Multidisciplinary Artist | Aerialist | Producer | Project Manager | Marketing Specialist
Fakalofa lahi atu, Kia Ora, and Hello! I’m Josie, a proud Niuean and NZ European multidisciplinary artist, cultural practitioner, and producer working at the intersection of performance, production, and business strategy.
I have performed on world-class stages such as the Sydney Opera House, Woodford Folk Festival, Disneyland, and UTNT Festival, fusing my passion for storytelling with aerial arts, contortion, and dance. My artistic journey has taken me across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, where I have collaborated with diverse creative communities and organisations.
Beyond the stage, I work as a contractor in project management, marketing, and production, partnering with companies such as Comcast, EMF, and Rako Pasefika to bring large-scale creative projects to life. Holding conjoint degrees in Theatre & Dance and Commerce (Marketing, Innovation & Entrepreneurship), I merge artistic innovation with strategic business expertise, allowing me to operate fluidly between the entertainment and corporate sectors.
As an Associate Producer for Rako Pasefika’s participation in multiple projects including the Asia Pacific Dance Festival 2025, International Indigenous Music Summit and Cheonan Korean Festival. I am committed to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and developing impactful creative works. Passionate about working across all artistic disciplines, I welcome opportunities to collaborate, create, and explore new possibilities within the performing arts and beyond.
✨ Let’s connect!
Josephine "Josie" Bonnington-Mailisi is a Niuean and NZ European multidisciplinary artist, producer, and business strategist working across the performing arts and corporate sectors. As a dancer, aerialist, and creative director, she has performed internationally at venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Woodford Folk Festival, and UTNT Festival.
Josie also works as a project manager and marketing specialist, bringing creative and strategic expertise to large-scale productions and business initiatives. She has collaborated with organisations such as Comcast, EMF, and Rako Pasefika, bridging cultural storytelling with innovative production strategies.
She holds conjoint degrees in Theatre & Dance and Commerce (Marketing, Innovation & Entrepreneurship), equipping her with the skills to merge business strategy with artistic innovation. As an Associate Producer for Rako Pasefika’s Asia Pacific Dance Festival 2025 project, Josie is committed to developing impactful creative works. She is excited to connect with fellow artists, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities for collaboration at PANNZ.
✨ Let’s connect! @justdancejosie
Organisation/Company
Name: RAKO Pasefika
My Role: Associate Producer and Artist (Dancer, Aerialist)
Josephine "Josie" Bonnington-Mailisi is a Niuean and NZ European multidisciplinary artist, producer, and business strategist working at the intersection of performance and production. As a dancer, aerialist, and creative director, she has performed internationally at venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Woodford Folk Festival, Disneyland, and UTNT Festival, blending cultural storytelling with contemporary artistry.
Beyond the stage, Josie works as a project manager and marketing specialist, collaborating with companies such as Comcast, EMF, and Rako Pasefika to bring large-scale creative projects to life. Holding conjoint degrees in Theatre & Dance and Commerce (Marketing, Innovation & Entrepreneurship), she merges artistic innovation with strategic business expertise.
As an Associate Producer for Rako Pasefika, she is dedicated to developing impactful creative works including producing works for the Asia Pacific Dance Festival, Indigenous International Music Summit and more. Josie looks forward to connecting with fellow artists, sharing ideas, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration at PANNZ.
✨ Let’s connect!
Iwi affiliation
Niuean (Toi & Mutalau) | NZ European (Afakasi – Ancestry tracing to Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, with ongoing discovery of heritage).
Rohe
I am currently based in the beautiful city of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of living and working internationally, calling Australia (Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane) and the United States (New York, Austin) home at different times. These experiences have enriched my perspective, allowing me to learn from diverse cultures, artistic communities, and creative industries around the world.
Now back in Aotearoa, I carry these global influences with me, weaving them into my work and connections within the local and international arts landscape.
How I got where I am today
My journey in the arts began at the age of three, sparking a lifelong passion for movement, storytelling, and creative expression. Growing up as a dancer, I later expanded into aerial arts, contortion, and choreography, which led me to perform on international stages such as the Sydney Opera House, Woodford Folk Festival, and Disneyland.
Alongside my performance career, I pursued a strong foundation in business, completing conjoint degrees in Theatre & Dance and Commerce (Marketing, Innovation & Entrepreneurship). This unique combination of artistic and strategic expertise has allowed me to navigate both the entertainment and corporate worlds. My experience spans from project management and marketing to production and performance, working with companies such as Comcast, EMF, and Rako Pasefika. Now, as an Associate Producer for Rako Pasefika’s participation in the Asia Pacific Dance Festival 2025, I am committed to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and creating meaningful artistic experiences.
Whānau
I come from a proud lineage of Niuean and NZ European heritage, with roots in the villages of Toi and Mutalau in Niue, and ancestry tracing back to Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. My family has always been my foundation, supporting my artistic and professional journey with unwavering love and encouragement. Beyond blood ties, my whānau extends to the creative communities I have been part of around the world—mentors, collaborators, and fellow artists who have shaped my path. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, I stand alongside a diverse network of people who inspire me to keep pushing boundaries, sharing stories, and uplifting others through my work.
What grounds me?
I am grounded by my family, my faith, my performance, and my craft. These pillars provide me with purpose, inspiration, and the drive to continue creating. Swimming is my sanctuary—a place of pure isolation, free from distractions, where my imagination is given space to roam. The calming feeling of the water allows me to choreograph, conceptualise performances, and dream up new creative works. It is both a meditative practice and a creative catalyst, connecting my body and mind in a way that fuels my artistry. Whether I am in the studio, on stage, or in the water, I find balance in movement, storytelling, and the deep connection to the art I create.
