'''New Zealand humour''' bears some similarities to the body of [[humour]] of many other [[English language|English-speaking]] countries. There are, however, several regional differences.
'''New Zealand humour''' bears some similarities to the body of [[humour]] of many other [[English language|English-speaking]] countries. There are, however, several regional differences.
== The New Zealand experience ==
== New Zealand comedy themes ==
New Zealand is a country that is isolated from much of the rest of the world geographically, culturally, socially and gastronomically. New Zealanders are predominantly of European ancestry, although there exists a notable number of Asians, and Polynesians including indigenous Māori. It is perhaps not surprising that these two situations lead to a humour that often has as a basis the newcomer trying to assimilate themselves with the new country. The intermingled strands of [[Māori people|Māori]], British, mainland European, Polynesian, Indian and Asian that have made the country their home each look at the land and each other in a different way, and these differences are often the focal point of humour. Comedians from minority groups (such as [[Raybon Kan]] and [[Jacob Rajan]]) often use these differences in their routines.
New Zealand's remote and agricultural nature is also a regular comedy catalyst, especially the well-known ratio between people and sheep in the country. The pioneering, backwoods spirit is also commonly used in comedy, as in the stereotypical farmer, [[Fred Dagg]],<ref>[http://www.listener.co.nz/issue/3612/features/13727/wit_humour.html Wit & humour], John Clarke, NZ Listener, 1–7 August 2009</ref> and the yarns spun by New Zealand writer [[Barry Crump]]. Urban/suburban themes were explored by [[Ginette McDonald]] with her Lynn of Tawa persona.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/9769414/The-woman-behind-Lynn-of-Tawa|title=The woman behind Lynn of Tawa|author=Amy Jackman|date=2014-02-28|publisher=The Wellingtonian}}</ref>
New Zealand's remote and agricultural nature is a regular comedy catalyst as seen in the character, the stereotypical farmer, [[Fred Dagg]],<ref>[http://www.listener.co.nz/issue/3612/features/13727/wit_humour.html Wit & humour], John Clarke, NZ Listener, 1–7 August 2009</ref> and also in the work of writer [[Barry Crump]].
[[Wellington]] has jokes about being windy including the Wellington Blown Away sign on the hill by the airport.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2012 |title=Finally, Wellington gets the sign |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7361432/Finally-Wellington-gets-the-sign}}</ref> As the nation's capital city, political humour is also common. Notable comedy shows with politics as a central theme have included ''[[Gliding On]]'' by [[Roger Hall (playwright)|Roger Hall]], ''Public Eye'', ''Spin Doctors'', and ''[[Facelift (TV series)|Facelift]]''.
Australiansarethebutt of [[Kiwi (people)|Kiwi]] humour (and vice versa) — even at the highest diplomatic level. During the 1980s, then–[[Prime Minister of New Zealand]] [[Rob Muldoon]] wasasked about the increasing [[Emigration|exodus]] of New Zealanders leaving the country to work in Australia. His comment was thatbydoingso,theywereraising the average [[IQ]] of both countries.<ref>[http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/kiwis-overseas/page-4 "Migration to Australia"], Te Ara</ref><ref>[http://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/245186/ditching-big-brother-thing "Ditchingthebigbrotherthing"],BruceMunro, 10 Feb 2013, ODT</ref> The joke derives from the [[Will Rogers phenomenon]].
Suburban themes were explored by [[Ginette McDonald]] with her Lynn of [[Tawa, New Zealand|Tawa]] persona.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/9769414/The-woman-behind-Lynn-of-Tawa|title=The woman behind Lynn of Tawa|author=Amy Jackman|date=2014-02-28|publisher=The Wellingtonian}}</ref>
In general terms, Australians are stereotyped in New Zealand humour as being brash, boorish and lazy. New Zealanders, in return, are seen by Australians as being behind the times and mocked as "South Seas Poms"{{citation needed|date=December 2012}} on account of their supposedly closer ties with Britain ('[[Alternative names for the British#Pommy|Pom]]' is a slang word for 'British person', which is used by New Zealanders and Australians).
A famous statement by the [[Prime Minister of New Zealand]] [[Rob Muldoon]] in the 1980s commenting about the increasing [[Emigration|exodus]] of New Zealanders leaving the country to work in [[Australia]] was, "New Zealanders who leave for Australia raise the IQ of both countries."<ref>[http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/kiwis-overseas/page-4 "Migration to Australia"], Te Ara</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Munro |first=Bruce |date=2013-02-12 |title=Ditching the big brother thing |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/ditching-big-brother-thing |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Otago Daily Times Online News |language=en}}</ref>
There are a large number of (mainly crude) sheep jokes. As befitting the trans-Tasman rivalry, [[Australia]]ns tell said jokes about New Zealanders, and New Zealanders tell them about Australians. In the UK on the other hand sheep jokes are usually reserved for the [[Welsh People|Welsh]], or within Scotland in reference to people from [[Aberdeen]].
Some sheep jokes also take differences in the accent into account. In one example, a farmer who is having unnatural relations with a sheep is asked if he should rather be ''shearing'' the sheep, to which he replies "I'm not ' ''s-h-e-a-r-i-n-g'' ' this sheep with anyone!" Here ''[[Sheep shearer|shearing]]'' is taken have the same pronunciation as ''sharing'', as it does in [[New Zealand English]].
Other sheep jokes (or "ewe-phemisms") include puns on song titles which contain the word ''ewe''. For example, a performing band may announce they are playing the song "[[There Will Never Be Another You]]", and follow up by saying that it is particularly bad news for any Australians in the audience.
Some of New Zealand's best known comedians spent a large portion of their careers in Australia. This included [[John Clarke (satirist)|John Clarke]], known to New Zealanders for his character [[Fred Dagg]], a stereotypical farmer played with precision and style. Clarke's wit later allowed him to extend his repertoire to a series of biting [[satire]]s, particularly of politicians. He also found an outlet in television series such as ''[[The Games (television)|The Games]]'' and films such as ''[[Death in Brunswick]]''.
Other examples include [[Tony Martin (comedian)|Tony Martin]] of 1980s sketch show ''[[The D-Generation]]'' fame. Three compilations of the Australian national radio program ''[[Martin/Molloy]]'' earned him [[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]] awards. He also wrote and directed the movie ''[[Bad Eggs]]''.
While other people make jokes about New Zealanders and sheep, New Zealanders themselves are not averse to a bit of sheep humour. In mid-2000, [[Grant Gillon]], then a New Zealand [[Member of Parliament]], caused controversy when he asked the following question during a debate on genetic engineering:
<blockquote>
"I want to ask the minister whether, no pun intended, it's appropriate in this case for a woman's body parts to be inserted into a sheep when that has normally been the domain of Tory males?"<ref name="NZ_Herald_143028">{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=143028 |title=MP's sheep joke sparks uproar in Parliament |date=5 July 2000 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |accessdate=30 October 2011}}</ref>
</blockquote>
Commonly used insults that Australians use are the terms "[[Sheep-shagger]]" & "Ram-Rooter".{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}
===Accents===
The difference between the accents of the two countries is a constant source of amusement. New Zealanders and Australians gain a great deal of enjoyment out of the perceived similarity between the others' pronunciation of the words 'six' and 'sex'.
New Zealanders also often mock Australians by speaking the Australian accent in a stereotypically [[Steve Irwin]] fashion.
Australians also often poke fun at New Zealanders' pronunciation of the words "fish and chips" becoming "fush en chups".
Many regional stereotypes have arisen over the years and jokes are told about other regions based on these stereotypes.
=== Auckland ===
[[Auckland]] is New Zealand's largest city and Aucklanders are regarded by many as boorish and insular. Aucklanders are often referred to as [[JAFA]]s or "Just Another Fucking Aucklander" and jokes are made about their out-of-touch, soft, city lifestyle and [[Nouveau riche]] practices, such as inappropriate use of [[Mitsubishi Pajero|Pajeros]] and other [[Sport utility vehicle|4x4s]] exclusively on city streets. This tendency is not helped by the perception of Aucklanders not believing that civilization exists south of the [[Bombay Hills]].{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}{{POV statement|date=December 2012}}
During and after the [[1998 Auckland power crisis]] there were many jokes made about it:
* Q: If there are power shortages, which will you keep running, the [[cappuccino]] machine or the [[air conditioner]]?<br />A: Both.
* Q: What did Aucklanders use before they had candles?<br />A: Electricity.
=== Wellington ===
[[Wellington]], NZ's capital city, is in the [[Roaring Forties]] and has geography that intensifies the effects of the prevailing winds leading to its nickname "Windy Wellington". Other New Zealanders making jokes about Wellington concentrate on this aspect.
Wellingtonians make jokes about the wind too, with one example being the Wellington Blown Away sign on the hill by the airport.<ref>http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7361432/Finally-Wellington-gets-the-sign</ref>
Some of New Zealand's best known comedians spent a large portion of their careers in Australia. This included [[John Clarke (satirist)|John Clarke]], known to New Zealanders as [[Fred Dagg]], who played the stereotypical farmer with precision and style. His wit later allowed him to extend his repertoire to a series of biting [[satire]]s, particularly of politicians. He also found an outlet in television series such as ''[[The Games (television)|The Games]]'' and films such as ''[[Death In Brunswick]]''.
[[Pamela Stephenson]] was born in New Zealand, made her name in Australia, went to Britain and starred in the sketch comedy ''[[Not the Nine O'Clock News]]'', and currently lives in America with her husband [[Billy Connolly]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
Other examples include [[Tony Martin (comedian)|Tony Martin]] of 1980s sketch show, ''[[The D-Generation]]'' fame. Three compilations of the Australian national radio program ''[[Martin/Molloy]]'' earned him [[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]] awards. He has also written and directed the movie ''[[Bad Eggs]]''.
[[Billy T. James]] dominated New Zealand comedy through the 1980s. His first major role was the lead in [[TVNZ]]'s ''Radio Times''.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} James went on to gain his own self-titled show. His characters, along with [[John Clarke (satirist)|John Clarke]]'s [[Fred Dagg]] set a benchmark for New Zealand comedy.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
[[Pamela Stephenson]] was born in New Zealand, made her name in Australia, went to Britain and starred in the sketch comedy ''[[Not the Nine O'Clock News]]'' and currently lives in America with her husband [[Billy Connolly]].
At the annual [[New Zealand International Comedy Festival]], the [[Fred Award]] is presented to the best comedy show of the year, and the [[Billy T Award]] is given to the best up-and-coming comedian.
However it was [[Billy T James]] who was to dominate New Zealand comedy through the 1980s. His first major role being the lead in [[TVNZ]]'s ''Radio Times''. James went on to gain his own self-titled show. Loved and hated for his irreverent portrayal of Maori, his characters, along with [[John Clarke (satirist)|John Clarke]]'s [[Fred Dagg]] were, until very recently, to set the benchmark for New Zealand comedy.
[[Alan Brough]] appeared on ''[[Spicks and Specks (TV series)|Spicks and Specks]]'' as a writer and team captain. In 2004 he was one third of the radio show ''[[Tough Love with Mick Molloy]]''. He has also appeared in several movies such as ''[[Bad Eggs]]''
[[Alan Brough]] appeared on ''[[Spicks and Specks (TV series)|Spicks and Specks]]'' as a writer and team captain. In 2004 he was one third of the radio show ''[[Tough Love with Mick Molloy]]''. He has also appeared in several movies such as ''[[Bad Eggs]]''
Line 72:
Line 39:
One of New Zealand film director [[Peter Jackson]]'s first films was ''[[Meet the Feebles]]'', a riotous sexual puppet romp.
One of New Zealand film director [[Peter Jackson]]'s first films was ''[[Meet the Feebles]]'', a riotous sexual puppet romp.
Pasifika artists known for the comedy work include the [[Naked Samoans]], their first stage production in 1998 was ''Naked Samoans Talk about Their Knives.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purcell |first=Charles |date=2007-11-02 |title=Naked Samoans Go Home |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/naked-samoans-go-home-20071102-gdrhwc.html |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> They were involved the film ''[[Sione's Wedding]],'' and the TV cartoon series [[bro'Town]]. ''Sione's Wedding'' was the most commercially-successful New Zealand comedy until the release of [[Taika Waititi|Taika Waititi's]] [[Boy (2010 film)|''Boy'' (2010)]]''.''<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Sione's Wedding {{!}} Film |url=https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/siones-wedding-2006/overview?collection=pacific |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=NZ On Screen |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Oscar Kightley |url=https://www.nzonscreen.com/profile/oscar-kightley/biography |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=NZ On Screen |language=en-NZ}}</ref> [[Tofiga Fepulea'i]] and [[Eteuati Ete]] made up the duo the [[Laughing Samoans]] who first performed in 2003 and have a three-part TV show called ''Laughing Samoans at Large'' (2010)''.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laughing Samoans (Comedy duo) |url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/30110024 |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=National Library NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Laughing Samoans at Large - First Episode {{!}} Television |url=https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/laughing-samoans-at-large-episode-one-2009 |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=NZ On Screen |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
Some more recent New Zealand comedians worthy of mention are:
*[[Rhys Darby]], standup comedian most notorious for his portrayal of [[Flight of the Conchords]] manager 'Murray'.
Other New Zealand comedians include:
*[[File:Rose Matafeo during an interview, June 2021.png|alt=smiling headshot of a women with head tilted and very curly brown hair|thumb|[[Rose Matafeo]]]][[Rose Matafeo]], 2018 winner of the top comedy award at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Rose Matafeo {{!}} NZ On Screen |url=https://www.nzonscreen.com/profile/rose-matafeo/biography |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=www.nzonscreen.com |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Rhys Darby]], stand-up comedian most notorious for his portrayal of [[Flight of the Conchords]] manager 'Murray'.
*[[Raybon Kan]], former journalist and lawyer turned comedian.
*[[Raybon Kan]], former journalist and lawyer turned comedian.
*[[Cal Wilson]], appearing on ''[[Thank God You're Here]]'' several times and performing at the [[Melbourne International Comedy Festival]] numerous times. Her career in Australia extended to a regular drive-time radio show and weekly coverage of ''[[Australian Idol]]''.
*[[Cal Wilson]], appearing on ''[[Thank God You're Here]]'' several times and performing at the [[Melbourne International Comedy Festival]] numerous times. Her career in Australia extended to a regular drive-time radio show and weekly coverage of ''[[Australian Idol]]''.
*[[Bret McKenzie]] and [[Jemaine Clement]] form the partnership [[Flight of the Conchords]], their work including the [[Flight of the Conchords (TV series)|HBO television series]], which followed "the trials and tribulations of a twoman, digi-folk band from New Zealand as they try to make a name for themselves in their adopted home of New York City".
*[[File:Flight of the Conchords shot by Kris Krug.jpg|alt=Two people with white comedy space suit costumes ant include a square tv sort of masks on stage in front of instruments and microphones|thumb|[[Flight of the Conchords]] at the Vogue in 2009]][[Bret McKenzie]] and [[Jemaine Clement]] form the partnership [[Flight of the Conchords]], their work including the [[Flight of the Conchords (TV series)|HBO television series]], which followed "the trials and tribulations of a two-man, digi-folk band from New Zealand as they try to make a name for themselves in their adopted home of New York City".
*[[Taika Waititi]] (also known as [[Taika Cohen]]), Academy Award nominated film director and stand-up comedian.
*[[Taika Waititi]] (also known as [[Taika Cohen]]), Academy Award nominated film director and stand-up comedian.
*[[Jarred Christmas]] is an ex-pat New Zealand comic, who makes his living in the United Kingdom. He does much work with the BBC, and won the Chortle comedy award for Best Compere.
*[[Jarred Christmas]] is an ex-pat New Zealand comic, who makes his living in the United Kingdom. He does much work with the BBC, and won the Chortle comedy award for Best Compere.
*[[Madeleine Sami]] is a Fijian Indian/Irish comedian from Auckland. She is best known for the TV series ''[[Super City (tv series)|Super City]]'' and performing in the play ''No2''.
*[[File:Jools and Lynda Topp DNZM investiture.jpg|alt=three people in formal clothes pose for the camera|thumb|Jools and Lynda Topp DNZM investiture 2018]][[Madeleine Sami]] is a Fijian Indian/Irish comedian from Auckland. She is best known for the TV series ''[[Super City (tv series)|Super City]]'' and performing in the play ''No2''.
*''[[Forgotten Silver]]'' (1995)<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/forgotten-silver-1995| title = Forgotten Silver {{!}} Television {{!}} NZ On Screen}} </ref>
*''[[The Price of Milk]]'' (2000)
*''[[The Price of Milk]]'' (2000)
*''[[Scarfies]]'' (2001)
*''[[Scarfies]]'' (2001)
Line 101:
Line 72:
*''[[Boy (2010 film)|Boy]]'' (2010)
*''[[Boy (2010 film)|Boy]]'' (2010)
*''[[Sione's 2: Unfinished Business]]'' (2012)
*''[[Sione's 2: Unfinished Business]]'' (2012)
*''[[Two Little Boys (film)]]'' (2012)
*''[[Two Little Boys (film)|Two Little Boys]]'' (2012)
*''[[What We Do in the Shadows]]'' (2014)
*''[[What We Do in the Shadows]]'' (2014)
*''[[Hunt for the Wilderpeople]]'' (2016)
*''[[Hunt for the Wilderpeople]]'' (2016)
*''[[The Breaker Upperers]]'' (2018)
== Cartoons==
== Cartoons==
Line 110:
Line 82:
*''[[Bogor (cartoon)|Bogor]]''
*''[[Bogor (cartoon)|Bogor]]''
*''[[Antics (cartoon)|Antics]]''
*''[[Antics (cartoon)|Antics]]''
*''[[bro'Town]]''
== Comedy television ==
== Comedy television ==
Line 115:
Line 88:
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[7 Days (New Zealand)|7 Days]]''
*''[[7 Days (New Zealand)|7 Days]]''
*''[[A Week Of It]]''
*''[[A Week of It]]''
*''[[Back OfThe Y Masterpiece Television|Back OfThe Y]]''
*''[[Back of the Y Masterpiece Television|Back of the Y]]''
*''[[Best Bits (New Zealand TV series)|Best Bits]]''
*''[[Best Bits (New Zealand TV series)|Best Bits]]''
*''[[The Billy T James Show]]''
*''[[The Billy T James Show]]''
*''[[Bro'Town]]''
*''[[Bro'Town]]''
*''[[Eating Media Lunch]]''
*''[[Eating Media Lunch]]''
*''Facelift''<ref name="TVNZ_431339">{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tvone_story_skin/431339 |title=About The Show |work=[[Television New Zealand]] |accessdate=30 October 2011}}</ref>
*''[[Facelift (TV series)|Facelift]]''<ref name="TVNZ_431339">{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tvone_story_skin/431339 |title=About The Show |work=[[Television New Zealand]] |accessdate=30 October 2011}}</ref>
*''[[Flight of the Conchords (TV series)|Flight of the Conchords]]''
*''[[Flight of the Conchords (TV series)|Flight of the Conchords]]''
New Zealand humour bears some similarities to the body of humour of many other English-speaking countries. There are, however, several regional differences.
New Zealand's remote and agricultural nature is a regular comedy catalyst as seen in the character, the stereotypical farmer, Fred Dagg,[1] and also in the work of writer Barry Crump.
Wellington has jokes about being windy including the Wellington Blown Away sign on the hill by the airport.[2] As the nation's capital city, political humour is also common. Notable comedy shows with politics as a central theme have included Gliding On by Roger Hall, Public Eye, Spin Doctors, and Facelift.
A famous statement by the Prime Minister of New ZealandRob Muldoon in the 1980s commenting about the increasing exodus of New Zealanders leaving the country to work in Australia was, "New Zealanders who leave for Australia raise the IQ of both countries."[4][5]
Some of New Zealand's best known comedians spent a large portion of their careers in Australia. This included John Clarke, known to New Zealanders for his character Fred Dagg, a stereotypical farmer played with precision and style. Clarke's wit later allowed him to extend his repertoire to a series of biting satires, particularly of politicians. He also found an outlet in television series such as The Games and films such as Death in Brunswick.
Other examples include Tony Martin of 1980s sketch show The D-Generation fame. Three compilations of the Australian national radio program Martin/Molloy earned him ARIA awards. He also wrote and directed the movie Bad Eggs.
Billy T. James dominated New Zealand comedy through the 1980s. His first major role was the lead in TVNZ's Radio Times.[citation needed] James went on to gain his own self-titled show. His characters, along with John Clarke's Fred Dagg set a benchmark for New Zealand comedy.[citation needed]
For several years during the 1970s and 1980s, New Zealand television featured a satirical send-up of current affairs entitled A Week of It. This series, and particularly its two main stars, David McPhail and Jon Gadsby, became for several years a mainstay of New Zealand comedy.
Pasifika artists known for the comedy work include the Naked Samoans, their first stage production in 1998 was Naked Samoans Talk about Their Knives.[6] They were involved the film Sione's Wedding, and the TV cartoon series bro'Town. Sione's Wedding was the most commercially-successful New Zealand comedy until the release of Taika Waititi'sBoy (2010).[7][8]Tofiga Fepulea'i and Eteuati Ete made up the duo the Laughing Samoans who first performed in 2003 and have a three-part TV show called Laughing Samoans at Large (2010).[9][10]
Taika Waititi (also known as Taika Cohen), Academy Award nominated film director and stand-up comedian.
Jarred Christmas is an ex-pat New Zealand comic, who makes his living in the United Kingdom. He does much work with the BBC, and won the Chortle comedy award for Best Compere.
Jools and Lynda Topp DNZM investiture 2018Madeleine Sami is a Fijian Indian/Irish comedian from Auckland. She is best known for the TV series Super City and performing in the play No2.
.png)
.jpg)
