DAI HENWOOD TO HOST 2026 BEST FOODS COMEDY GALA
The New Zealand Comedy Trust & Best Foods Mayo present
Best Foods Comedy Gala
Hosted by Dai Henwood
The New Zealand Comedy Trust is back with the 2026 Best Foods Comedy Gala, hosted by one of Aotearoa’s most beloved comedy legends, Dai Henwood ONZM. It’s the perfect way to kick off three weeks of jokes, chaos, and comedy gold at the 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo.
The Gala is the hottest comedy ticket in Auckland and Wellington, featuring a hand-picked line-up of the sharpest local and international comedians, from iconic favourites to rising stars you need to know. Every ticket sold supports the NZ Comedy Trust and its work supporting the local comedy scene across Aotearoa.
A sell-out every year, Tāmaki Makaurau kicks things off on Friday 1 May at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, before the laughs roll down to Te Whanganui-a-Tara on Saturday 2 Mayat the Opera House.
Tickets on sale Thursday 11 December 9AM at comedyfestival.co.nz
Dai Henwood has performed on the Gala stage many times during his nearly three-decade comedy career, but 2026 marks his first time as host. One of our biggest comedy names, Dai has toured internationally, sold out seasons at the NZ Comedy Festival, and won numerous awards including the Billy T, two Fred Awards, NZCG’s Best Male Comedian, and the Rielly Comedy Award. A familiar face on TV (7 Days, Taskmaster, Dancing with the Stars, LEGO Masters, Family Feud), he was also recognised this year with a New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to entertainment and charitable fundraising.
“It is an honour to host the Best Foods Comedy Gala. I am stoked to share the stage with amazing comics from all over. It is the perfect way to kick off another Comedy Festival that will bring laughs to thousands.” says Dai.
Previous Gala hosts include comedy heavyweights such as Hayley Sproull, Chris Parker, Melanie Bracewell, Justine Smith and Pax Assadi. To get you primed for 2026, the Comedy Fest’s YouTube channel is packed with iconic sets from the past few years, the perfect preview of what to expect with next year’s exceptional line-up.
“The Best Foods Comedy Gala is like Christmas morning for comedy fans. It’s a night where everyone can come together - artists, producers, audiences, locals, internationals, and celebrate how important comedy is. With Dai at the helm for 2026, I’m really excited and proud to share the brilliance happening across the Aotearoa comedy scene and beyond.” says Jay Law, Producer of the NZ International Comedy Festival and lead Gala programmer.
And remember, you never know who you might be sitting next to. Could be your mate, could be a comedy legend in disguise. Either way, bring your best laugh and leave with the Best mayo.
The NZ Comedy Trust is dedicated to pushing the art of comedy forward while ensuring that everyone in Aotearoa can share a laugh. To get the whole country in on the fun, the year’s biggest night in comedy is filmed exclusively for THREE, with support from NZ On Air.
Best Foods and the NZ Comedy Trust celebrate a decade of partnership in 2026, bringing laughter, joy, and a dash of delicious fun to audiences across the NZ International Comedy Festival. “Comedy and mayonnaise are the perfect match — both bring creativity, joy, and a uniquely Kiwi sense of humour to the table,” says Nabomita Bagchi, Head of Business ANZ at Unilever International. “Reaching ten years together is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of.”
The 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo runs from 1 – 24 May, with the full programme to be announced in March 2026.
www.comedyfestival.co.nz
BEST FOODS COMEDY GALA
AUCKLAND
Friday 1 May
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central
WELLINGTON
Saturday 2 May
The Opera House
113/111 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington Central
Tickets on sale Thursday 11 December 9AM at comedyfestival.co.nz
Tickets purchased before Thursday 18 December 12PM will go in the draw to win either a VIP Experience to watch a live recording of 7 Days in Auckland, or a staycation prize package at Naumi Hotel in Wellington, plus a signed Dai Henwood book The Life of Dai and a Best Foods Prize Pack. There will be a further four signed books and Best Foods Prize Packs drawn. See Competition Terms and Conditions.
Group, Corporate and Hosting Packages are available in both cities.