Hood-grown humour took centre stage at the New Zealand International Comedy Gala with Best Foods at The Wellington Opera House last weekend, with one rural boy sharing his journey.

Born into the gang-ridden streets of Hastings, Kajun Brooking (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Tonga) had a unique perspective on life’s possibilities.

Drugs and violence heavily influenced his early years, and growing up without money meant that laughter became his wealth, helping him find the “funny side of life even when times were dark”.

In search of a better life, Brooking moved to Whangānui. His comedic career started as a dare, but five years later, he is a seven-time, local, award-winning talent.

“The world needs comedy right now, especially our people. We need to laugh,” Brooking shares about his dedication to comedy.

“There’s so much trouble in the world. We need more laughing. Laughter can heal.”

Born with the courage to speak to audiences of all sizes, he is determined to use that gift to spark joy in others.

This gift has earned him significant recognition, including Best Newcomer at the 2020 Comedy Hub Awards, Best Male Comedian the following year, and the Golden Gag (Best Joke) at the same event in 2024.

Brooking’s stage presence seems to be hereditary. He takes after his grandfather, a member of the Māori show band, The Māori Hi-Five. Their achievements included world tours, a Las Vegas residency, and opening for The Beatles in 1964.

From a young age, Brooking harboured a keen interest in comedy, honing his quick-witted, punchy humour, sharp delivery, and stylistic take on real-life experiences.

“My favourite comedian is Billy T James. He was my idol when I was a kid. My second favourite comedian is Eddie Murphy. My uncles let me watch Eddie Murphy Raw when I was 10 years old. That was the first time I had ever seen stand-up comedy.”

When street smarts lead to academic success

Determined to turn his life around, Brooking says a series of ironic circumstances led to several “life-changing” decisions.

When asked what was the push to leave gang life behind, Brooking’s matter-of-fact response is, “Got tired of being locked up and disappointing the whānau”.

“Also, WINZ was gonna cut my dole unless I had proof I had been looking for employment.

“There was a poster for a design school behind my case manager, so I told her I had been thinking about doing a design course, so she rang them and I started the next day.

Kajun Brooking Escapes The Hood will be at Auckland Q Theatre on 13, 14, and 17 May. Photo/Supplied

“I was gutted,” he quips. “But it changed my life. I studied design and left for university and never looked back.”

Brooking graduated from The University of Waikato with a Computer Graphics Design Honours Degree and received a Distinction for Academic Achievement.

For the whānau

Brooking’s whakapapa hails from Ruatoria, a small town in the Waiapu Valley on the East Coast of the North Island.

His life on the road presents challenges and sacrifices, but he cherishes spending quiet weekends with his family.

“I’m married with two children. My wife and I have been together for 21 years, and I’m the proud father of a transgender son.

“Success is measured at home. If things are falling over at home, they will fall over everywhere.

“I define my success based on my whānau. If my wife and kids are happy, then I’m successful. When they are safe, fed and happy, then there is nothing that can stop me from achieving whatever I want."

Kajun Brooking centre stage, doing what he loves and proving to his 17-year-old son that "dad is funny". Photo/Supplied

From the streets to the stage

Brooking has opened for and performed with some of New Zealand’s biggest comedy names, including Dai Henwood, Paul Ego, Jeremy Corbett, Raybon Kan, Gish, Justine Smith, and many others.

He recently opened for Irish actor and comedian Ed Byrne, known for presenting popular British television shows like Just For Laughs and Uncut!

Brooking is preparing to showcase his slick Māori Street Comedy to the 2025 New Zealand International Comedy Festival Gala with Kajun Brooking Escapes The Hood, where the adage holds true: you can take the boy out of the hood, but can you take the hood out of the boy?

Brooking will perform at Auckland’s Q Theatre on 13, 14, and 17 May, and then at Wellington’s Bats Theatre from 20-24 May.

Tickets for Wellington’s Comedy Gala night can be found here.