New Zealand Comedy Trust and RNZ Launch Comedy Podcast Development Fund

Comedic voices have a new opportunity to bring their talents to the airwaves, with the launch of the Aotearoa Comedy Podcast Development Fund—a collaboration between RNZ and the New Zealand Comedy Trust (NZCT). The fund is designed to support the development of original, inclusive, and engaging comedy podcasts that reflect Aotearoa’s cultural diversity and creative innovation.

This initiative aligns with the New Zealand Comedy Trust's vision of "championing the craft of comedy, so everyone can share a laugh," providing a platform for Aotearoa voices to contribute to the global comedy landscape.

RNZ’s vision is to create outstanding public media that matters to the people of Aotearoa. Our commitment, included in the RNZ charter is to provide services that inform, entertain and enlighten. We foster a sense of national identity by reflecting a wide range of diversity and expression.  

What’s on Offer?

The New Zealand Comedy Trust is facilitating development pathways for multiple RNZ comedy podcasts. $85,000 will be invested into the comedy industry, to develop a range of unique comedy podcasts. This phase of the fund is for podcast development and creation of pilot episodes. Once developed, if concepts require further funding or resources to create a full series, this may be provided by RNZ to develop these podcasts for broadcast. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your comedic voice to a global audience while receiving expert support for both creative and technical aspects of podcast production.

Reaching New Audiences

The fund focuses on developing comedy podcasts that will resonate with listeners across Aotearoa, particularly targeting those aged 45 and under. The goal is to create content that is fresh, relatable, and reflective of contemporary New Zealand, ensuring diverse voices are heard within the comedy landscape.

What We're Looking For

Podcasts supported by the fund should be funny! We’d like them to consider how they can embody cultural representation, innovation, and a strong comedic voice. Formats of interest include scripted comedy, panel shows, conversational or co-hosted styles, and sketch or satirical comedy. Creators are encouraged to be inventive, with the potential to explore unique formats or subject matter, all while maintaining high production quality and cultural sensitivity. This opportunity is open to established and emerging voices from across the industry.

A Vision for the Future

Lauren Whitney, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Comedy Trust, says, “This exciting opportunity allows us to invest directly in the comedy industry and support unique comedic voices from across Aotearoa. Partnering with RNZ, renowned for delivering high-quality, compelling podcasts, enables us to provide audiences wider access to comedy that reflects their lived experiences, no matter where they are. We’re thrilled to support the next wave of innovation in Aotearoa’s exceptional comedy scene.”

Long-Term Vision

This initiative aims to nurture sustainable podcast projects that can grow and evolve beyond their first season. Creators are encouraged to think about how their podcast can integrate with live comedy events, festivals, or multimedia platforms like radio and video, ensuring long-term impact on New Zealand’s comedy ecosystem.

RNZ’s Chief Content Officer Megan Whelan says “I’m stoked to have this opportunity to work with the Comedy Trust to support local comedy, and bring some different voices to our audiences. Public media has a long history of helping us laugh at ourselves and we can’t wait to hear the pitches."

How to Apply

Applications for the Aotearoa Comedy Podcast Development Fund are now open, and submissions are welcomed from comedians, podcasters, and creative teams across New Zealand. Whether you’re an emerging talent or a seasoned performer with a fresh idea, this is your chance to showcase your comedic voice on an international stage.

For more information, click here to read the full guidelines or scroll down to view the FAQ.

All EOIs are confidential, and will only be shared with the assessment team at New Zealand Comedy Trust and RNZ.

Click here to submit your proposal.

EOI’s open Thursday 24 October

EOI’s close Wednesday 27 November, 4pm

Want to discuss your podcast concept?

Contact: Sarah Crowe, Artist Development - development@comedyfestival.co.nz

For more information and insights, check out the audio from our recent Digital Sandpit:

Behind the Mic: Podcasting Insights with Brodie Kane & Johanna Cosgrove

Podcast Pathways: Creative Collaboration with RNZ Commissioners

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What types of comedy projects are eligible for funding?

We’re looking for unique, original comedy podcast ideas that add something fresh to New Zealand's comedy scene. Projects should align with RNZ and NZCT’s values of public interest, cultural diversity, and entertainment for broad audiences, particularly those aged 45 and under.

2. What are we looking for?

We strongly encourage podcasts that highlight New Zealand’s cultural diversity, including Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and other ethnic voices. Content should reflect Aotearoa’s unique cultural landscape in a respectful, engaging way.

3. What standards of production quality are required?

Podcasts must meet RNZ’s high technical standards, including clear audio quality and professional editing. We expect projects to be led by a skilled team with the ability to produce and release episodes consistently.

If your EOI is selected to make a full application, assistance will be available from RNZ, on a project by project basis to ensure quality standards are met.

4. What types of podcasts won’t be funded?

We won’t fund projects that already exist. We are looking for fresh, interesting and funny new ideas! 

Projects that lack originality, or don’t add anything new to the comedy landscape won’t be funded. This also includes podcasts that are commercially focused without public interest or that don’t engage meaningfully with New Zealand’s diverse audiences.

5. Will projects with niche appeal qualify for funding?

We’re looking for projects that can appeal to a broad New Zealand audience, especially those aged 45 and under. Content that isn’t accessible or relatable for this target group may not be funded.

6. Can my project have a unique or experimental format?

Absolutely! We welcome a wide range of formats—scripted series, panel shows, sketch comedy, satirical news, and more—as long as it offers a fresh perspective or twist. If your format is experimental, make sure it still has broad appeal and high production quality.

7. Can commercial ventures or brand-driven content be funded?

No, we’re focused on public interest projects that align with RNZ and NZCT’s commitment to public service media. Commercial-only or brand-driven content without wider public relevance will not qualify for funding.

8. Do I have to be a comedian to apply?

No! This fund is open to anyone who has a great idea, and help is available for building a strong team.

9. What guidelines should I follow for cultural sensitivity?

Projects should respect all cultures and avoid harmful stereotypes or offensive material. We want content that promotes respectful representation and meaningful cultural engagement across New Zealand’s diverse communities.

10. Can I apply if my project isn’t tied to live events or other comedians?

Yes, though we highly encourage collaboration within the comedy community. Projects that connect to live shows, festivals, or other comedians may have a stronger application as they help grow New Zealand’s comedy ecosystem.

11. Will funding be available for projects that do not feature underrepresented voices?

While it’s not mandatory, we strongly encourage projects that amplify diverse voices and perspectives. The fund aims to support a broad range of comedians, including emerging and underrepresented voices.

12. What if I have a long-term vision for my podcast?

That’s fantastic! We’re particularly interested in projects with scalability and the potential for long-term success. Ideas that could expand into live events, multimedia content, or collaborations with RNZ content are highly encouraged.

13. Can I apply multiple times with different ideas?

Yes you can! If you've got multiple ideas you'd like to submit, you're welcome to submit seperate EOIs for each idea.

14. Can I still apply if I haven't confirmed everyone that will be involved? 

Yes you can, but if listing any key crew (ie: hosts of podcast) please make sure that you've had a discussion with the person and have gotten a verbal agreement that they're keen to be involved. You can still list options/ideas of podcast guests at EOI stage without confirmation but please make this clear!