Multi-award-winning comedian, writer, and commentator, Michele A’Court has been a fixture of New Zealand’s cultural landscape since the 1980s. She first captured the nation’s attention as the vibrant host of the beloved children’s television show What Now, launching a career that has spanned television, radio, literature, and live performance.
Michele quickly became known for her incisive wit and fearless intellect, earning widespread acclaim across Aotearoa. Her sharp humour and social commentary have made her a favourite on TV comedy staples like 7Days, which she has featured on since its debut in 2009, and as a guest host on The Project. Her voice is also familiar to radio audiences through regular appearances on RNZ National’s Nine to Noon and commercial radio panels.
In 2010, she was named Female Comedian of the Decade by the NZ Comedy Guild, and in 2015 she was honoured with the VAC Reilly Award for Excellence in Comedy. A compelling performer, Michele continues to tour solo shows across New Zealand, captivating audiences from grand theatres to rural halls, and entertaining global audiences aboard cruise ships.
Beyond the stage and screen, Michele is a trained journalist and a powerful writer. Her weekly column in the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly blends humour and insight, and her bestselling books Stuff I Forgot To Tell My Daughter (2015) and How We Met (2018) reflect her storytelling brilliance. She also co-hosted the podcast and video series On The Rag, a monthly deep-dive into modern feminist issues.
In 2023, Michele was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to entertainment and comedy. Deeply committed to community, she is the Patron of The Aunties, a charity supporting women and children in need, and MHANZ, which advocates for health sector carers. She is a Life Member of the NZ Comedy Guild and a proud member of Actors’ Equity.
Talking Points
Keynote: Living Out Loud
“The two best words are ‘courage’ and ‘encourage’ – you find one, then do the other.”Keynote: Living Out Loud
Writer and comedian, Michele A’Court, delivers an uplifting keynote about all the things she’s learnt so far about what success and joy can look like for each of us. As she steps now into what she cheerfully calls her “elderhood”, she has stories for all of us about leadership, finding your voice, rebellion, and aging disgracefully. An hour of wisdom and laughter.
We needed light entertainment and relief from a day of conferencing and Michelle found the funny spot in all of us. Michele was enjoyed by all and stayed for a drink afterwards where many ... keep reading Waltus Investments
Michele was a real professional - prior to the event and on the night. She was very easy to liaise with and most of all, she got' the nature of the event. She stuck to the brief, her material was appropriate, and she was an excellent MC engaging with the audience and keeping things on-track. The feedback from the attendees has been exceptional we had a fabulous night and Michele was a significant part in bringing it all together and ensuring its success. We would definitely look at using her again and recommending her to others.
Michele was GREAT! She fitted in so wonderfully. Michele was so warm and positive with everyone involved in the event and really helped what at times was quite a high pressure situation. So Michele was great to have around in the same room for three days! Her MC-ing was also very high quality and her comments completely appropriate for the subject and audience. Michele had really great energy about her. We have had really positive feedback to date (although survey results yet to be finalised), so I'm sure she was incredibly popular with the audience. Thank you Michele!
A huge thank you for an artistic and fantastic night, with your role delivered with flair and creativity. Our 410 guests had a ball, you were a great MC and read our audience exceptionally well with exactly the right mix of humour and professionalism, bestowing glowing accolades for our worthy winners.
Thank you very much for your outstanding MCing. Frankly, it was all I could ask for and I'm very grateful that you made it all so easy for me. I particularly enjoyed the light touch you brought to the event, and the summing-up at the end was fantastic. It's been a very long time since we had such a professional MC and I appreciate the time and effort you put in to make it flow so perfectly. The feedback from delegates has been excellent. Thanks once again for your very large part in the event's success and I hope to work with you again in the future!
Michele was outstanding again. We had a more complicated show this year, with 3 stages for her to perform across (including one where she had to present 'in-the-round'). She pulled it off with flair. The audience had a great night, were thoroughly entertained, and Michele managed to hold their attention all night which you know we've had difficulty with (with this crowd)! She has been a pleasure to work with throughout the planning and production. Nothing is too much trouble, and she's really engaged in making sure the show works.
Michele was just an absolute dream to work with, professional, funny, approachable and very adaptable to whatever we needed her to address just can't say enough! We have used Michele twice for 2 very different events and she is just fantastic!
We really liked Michele. She called two days before my event to go over certain details. She arrived in plenty of time and delivered well. In a way she is like a sure bet'. You know she will just plain deliver the goods which means as an event organiser, it's one less thing to worry and bite your finger nails over. You just cannot fault her at all."
Michele was great and I’d definitely recommend her. She could read the room and pitched her humour and comedy accordingly. She arrived on-site with adequate time to have another brief with us and the AV team to ensure everyone was comfortable with the schedule. She was very welcoming and inviting!
