The Executive Board

​​The Comedy Guild's Executive Board contains six members who work voluntarily to represent the interest of members and meet regularly to discuss issues and opportunities for Guild members.

In 2023 the Guild also introduced a host of representative roles in addition to the existing regional representative roles. Candidates are welcome to apply for a representative role without joining the wider executive board.
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To learn more about serving on the Board, express your interest, or connect with any of our Executive Board members, please email:

[email protected] 

​​Darran Lees
​(He/Him)

Chair of the board
​upper North Island Rep

​Darran joined the board in 2021 as Secretary and was elected to Chair in 2022. Darran is based in Auckland but has performed comedy all over New Zealand and in Australia, most recently at the Whangarei Fringe Festival. Darran also has 25 years of experience in executive teams across the world and brings a wide range of experience in change and financial management.

Mo Munn
​(She/Her)

Maori & Pasifika Representative

Mo (Mamaeroa) Munn is a multi-award-winning stand-up comedian, improviser and writer based in Wellington.

​A regular on the professional stand-up circuit in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Mo has taken shows to the NZ International Comedy Festival, NZ Fringe Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Chicago iO Festival and more. She also performs in, produces and directs improvised, experimental and sketch comedy shows, as well as solo dramatic works. Coming from a corporate and strategic communications manager background, Mo is now the producer of the NZ Improv Festival and a full-time creative. ​

Nina Hogg
​(She/Her)

SeCRETARY
LGBTQIA Representative
​LOWER NORTH ISLAND REP

Nina a sketch and improv comedian working in Pōneke and originally from Ōtautahi. Best known for her work in comedy duo Ginge & Minge, Nina has been a professional comedian for 7+ years and tours regularly around Aotearoa and Australia. She is passionate about the Lower North Island comedy scene and is excited to lead the work that the NZ Comedy Guild can do to support emerging talent.
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Steve Wilbury

Board MEMBER

Steve Wilbury is a seasoned performer, producer, and creative mind with over two decades of experience in live entertainment. Known nationally for his acclaimed comedy–magic act The Unluckiest Magician, Steve blends sharp wit, theatrical flair, and a touch of chaos to delight audiences of all ages. Beyond the stage, he has worked extensively in event management and production, helping bring major festivals, shows, and community events to life across Aotearoa. As a board member of the New Zealand Comedy Guild, Steve is passionate about supporting local performers, fostering collaboration, and helping New Zealand comedy continue to thrive.

AJ Barber
​(He/Him)

Disability Rep

AJ would be able to assist any person in this industry that is also suffering from a health issue as he has had to balance his own health problems (such as Chrons disease, deafness etc) while performing stand-up comedy and producing shows for a number of years.
Additionally growing up Aj has had to assist his direct family and friends who have had some debilitating health issues with both their day to day living and wellbeing.
AJ has also been in discussion with a number of other comedians that are living with health issues on the positives, negatives and possible improvements that could be made. Some things he is looking at, at the moment is to have comedy shows that educate people on what it’s like to live with a health issue, with proceeds of the show go to a number of charities that aid in supporting people with these disabilities.

Reuben Crisp
​(He/Him)

sOUTH ISLAND REP &
INTERIM TREASURER

 A familiar face round and about. Been flying the Dunedin Comedy banner in Ōtepoti since 2017. Committed to supporting and growing the comedy scene(s) across Te Waipounamu.