Michele A'Court's journey in the entertainment industry began in the 1980s when she first came to the nation's attention as the host of the popular children's television show “What Now”. This initial exposure set the stage for a prolific career in television, radio, and live performances. Over the years, Michele has become a household name in New Zealand, recognised for her sharp wit, insightful commentary, and engaging stage presence.
As a stand-up comedian, Michele has an extensive international resume, having performed in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor. Her exceptional talent was recognised in 2015 when she received the VAC Reilly Award for Excellence in Comedy. Michele's influence and impact in the comedy world were further cemented when she was named Female Comedian of the Decade at the 2010 NZ Comedy Guild Awards. She continues to tour solo comedy shows throughout New Zealand, performing in venues ranging from grand opera houses to local community halls.
In addition to her live performances, Michele has maintained a strong presence on television. She has been a regular guest host on Three’s primetime show, “The Project,” and has made frequent appearances on the hit comedy show “7Days” since its inception in 2009. Michele's versatile talents also extend to radio, where she is a frequent voice on RNZ National’s “Nine to Noon” and “The Panel,” and a sought-after contributor on commercial radio.
Michele's skills are not limited to performance alone. She has utilized her training as a journalist to become a prolific writer. From 2008 to 2019, she wrote a weekly newspaper column on current social issues for Stuff, and she continues to contribute as a freelance writer for various publications. Her literary contributions include two bestselling books: “Stuff I Forgot To Tell My Daughter” (2015) and “How We Met” (2018), both published by Harper Collins.
Michele co-hosts “On The Rag,” a monthly podcast hosted by The Spinoff, along with a monthly video series of the same name funded by NZ On Air. These platforms allow her to reach and engage with a diverse audience, discussing contemporary social issues with her trademark humor and insight.
In the 2022 New Year Honours, she was recognised for her services to the entertainment and comedy industries and was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM). She is also deeply involved in community work as the Patron of “The Aunties,” a grassroots charity supporting women and children in need, and the Moving & Handling Association of NZ (MHANZ), which focuses on the well-being of carers in the health sector. Michele is a proud member of Actors’ Equity and a Life Member of the NZ Comedy Guild.
Throughout her career, Michele A'Court has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her craft and her community, using her platform to entertain, inform, and inspire.
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!
