James Nokise: One Night Rant | South Auckland

Politicians, policies, preachers, and protests are all in the line of fire as Nokise brings his fast paced, semi-chaotic, always cathartic, blend of humour and hot takes back to NZ for a hilarious hour of big laughs and the occasional frustrated scream.

One Night Rant is political comedy at its sharpest. From parliament scandals to global chaos, Nokise rips into the news cycle, mixing big laughs with bite-sized truths. This is a one-hour comedy special designed for anyone who’s ever shouted at the TV, despaired at the headlines, or secretly enjoyed watching politicians squirm.

Taking place for one night only at the very special Poppy's Comedy, celebrating South Auckland’s grassroots comedy spirit.

About James Nokise

A multi-talented comedian, playwright, columnist, podcaster, theatre maker, and social commentator, James Nokise is known for his bold approach and his ability to give a voice to underrepresented issues.

Over the course of his illustrious career James has been nominated twice for the Billy T Award (2005, 2006) and the Fred Award for Best New Zealand Show (2013), which he subsequently took out in 2019 for his show God Damn Fancy Man. He won Best Male Comedian at the NZ Comedy Guild Awards (2013), Spirit of the Festival at the 2021 NZ Comedy Fest and the Topp Prize (2024). James was also the winner of best documentary at the 2025 NZ radio awards for his series The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior, and winner of the Best International Podcast at the 2025 Asia Podcast Awards - and more stuff we can't keep up with coz he just keeps winning.

James has an extensive touring career, including over a decade of shows in the NZ International Comedy Festival and multiple Comedy Gala performances, as well as years on the international Fringe Festival circuit, performing successful seasons in Edinburgh, Perth, and New York.

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Host or Publisher H-J KILKELLY