15 September 2026
Youth is wasted on the young and white lies are a valid form of communication. Those are the moots for this year’s The Great Comedy Debate at the Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday 10 October.
The event has become a calendar highlight since it was introduced 17 years ago, with people returning year after year for “a good laugh and good food”, says organiser Murray Chapman.
Traditionally, the first debate of the night has always been the Warkworth Toastmasters against the Lions. But this year will see a break from tradition with the Lions debating a mystery team led by Darryl Soljan. And for the first time the Warkworth Fire Brigade will feature in the second debate.
“Between the fire brigade and local cop Hamish Buick, who will be on my team, Warkworth’s emergency services are fairly well represented,” Murray laughs. “I think people in emergency services develop quite a sense of humour, it’s self-preservation.”
All proceeds go towards supporting Harbour Hospice, which provides compassionate care to Warkworth/Wellsford locals with specialist palliative needs, free of charge.
Murray says, “My wife was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away at 39. Hospice was there and they were always just there, never intrusive. They're just that support network that understands. And it was in the way they were so good to me afterwards that really nailed for me what hospice is.
“I was left as a single dad to an eight-year-old and five-year-old. I didn’t have time to grieve, I had kids to look after. I went to the hospice grief counsellor very reluctantly because I felt that I had it all sorted. She was amazing. She gently opened doors for me that I'd kept closed, and talking to her did far more good than any antidepressant could have done.”
Murray is humbled by the fact the debate has become such a well-loved community event. “Everyone just comes to have a good time, and they’re always so supportive. My wife Ines and a big group of helpers do all the food, and I’ve heard that some come just for the food! Barfoot and Thompson, who have sponsored the event the last few years, get in there and serve the food to everyone. It’s a nice connection point for the entire community.”
- To secure your tickets: Tickets $40 from Tui House, Barfoot & Thompson, Harts Pharmacy, Mahurangi Matters, Warkworth Info Centre, or online here.
