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 comedy themes
Regional humour
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 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 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 has also written and directed the movie Bad Eggs.
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] James went on to gain his own self-titled show. His characters, along with John Clarke's Fred Dagg were, until very recently, to set the 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 who's 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]
Some more recent New Zealand comedians worthy of mention are:
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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