Comedian Rose Matafeo had the last laugh in the New Zealand International Comedy Festival when she picked up the prestigious Billy T Award.
Miss Matafeo, 21, featured in the Auckland City Harbour News earlier this month speaking about her rapid rise through the ranks of the Kiwi comedy circuit.
She started performing stand up comedy in nightclubs at just 15, and has been a regular on the stage ever since.
Miss Matafeo beat 2013 Billy T Award nominees Eli Matthewson, Joseph Moore, Pax, and Tom Furniss to don the famous yellow towel given to winners.
The young comedian says to be nominated with four of her friends meant a lot to her.
“It’s a new young wave of comedy in New Zealand, which is a fresher look on comedy,” she says.
“Every single one of them is exciting and different from what we have had in New Zealand comedy for the past couple decades.”
The Billy T Award was created in 1997 by the New Zealand Comedy Trust.
It honours one of New Zealand’s greatest comedians, the late Billy T James, and not only recognises outstanding potential but helps foster and encourage New Zealand comedic talent. The prize means Miss Matafeo receives a $3500 grant from the New Zealand Comedy Trust, a spot on TV3’s 7 Days, Huffer clothing and an advertising campaign on The Rock FM.
Other Winners
The FRED Award – Jarred Christmas
Best Newcomer (Auckland) – Tim Batt
Best Newcomer (Wellington) – Sam Smith
Spirit of the Festival (Auckland) – Stuart Goldsmith
Spirit of the Festival (Wellington) – Ben Caldwell
Creative Marketing Award – Tim Batt
Best International Show – Tom Binns as Ian D Montfort
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