Longtime creatives and husband and wife duo, Fleur de Thier and Dayle Hunt are beginning the new year with excitement. They are part of a new team running the Lyttleton Arts Factory – a not-for-profit arts organisation specialising in theatrical performance and education. We spoke to them about what’s on the cards for LAF in 2026.How would you describe what you and Fleur do?Fleur is a choreographer, theatre maker and tutor based in Ōtautahi for more than 30 years. Dayle is an ex-actor now Life Coach and Motivational Speaker.What’s happening with LAF?We’re stepping in to be a part of a new management team for the running of LAF, which includes industry people like Arran Eley, Shay Horay, David Ladderman, Tom Travella, and Pascal Ackermann. Our aim is to activate the space more, to celebrate artists in Port, in Ōtautahi and travelling NZ shows. LAF already has a thriving education programme and we want to grow that in order to further the Lyttelton Arts Factory Trusts ethos of nurturing local artists.What project have you worked on that you’re the most proud of?Hard to pinpoint it to one project but Fleur is all about collaboration with other artists and that is why we are super excited about joining the LAF team.What is essential for creatives to have in their life?Support – whether that’s moral, financial, or audience. Support of fellow performers. Equally important is a supportive venue that makes it easier to put on shows.What inspires you about Ōtautahi?The sense of community. If we talk about Lyttelton in particular, it is rich and full of a wide range of artists. All of whom support and care for each other. It’s resilient and innovative and we love living and creating in this beautiful city.
What piece of advice about your creative work has served you well?Learn to prioritise and make sure you are getting the balance right between paid work and passion projects.What’s the biggest misconception about your creative work?What people think Dance is. Especially in the way that people believe that it sits on certain body types and ages. The most annoying misconception would be that dance careers finish at 30.What Christchurch creatives do you most admire?So many, possibly too many to list. As mentioned earlier even just in the streets of Lyttelton you come singers, writers, visual artists, comedians, directors all of whom inspire us every day.What artwork/piece of music/performance has taken your breath away?‘The Curative’ performed in the old Court Theatre many years ago. Michael Parmenter’s ‘Jerusalem’.
What do you wish you’d have known about creative work when you were younger?Don’t judge yourself too harshly.If you could host a dinner party for people – dead or alive – who would be at your table and why?Alan Carr – because he’s hilarious. Kenneth Brannagh – because I love his work. Judi Dench – because she could read me the phonebook and I’d love it. Jennifer Saunders – because she’s super cool.Place you love best in Christchurch?LytteltonWhat’s the one thing you want people to know about LAF?We here to support artists. We want to grow the appeal of Lyttelton as a destination and a place to see great theatre, dance and music. Coming to Lyttelton to see a show at LAF is amazing especially if it’s paired with a drink and a nibble at one of the great local establishments.
