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Oscar Kightley is a critically acclaimed writer, actor, director and television presenter well known for his comedy work, particularly with The Naked Samoans.****

Oscar first recognised his ability to make people laugh when he was a school boy, and at Rutherford High, he developed his skills in humour and English (but not maths!) further. Following a cadetship at The Auckland Star, Oscar moved into working in radio and television starting behind the scenes and then moving to a presenting role with Life in The Fridge based in Christchurch.

Oscar started his career as a reporter with the Auckland Star, Sunday Star, and Independent Radio News before moving to Christchurch in 1990 to work on TVNZ's teenage show Life, while at the same time becoming part of The Performing Arts Trust.

He was involved in setting up Pacific Underground (a Christchurch-based theatre group), where his first co-written play Fresh off the Boat was developed. Following this success, Pacific Underground toured a number of critically acclaimed Pacific Island plays to schools around New Zealand and the Pacific. He has since been involved with writing several plays.

Oscar is also one of the Naked Samoans, who've taken their anarchic brand of comedy around the country and even to Scotland. With the Naked Samoans and Firehorse Films he completed the fifth series of bro'Town this year. Oscar co wrote bro’Town with David Fane, Mario Gaoa and Shimpal Lelisi and is well known for his voice over character Vale.

Oscar both acted in and co-wrote the hit New Zealand film __Sione's Wedding __which reached the number one position in the New Zealand box office in its first week of release and had the biggest opening weekend of any New Zealand-made film, grossing over $3 million.

Currently Oscar’s time is fully committed to a new sketch series with Firehorse Films, current TV3 projects, live theatre shows … and perhaps just a little bit of socialising when time permits.

Oscar was appointed to the Council of Creative New Zealand in 2007 and currently still sits on this council.  In 2008, Oscar was awarded a Sir Peter Blake Trust Emerging Leader Award.  And in 2009, Oscar received The New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to television and theatre

He is an entertaining and dynamic MC and will be sure to add that special flare to your next gala dinner or conference.