Speaker

James Nokise

Spada Conference MC

James is a Samoan-Welsh comedian, writer, and social commentator whose sharp, intelligent comedy has made him one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive voices. Known for tackling big ideas with warmth and irreverence, he balances political satire with deeply personal storytelling, earning both critical acclaim and loyal audiences at home and abroad.

James began his career on Pulp Comedy and has since become a regular fixture across New Zealand’s comedy and television landscape, appearing on 7 Days, The Project, and Have You Been Paying Attention?.  He has also created and performed in satirical shows like Public Service Announcements and God Damn Fancy Man. A 20-year veteran of the NZ International Comedy Festivals, Nokise was nominated twice for the coveted Billy T award, recognised with the Fred Award for Best New Zealand Show, and, more recently, won the Topp Prize for his contribution to New Zealand comedy.

James has toured internationally to festivals in Edinburgh, Melbourne, New York, London, and Guam. Outside of stand-up, his live Pacific theatre shows such as Rukahu and Faovale Imperium have won acclaim for their deconstruction of colonial narratives, with Faovale recently completing a tour of UK Museums.

Nokise is also a renowned limited-series podcaster, with his RNZ show Eating Fried Chicken in the Shower celebrated for its candid, often funny conversations about mental health and modern life, and his in depth look at nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands - The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior - winning best documentary at the New Zealand Radio Awards, as well as several major overseas awards. In the last couple of years, he has also taken on a role of part-time international correspondent for ABC Pacific and the Pacific Media Network, bringing his unique, humorous attitude to reporting from places as diverse as Berlin, Palau, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Whether on stage, screen, or behind the mic, James continues to use humour as a way to connect, challenge, and remind audiences of our shared humanity.

Drawing on his Welsh and Samoan heritage, James has carved out a reputation in New Zealand, going after everything from gangs, to politicians, to stereotypes within Pacific Culture - so you can be sure he'll set the tone as MC for the 30th Spada Conference.