New Zealand's remote and agricultural nature is a regular comedy catalyst as seen in the character, the stereotypical farmer, Fred Dagg,<ref>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>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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Suburban themes were explored by Ginette McDonald with her Lynn of Tawa persona.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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Trans-Tasman rivalry
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."<ref>"Migration to Australia", Te Ara</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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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 the 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.
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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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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.
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