The Fred Award is the highest honour at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, awarded to the best show written and performed by a New Zealand comedian.
[1] The award is named in honour of New Zealand comedian John Clarke's most well-known character, Fred Dagg.
[3] The winner receives a trophy of Dagg's gumboot.
[4] The award was established in 2006 by the NZ Comedy Trust to recognise "The outstanding work of an established professional kiwi comedian.
[6] "The Fred" Gumboot is presented along with the Billy T Award at the end of festival prize-giving showcase "Last Laughs" where nominated finalists perform their final set of the festival.