James Nokise
James Nokise is a Samoan-Welsh comedian, writer, and social commentator whose 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.
He 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?. James has toured internationally many times over the years, to festivals in Edinburgh, Melbourne, New York, London, and Guam, and is a 20 year veteran of the NZ International Comedy Festival. He has been 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.
An award winning podcaster, he recently has been working as 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.
Hair Colour
Brown
Location
Wellington | Pōneke
Age Range
35 - 50
Ethnicity
Samoan, Welsh
Height
183cm
Eye Colour
Brown
Social Media
Instagram followers:
3.7K
Tiktok followers:
14.5K
Facebook followers:
2.5K
Full Biography
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Performer
Television Appearances
2021 - Patriot Games - Panellist - The Down Low Concept
2019 - Yours Faithfully - Host - Greenstone Television
2015 - 7 Days - Panelist - Discovery NZ
2005 - 2025 - New Zealand International Comedy Festival Gala - Comedian - (televised)
Television
2004 - The Insiders Guide to Happiness - Casino Banker - Gibson Group
Short Film
2014 - Fish Finger - Rhys
Stand-up Comedy
2025 - One Night Rant (NZ)
2023 - Right About Now (NZ, UK)
2021 - Let It Out (NZ)
2019 - God Damn Fancy Man (NZ, OZ, UK)
2017 - Talk A Big Game (NZ, OZ, UK)
2016 - Festival of Pacific Arts Guam (NZ delegation)
2015 - Big Words (NZ)
2014 - Let’s Talk About the Golliwogs (NZ, UK, OZ)
2013 - So So Gangsta (NZ, UK, US, OZ)
2011 - Jokers Guide to Armageddon
2010 - Is This It?
2009 - The Adventures of Jimi Samoa
2008 - Beige Against The Machine
2006 - White Club
2005 - Enter the Jandal
Writer
Writer for Television
2015 - 7 Days - Writer - Discovery NZ
2015 - 7 Days of Sports - Writer - Discovery NZ
Journalist
2025 - Pacific Media Network Sports Reporter - Rugby World Cup (Women’s)
2025 - Pacific Media Network Sports Reporter - Pacific Mini Games (Palau)
2024 - ongoing - ABC Pacific Community Correspondent
2024 - Pacific Media Network Sports Reporter - Summer Olympics Games (Paris)
2023 - Rugby World Cup (Mens) - Reporter / Columnist (RNZ, ABC, PMN, Coconet)
2022 - ongoing - stuff.co.nz / The Post - Fortnightly columnist -
2024 - Winner - Topp Comedy Prize - NZ Comedy Trust
2019 - Winner - Fred Comedy Award - NZ International Comedy Festival
2014 - Winner - O’Reily Comedy Award NZ Variety Awards
2013 - Winner - Best Male Comedian - NZ Comedy Guild Awards
2013 - Winner - Most Improved Comedian - NZ Comedy Guild Awards
2013 - Nominee - Fred Comedy Award - NZ International Comedy Festival
2006 - Nominee - Billy T James Award - NZ Comedy Trust
2005 - Nominee - Billy T James Award - - NZ Comedy Trust
