Billy T Award

It has been presented annually since its inception in 1997 when Cal Wilson and Ewen Gilmour shared the award.

[1] The winner is selected from five nominees performing during the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

Five judges select a winner based on their proven comedic ability, talent, dedication and potential.

[2] In 2003, Mike Loder was blacklisted from the 2004 festival after sending fake congratulatory letters to nominees Sully O’Sullivan and Penny Ashton.

[42] In 2005, Philip Patston, the 1999 winner who is gay and disabled, volunteered to give up his award in response to the rhetoric and policies of the National Party under Don Brash.