South Taranaki comedian wins competition and will go on to compete in Auckland

Another South Taranaki man is making waves in the New Zealand comedy scene.

Callum Wagstaff from Normanby won the Central Raw Comedy Quest final in Palmerston North earlier this month, and will now go on to compete in the national final in Auckland in October where he could win $2000.

Wagstaff beat out 11 other finalists from Whanganui, Manawatū and Hawke’ Bay, to became Taranaki’s first winner of the competition.

“I competed in four heats across the central region before I finally won a spot in the final, so this is quite a shock to win, but I’m truly grateful and thank you to everyone that has come along to watch.”

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Ben Hurley, one of New Zealand’s top comedians also hails from South Taranaki and regularly hosts comedy shows in the region.

DIY Comedy producer Ben Caldwell said that Wagstaff is a testament to showing perseverance when things don’t quite fall your way.

“He was super unlucky not to make the final sooner. He was close to going through in other heats, but he didn’t let those near misses put him off, and he just kept working away on his set to get it to where it was a winner.”

Wagstaff, who describes his style as accidentally dark, began comedy in 2021 and since then has been working on refining his craft at shows all across the lower North Island.

He’s become a popular act on the local scene with House of Laughs, thanks to his manic stage presence.

Wagstaff will be the first winner to represent the central region at the national final.

In previous years, the winner had to go through to the Wellington final, but Wagstaff is now getting an all expenses paid trip to Auckland.

“I’ve spent quite a lot on fuel and many hours on the road, so it’s nice to not have to worry about paying to get up there.

“It’s a relief to my bank account.”

Wagstaff will next be performing for House of Laughs’ Comedy at Our Place on 12 August, as well as DIY Comedy’s A One Night Stand in Opunake on 10 September.