tempo Dance Festival Te Rerenga o Tere 2024 unfolded as a remarkable gathering of dance excellence and community, where audiences immersed themselves in over 20 captivating performances at Q Theatre, filling thousands of seats. Our Industry Masterclasses inspired passionate participation, while independent and student dancers gathered for transformative Community Days. Te Ao Matihiko Tempo Digital reached global audiences, with 18 dance films viewed across 10 countries. Our Public and Festival Hauora Programmes enriched the lives of so many from diverse backgrounds, capturing the festival’s inclusive wairua and profound reach.
First and foremost, we honour te whānau o Ngāti Whātua Orākei for bestowing the festival with a cloak of protection. From our morning blessing to the festival opening, your mana resonated throughout, bringing a sense of connection and guardianship felt deeply by all.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. 🖤❤️🖤
We extend our deepest gratitude to our festival strategic partners Creative New Zealand, Auckland Council, Foundation North, and The Lion Foundation for believing in the transformative power of dance. Your steadfast support is a privilege and honour we greatly appreciate, knowing it empowers us to bring this vision to life year after year.
To our valued festival partners The New Zealand Dance Company, Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival, Q Theatre, Wellesley Studios, Quest Auckland Apartments, Dot Dot Studio, Studio Butter, Go Media, and Asher Photography, it truly takes a village, and we are honoured to be the recipients of your unwavering support and commitment to excellence. Together, you have not only lifted this festival but also enriched the artistic landscape of Aotearoa, demonstrating a collective vision that brings dance and creativity to life.
A very special thanks goes to the artistic vision of Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and his team at The New Zealand Dance Company. Ngā mihi nui e te rangatira for breathing Whenua Wāhi into our lives. An absolute stellar festival programme that will be remembered by many far and wide. Your vision and contribution to dance across Aotearoa continues to uplift and inspire.
To our artists, dancers, innovators, film makers, and creatives, your work is the lifeblood of this festival! Through Whenua Wāhi, your brilliance has inspired countless people across generations. We encourage you to continue sharing your stories and artistry, which contribute immeasurably to the cultural fabric of Aotearoa.
Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou katoa! 🫶 ❤️ 🙌
Our respect and gratitude also go to Nick Tomlin and Spencer Earwaker of Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival for their masterful orchestration of the festival’s technical production, and to Megan Andrews for her generous manaakitanga shown to artists and guests behind the scenes. To each of you, we say thank you, thank you, thank you.
To the production and front-of-house crew at Q Theatre, your dedication, skill, and seamless coordination ensured every performance and special event was delivered with precision and care. You are the unsung heroes, bringing a touch of magic to every moment and crafting an experience of true excellence. Our deepest thanks to each of you.
To Melissa Fergusson and the Q Theatre marketing team, you took on the challenge of promoting the festival with such professionalism, grace, and a personal touch that truly resonated across the festival. Your commitment, patience, and creativity brought our vision to life. To each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you.
To the Tempo Whānau and our volunteers, your dedication, passion, and tireless energy brought this festival to life. You made every detail count and shaped a festival that resonates with our community. Our deepest thanks; this simply wouldn’t exist without you.
And to our audiences, we listened, we delivered, and we hope the festival offered you moments of connection, reflection, and self-actualisation. Without you, these stories would remain untold. For your support, for filling our seats and making the festival come alive, we say thank you.
Finally, we honour Aaron Huata, our Kaihautū Kaiwhakahaere, Festival Executive Lead, whose vision and guidance steered this waka to new horizons. Aaron brought together every person, every element, every dream, creating a journey of discovery and connection. His leadership and dedication have shaped this festival and set a course that will resonate for years. Aaron, we are profoundly grateful for your strength, wisdom, and vision.
Image credit: Asher Photography
(Left to Right)
Aaron Huata (Executive Lead)
Sarah Tahere (NZDFT)
Elisabeth Vaneveld (NZDFT — Chair)
Nancy Wijohn (NZDFT)
Richard Green (NZDFT)
