The New Zealand Comedy Trust

Comedy is there to help us all carry our loads a little lighter, particularly through times of distress. Those in our industry are often the first to be called on to raise funds, restore joy and bring people together in times of need. This time it’s our own community that desperately requires your help.

The New Zealand Comedy Trust is facing significant challenges due to the impact of COVID-19. The cancellation of the 2020 NZ International Comedy Festival is severely impacting our ability to generate the essential revenue required to sustain the Trust. We now face a huge financial deficit which could impact the Trust’s sustainability for years.

This threatens the delivery of future Comedy Festivals, our ability to retain staff to continue offering artist development opportunities, mentoring up-and-coming comedians, and advocating for the comedy industry in Aotearoa.

Bringing you the Comedy Festival each year is heavily reliant on continued support from our funders and sponsors, and ticketing income from our Trust events such as the Best Foods Comedy Gala. This income is vital to ensure the future of the Festival, and to make sure it remains affordable for our artists and audiences.

We want to acknowledge the loss of the festival this year is causing a devastating financial impact on our comedians, crew, venues, suppliers, and across of our Festival community. We have established an Artist Relief Fund to provide financial relief to our 150+ local NZ Intl. Comedy Festival performers. You can find out more about that fund here: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/nz-intl-comedy-festival-artist-fund

We realise that a great many Kiwis have been terribly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 situation and lockdown. Any donation to the Trust, no matter how small, is hugely appreciated, but please only give if you are able.

Your help will keep comedy thriving in Aotearoa and will provide laughter in the days to come.

Donations are tax deductible.

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ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND COMEDY TRUST

OUR MISSION: To elevate New Zealand comedy as a celebrated and integral feature of the arts sector. And to make more people laugh!

HOW: We create opportunities to develop, promote and grow a sustainable and diverse comedy industry in Aotearoa.

IMPACT: A dynamic, resilient and successful comedy industry in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Comedy Trust is a not-for-profit charitable organisation - with a focus on championing the art of laughter so that more people laugh more often.

For 25 years, we’ve passionately showcased the most exciting comedians from both New Zealand and throughout the world at the annual NZ International Comedy Festival.

What you may not realise, is our team also works to support the wider comedy industry, with a specific focus on working with comedians to professionally develop their skills, network and establish themselves a career in comedy. We run the free Class Comedians programme teaching comedy to high school students, alongside the annual Billy T and Fred Awards.