NZ Comedy Pioneer, Radio Legend, Stroke Survivor & Author

Willy de Wit was one of the founding voices of New Zealand stand-up comedy, a co-creator of Funny Business and a Radio Hauraki morning host for 11 years — and his openly told story of stroke, recovery and rebuilding has made him one of the country's most honest motivational speakers.

Who is Willy de Wit?

Born William McGechie, Willy de Wit is a New Zealand comedian, broadcaster, author and motivational speaker. He helped pioneer NZ's stand-up comedy scene in the 1980s as part of the iconic four-man group Funny Business, which won its own TV series in 1988 and toured nationally. He worked across TV through the 1990s (More Issues, Sportsnight, That Comedy Show) before becoming morning host on Radio Hauraki for 11 years alongside Funny Business collaborator Dean Butler. After losing his radio role in 2011 he went through a period of depression, addiction and ill health that culminated in a major stroke in April 2016. His candid memoir Drink, Smoke, Snort, Stroke tells the full story.

Career Highlights

• Founding member of NZ comedy quartet Funny Business

• Co-host, Radio Hauraki morning show (11 years, 1998–2011)

• Member of NZ comedy supergroup The Wide Lapels

• TV credits include More Issues, Sportsnight, Comedy Central and That Comedy Show

• Author of bestselling memoir Drink, Smoke, Snort, Stroke (2022)

• Major stroke survivor (April 2016) — long recovery into public speaking

• Featured on TVNZ's The Project, NZ Herald, Stuff and Newstalk ZB

Key Speaking Themes

• Resilience after stroke, addiction and depression

• Mental health, men's wellbeing and asking for help

• Reinvention later in life

• The Kiwi comedy scene, broadcasting and storytelling

• Family, friendship and the people who hold you up

What Your Audience Will Gain

Willy is funny, raw and refreshingly honest. Audiences leave laughing one moment and reflecting the next, with a clearer view of how easily life can come unstuck — and a more practical sense of what real recovery, friendship and second chances look like.

Ideal For

• Mental health, wellbeing and resilience events

• Men's health and Movember-style programmes

• Stroke and rehab community events

• Awards nights, gala dinners and after-dinner keynotes

• Broadcast, media and comedy industry events

Frequently Asked Questions about Willy de Wit

What does Willy de Wit speak about? Resilience, recovery, mental health, addiction and the long road back from a major stroke.

Where is Willy de Wit based? Willy is based on Auckland's North Shore and travels nationally for speaking engagements.

What is Willy de Wit best known for? Co-founding NZ comedy show Funny Business and hosting Radio Hauraki's morning show for 11 years.

Has Willy de Wit written a book? Yes — his bestselling memoir Drink, Smoke, Snort, Stroke (2022) tells his full story.

Can Willy de Wit speak with David Downs as a duo? Yes. Willy and David Downs co-present a popular double-bill keynote on adversity, recovery and resilience.

Is Willy de Wit available for media events and comedy nights? Yes. Willy remains active in comedy, broadcasting and media commentary alongside his speaking work.