NAME:
Oscar Vai To’elau Kightley (MNZM)
BIRTHPLACE:
Apia, Samoa
KNOWN FOR:
An actor, television presenter, writer, journalist, director, and comedian. He is also an experienced and accomplished MC and has hosted many high profile events. Kightley is also a recipient of The New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to television and theatre.
SHORT BIO / CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
1990 – Oscar began his career as a reporter with the Auckland Star, Sunday Star, and Independent Radio News before moving to Christchurch to work on TVNZ’s teenage show ‘Life’
1990 – A participating member of The Performing Arts Trust
He helped establish Pacific Underground (a Christchurch-based theatre group), where his first co-written play ‘Fresh off the Boat’ was developed
1996 – A Frigate Bird Sings (co-written with David Fane) gained success at the 1996 New Zealand International Arts Festival
1997 – Oscar’s first solo venture as a playwright, Dawn Raids, premiered in Auckland and in 1998 he was awarded the Bruce Mason Play-writing Award.
2004 – Oscar wrote Niu Sila with Dave Armstrong, which played to sell-out crowds. In 2006, Oscar and Dave were amongst recipients of the inaugural Arts Foundation of New Zealand Award for Patronage discretionary donation from Denis & Verna Adam.
A member of the Naked Samoans comedy group who performed at the International Laugh Festival from 1998 to 2002.
Co-hosted TV3′s coverage of Super 12 Rugby and the weekly sports show, SPORTZAH
Oscar was a writer/performer for ‘Skitz’ and ‘Telly Laughs’ for TV3
He has also been a presenter on NiuFM’s breakfast show
Oscar worked with the Naked Samoans on the TV3 series ‘Bro’ Town‘ which has won Best Comedy at the 2005, 2006 and 2007 NZ Screen Awards. Bro’ Town entered its fifth season in 2008
Acted and co-wrote the hit 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
2007 – Oscar was one of five high profile New Zealander’s who lent their names to Inspire Me, a nationwide advertising TV campaign promoting public libraries, and also toured with the show ‘Naked Samoans Go Home – Again!’.