New Zealand, the land of kiwis, hobbits, and the All Blacks, is not just famous for its stunning landscapes and adrenaline-pumping adventures. This small but mighty nation has also gifted the world with a roster of writers who have elevated the art of comedy to new heights.
From the deadpan delivery of John Clarke to the biting satire of Tom Scott, New Zealand writers have a unique brand of humor that is as sharp as a silver fern and as refreshing as a sip of L&P. So, if you’re ready to discover some of the most hilarious wordsmiths from the Land of the Long White Cloud, grab a meat pie, settle in, and get ready to laugh your jandals off.
John Clarke
John Clarke was a master of the deadpan delivery, and his satirical sketches and mock interviews have become the stuff of Kiwi comedy legend. Best known for his iconic character Fred Dagg, a laconic farmer with a dry wit and a knack for pointing out the absurdities of life, Clarke’s writing was a perfect blend of intelligence and irreverence. His books, such as “The Fred Dagg Scripts” and “A Dagg at My Table,” are must-reads for anyone who appreciates clever, understated humor.
Tom Scott
If you like your humor with a side of biting social commentary, then Tom Scott is the writer for you. This award-winning cartoonist, playwright, and satirist has a gift for skewering politicians, media personalities, and anyone else who dares to take themselves too seriously. His best-known work includes the long-running cartoon strip “The Listener” and the play “The Daylight Atheist,” which offers a hilarious and poignant look at family, memory, and the search for meaning in life.
Michele A’Court
Michele A’Court is a woman of many talents – she’s a stand-up comedian, a writer, and a social commentator who is not afraid to tackle tough topics with humor and heart. Her books, such as “Stuff I Forgot to Tell My Daughter” and “How We Met,” are a perfect blend of wit, wisdom, and warmth. A’Court’s writing is the literary equivalent of a cozy chat with your funniest friend over a cup of tea and a gingernut biscuit.
Oscar Kightley
Oscar Kightley is a writer and actor who has been making New Zealanders laugh for decades with his irreverent and insightful brand of comedy. Best known as one of the creators of the groundbreaking TV series “bro’Town,” which offered a hilarious and unflinching look at life in South Auckland, Kightley’s writing is a celebration of Pasifika culture and the power of laughter to bring people together. His play “Dawn Raids,” which explores the impact of the controversial police raids on Pacific Island communities in the 1970s, is a testament to his ability to find humor in even the darkest of subjects.
Taika Waititi
Taika Waititi may be best known as a filmmaker, but he’s also a gifted writer with a knack for finding the funny in the most unlikely of places. His early work, such as the short film “Two Cars, One Night” and the feature “Boy,” offer a quirky and heartfelt look at growing up Māori in rural New Zealand. More recently, he’s brought his unique brand of humor to Hollywood with films like “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Jojo Rabbit,” which won him an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Waititi’s writing is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and a healthy dose of Kiwi irreverence.
So there you have it, folks – a roundup of some of the funniest writers to ever come out of Aotearoa. Whether you’re in the mood for deadpan delivery, biting satire, or heartfelt humor, these authors have got you covered. So grab a book, settle in, and get ready to laugh your way through the Land of the Long White Cloud. And remember, always blow on the pie.