Nutcracker Appeal
A New Vision for a Timeless Classic
Christmas 2025 will mark an extraordinary moment for the Royal New Zealand Ballet with the premiere of our new production of The Nutcracker. Created by RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall, the Ryman Healthcare Season of The Nutcracker will bring a uniquely Kiwi spirit to a timeless classic.
Audiences will be transported to the nostalgia of childhood holidays at the beach in Act I, before being carried in Act II to the snowy Southern Alps, where we encounter a fairytale Kingdom of the Sweets.
Central to bringing this magical tale to life are the spectacular new designs by acclaimed New Zealand designer Tracy Grant Lord. Known for her stunning work on A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Firebird, Tracy’s sets and costumes will capture the wonder, imagination, and joy at the heart of The Nutcracker.
Your Support Makes Dreams Come True
Our talented RNZB costume team is already hard at work, sourcing exquisite fabrics and developing detailed designs and patterns for over 100 costumes—including 40 intricate tutus, each requiring up to 120 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. The iconic Sugar Plum Fairy tutu alone, with nine layers of tulle, hand-dyed silk chiffon, and 600 sparkling crystals, exemplifies the detailed artistry going into each costume.
In total, The Nutcracker will require over 5,000 metres of fabric, 15,000 crystals, and 10,000 sequins, with fabric costs alone exceeding $60,000. Your donation will directly contribute to bringing these incredible costumes to life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Every Gift Matters
We need to raise $50,000 to complete this spectacular production.
Here’s some of what your gift can help to accomplish
$120 for one set (left and right paw!) of rodent claws
$350 for a snowflake crown
$600 for a flower headdress
$800 for the tulle and decoration for one snowflake tutu
$1,800 for the development and making of the Rat King mask
$3,500 for materials and making of a single flower tutu
Supporters who give $300 or more will receive special recognition in The Nutcracker season programme, and all donors will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, including an online studio rehearsal and an invitation to see the dancers take class on stage during the tour.
Contribute $3,500 or more to support a flower tutu and have your name acknowledged inside the costume – a lasting tribute to your generosity.
Whether The Nutcracker is already a beloved part of your own Christmas memories, or an opportunity to make new ones with the people you love, your generosity will help establish this Nutcracker as a cherished Christmas tradition for generations to come.
The Ryman Healthcare Season of The Nutcracker is touring across New Zealand 30 October – 20 December 2025.
Donate now
If you wish to donate by direct credit our bank account details are:
Royal New Zealand Ballet
Westpac Bank
03 0558 0162068 01
Please include these details:
Particulars: Full Name
Code: Your donor number (if known)
Reference: Nutcracker
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Isaacs, Philanthropy Manager
m: +64 (0)21 247 7744
We are grateful to our Principal Partner Ryman Healthcare and the supporters of our newly-formed Haythorne Circle for their generous investment in this production.
Our 2025 Nutcracker Appeal
Behind every glistening tutu, dazzling headpiece and the fearsome Rat King's striking new look is a team of dreamers - and this holiday season, they need your help to bring our new The Nutcracker to life! We're crafting a Nutcracker like no other - a classic story reimagined for audiences in Aotearoa. Where Clara's journey unfolds across the breathtaking landscapes of the place only we could call home - where pōhutukawa bloom by the sea and the alpine peaks are capped in snow.