Va'ine Fresh: South Auckland Comedy Workshops Giving Pasifika Wāhine the Mic

When Cook Islands Māori comedian Rhiannon McCall was asked what she was doing to uplift other Pasifika women in the comedy world, the question stopped her in her tracks.

“I was asked what I was doing to support and uplift other Cook Islands women in the comedy industry and realised that I was doing nothing!”

That moment, shared during the Cook Islands Women in Leadership Summit, became the spark for Va'ine Fresh, a new comedy programme in South Auckland created by and for Pasifika wāhine and gender-diverse creatives.

The free five-week workshop series is about breaking down barriers, whether geographic, cultural or economic, and giving Pacific women a space to explore comedy on their own terms. It will culminate in a live showcase of the participants’ work.

Rhiannon teamed up with Samoan and Palagi producer Sarah Richards to help bring the idea to life.

“At the summit I spoke to women who were naturally very funny but don’t know where to start when it comes to exploring comedy as an art form.”

For Rhiannon, this is about more than just laughs. It is about access.

“The comedy industry is still far less accessible to some communities, especially those not based in Central Auckland.”

“South Auckland is home to a large Pacific Islander population, but gigging opportunities are almost exclusively in the central city.”

“If Pacific Islanders want to participate in comedy opportunities they often need to travel at least half an hour each way, pay for petrol, expensive parking, and sometimes child care.”

Evening classes and gigs can also clash with cultural or family responsibilities. Comedy often ends up feeling out of reach.

“I love working with our lovely men, but sometimes it's hard to cut through as a woman,” Rhiannon said. “And as a Pacific woman, I know it's hard to also balance family commitments, community commitments, church commitments...”

“So we really wanted this programme to be for va'ine or people who are gender diverse, to have a space where they can really shine.”

Originally designed just for Cook Islands women, the programme has been opened up to include all Pasifika women and gender-diverse people aged 18 and over. No experience is needed. Just a willingness to turn up and give it a try.

“If you do want to come along to the workshops you're more than welcome!”

Participants will have the chance to develop their own comedic style, whether that is stand-up, character work or sketch, with guest comedians also expected to attend and support.

And yes, there is already talk of expanding.

“We've already joked that the men can sign up for the next one!”