BEST FOODS COMEDY GALA HEADS TO CHRISTCHURCH
The New Zealand Comedy Trust & Best Foods Mayo present
Best Foods Comedy Gala
Hosted by Dai Henwood
The New Zealand Comedy Trust is delighted to announce the 2026 Best Foods Comedy Gala is heading to Christchurch for the first time since 2017. Hosted by none other than comedy legend Dai Henwood ONZM, a hand-picked line-up of both international and local comedy heavyweights and rising stars head to the Christchurch Town Hall on Sunday 3 May.
Tickets on sale Thursday 22 January 9AM at comedyfestival.co.nz
The New Zealand Comedy Trust, presenters of the annual NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo in Auckland and Wellington, is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this flagship event to the city again, offering local audiences the chance to experience the Festival’s biggest night of comedy live.
"Bringing the Best Foods Comedy Gala to Ōtautahi feels incredibly special, and we cannot wait to share it with our South Island comedy lovers. The Gala is a massive night out where established favourites and bold new voices share the stage, giving everyone the chance to hear the year’s best new jokes first and come away with a new favourite comedian. Consider this our official apology for taking so long, and our promise that it was worth the wait." says Jay Law, Producer of the NZ International Comedy Festival and lead Gala programmer.
The Christchurch presentation of the Gala is supported by $10,000 in funding from the Christchurch City Council, helping to make the return of this event to Ōtautahi possible for 2026 and promising a night packed with top-tier talent and plenty of laughs.
"There’s nothing like live comedy to bring people together, and we’re delighted to support the New Zealand Comedy Trust to bring the Best Foods Comedy Gala to Christchurch. This event will give audiences a brilliant night out while shining a spotlight on local talent, strengthening our creative sector, and welcoming a wide range of voices to one of our city’s most iconic venues." says Lucy Blackmore - Team Leader, Arts & Events - Christchurch City Council.
"The Christchurch I grew up in was a hotbed of comedy, from the TV skits of McPhail and Gadsby in the ’80s, to the comedy improv popularised by the Court Jesters in the ’90s. Now, with a burgeoning stand-up scene orbiting around Good Times Comedy Club in St Asaph St, it’s never been a better time for the NZ International Comedy Festival to have a dedicated presence down here. On behalf of the NZ Comedy Trust board, I can say we’re all stoked to be bringing the Gala south." says Clayton Carrick-Leslie, NZCT Board Member.
The Ōtautahi Gala joins the already announced shows in Tāmaki Makaurau on Friday 1 May at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, and Te Whanganui-a-Tara on Saturday 2 May at the Opera House.
Host 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.
The line-up of talented comedy acts joining Dai will be announced at a later date, including international acts, local Aotearoa stars, and emerging Canterbury talent.
The Best Foods Comedy Gala in Auckland is filmed exclusively for THREE, with support from NZ On Air.
The 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo runs from 1 – 24 May, with the full Auckland and Wellington programme to be announced in March 2026.
BEST FOODS COMEDY GALA
AUCKLAND
Friday 1 May
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central
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WELLINGTON
Saturday 2 May
The Opera House
113/111 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington Central
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CHRISTCHURCH
Sunday 3 May
Christchurch Town Hall
86 Kilmore Street
Tickets on sale Thursday 22 January 9AM at comedyfestival.co.nz