Presenting the Pōneke House Party

6 May 2026
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The NZ International Comedy Festival and NZ Music Month Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa present Pōneke House Party, a massive night of jokes, songs and surprise special guests at Wellington’s Opera House, Sunday 17 May, 6pm.

Co-headlined by comedy great and Topp Prize-winning Tofiga Fepulea’i, and country music’s finest, Tami Neilson, this is a full-scale celebration of Aotearoa’s comedy and music scenes, sharing the same stage for one loud, loose, good-spirited night where anything can happen.

All profits from the event will be donated to the Mayoral Flood Relief Fund, supporting those impacted by the recent flooding in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Hosted by James Nokise, and held together by house band The Funkadelics, this once in a lifetime show also features comedians Justine Smith (Taskmaster), Michele A’Court (7 Days), Rhys Mathewson (7 Days); musical comedians Wilson Dixon (Fred Award winner, 2010) and Karen O’Leary (Wellington Paranormal); musicians Samuel Flynn Scott and Luke Buda (The Phoenix Foundation), rising opera/RnB talent LILA JNR (World of WearableArt) and indie rock four-piece Dropper. Many more acts and special surprise guests to come.

This is a historic coming-together of the two greatest cultural events in May, for one night, in one iconic room. Songs and jokes, together at last, in an unforgettable celebration of Wellington!

NZ International Comedy Festival interim Executive Director, Gemma Gracewood, says “This is Aotearoa’s entertainment community doing what we do best. Wellingtonians need a laugh and a singalong right now. It also happens to be the 30th anniversary of Comedy Fest in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, so we’re thrilled that our good friend, music, has come to the party!”

Chief Executive of NZ Music Commission, the home of NZ Music Month Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa, Cath Andersen adds, “Wellington knows better than most what happens when music meets comedy. From Flight of the Conchords to Fun and Funner to The Māori Sidesteps — the Capital has form when it comes to blending the two artforms, and we are stoked to be part of this show continuing this excellent tradition.”

Heidi Morton, GM Events & Experiences at WellingtonNZ, says: “This is a show that only Wellington could put on, that highlights some of the best of the city’s entertainment in an iconic Wellington venue. Head along for a night full of laughs and be sure to experience some of the city’s hospitality before or after the show.”

Expect comedy, music, comedy and music, tap-dancing, saxophones in the spotlight, and more. Much more.

It’s the ultimate night of jokes, songs, and whatever else happens when you put this many performers in one room and press play.

Proudly supported by: Absolutely Positively Wellington Me Heke Ki Pōneke, New Zealand Comedy Trust, New Zealand Music Month, Augusto, Best Foods, NZME, Elephant Publicity and 818.

PŌNEKE HOUSE PARTY

Sunday 17 May, 6PM

The Opera House, Wellington

All ages

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