About

Mōhiohio

Two Aerial dancers in black clothing, covered with LED lights, in the air against a red background, in a tent. One is in a wheelchair, the other is not.Two Aerial dancers in black clothing, covered with LED lights, in the air against a red background, in a tent. One is in a wheelchair, the other is not.
Touch Compass is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading professional arts organisation whose work is disability-led. We deliver high-quality performances, inclusive education, and arts activations.
To support a stronger resilient arts sector and disability-conscious society we offer youth (tamariki/rangatahi) and adults (pakeke) community classes, school programmes and workshops, and pathways to professional development for disabled artists and arts practitioners, their allies, communities, and non-disabled people engaging in the performing arts through accessible creative expression.
Founded in 1997 by Catherine Chappell MNZM we continue the mission to serve and support access to the arts for disabled people and an opportunity for non-disabled people to grow their own awareness of lived experience.
Our People

Rerehua Aesthetics - We honour disability and its aesthetics as a powerful source of creativity and a specific way of navigating the world.

Matariki (2023)Matariki (2023)

Matariki (2023)

We are guided by our Five Pillars of Disability Consciousness

Nothing about us without us, led by us!

Our strategy

Kaupapa

Our Strategic Plan sets our strategy through to 2025, and is supported by our Three Strands of Strength:

  • Commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi (Partnership and Consultation, Participation, Protection)
  • Our Five Pillars of Disability Consciousness
  • Our role as a leading Aotearoa arts organisation (Creator, Curator, Collaborator, Connecter, Conduit)

Our strategy was built on a foundation of consultation with multiple stakeholders inside and outside of Touch Compass's organisation.

Download Our Strategic Plan

Our People

Tō tātou iwi

Alisha McLennan MarlerAlisha McLennan Marler

Alisha McLennan Marler

Kairuruku Tautoko Urunga - Access Inclusion and Outreach Coordinator

Allie FitzgeraldAllie Fitzgerald

Allie Fitzgerald

Te Poari Kaitiaki - Board of Trustees

Andrew McMillanAndrew McMillan

Andrew McMillan

Te Poari Kaitiaki - Board of Trustees

Anna TapineAnna Tapine

Anna Tapine

Kaikaute - Accountant

Caroline TateCaroline Tate

Caroline Tate

Te Poari Kaitiaki - Board of Trustees

Duncan ArmstrongDuncan Armstrong

Duncan Armstrong

Kaikanikani - Associate Dancer

Guy RyanGuy Ryan

Guy Ryan

Tiamana, Te Poari Kaitiaki - Chair, Board of Trustees

Jon Tamihere-KemeysJon Tamihere-Kemeys

Jon Tamihere-Kemeys

Kaiwhakahaere Matua - General Manager

Julie van RenenJulie van Renen

Julie van Renen

Kaiako Toi Toi, Kaikanikani - Tutor, Dancer

Linda Parker-WendtLinda Parker-Wendt

Linda Parker-Wendt

Te Poari Kaitiaki - Board of Trustees

Lusi FaivaLusi Faiva

Lusi Faiva

Te Rōpū Kaiarahi Toi, Kaikanikani - Artistic Direction Panel, Dancer

Rodney BellRodney Bell

Rodney Bell

Te Rōpū Kaiarahi Toi, Kaikanikani - Artistic Direction Panel, Dancer

Sierra DiproseSierra Diprose

Sierra Diprose

Kaikanikani - Associate Dancer

Sue CheesmanSue Cheesman

Sue Cheesman

Kaiako Toi Toi - Tutor

Suzanne CowanSuzanne Cowan

Suzanne Cowan

Te Rōpū Kaiarahi Toi, Kaikanikani - Artistic Direction Panel, Dancer

Vivian MedinaVivian Medina

Vivian Medina

Kairuruku Matauranga - Education Programme Development Lead

Touch Compass Logo

+64 9 600 1357

office@touchcompass.org.nz

2024 Copyright Touch Compass Dance Trust