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>
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>
[[File:Billy T. James.jpg|alt=smiling face - short hair and moustache|thumb|[[Billy T. James]]]]
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]]''.
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]]''.
[[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]]''.
[[PamelaStephenson]] was born in New Zealand,madehernameinAustralia,wenttoBritainandstarred in the sketchcomedy''[[Not theNine O'ClockNews]]'' andcurrentlylivesinAmerica with herhusband [[BillyConnolly]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
[[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}}
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.
[[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''.{{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]] were, until very recently, to set the benchmark for New Zealand comedy.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
[[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]]''
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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]] who's 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>
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 worthyof mention are:
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>
*[[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'.
*[[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.
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*[[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''.
*[[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''.
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.
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