The funniest Kiwi singles: why humour matters

Our recent study of 40,000 Kiwis has revealed where to find New Zealand’s funniest singles!¹ But why is this important? EliteSingles psychologist Salama Marine gave us some insight regarding the importance of humour in a relationship and revealed why we find funny people so attractive.

Where are New Zealand’s funniest singles?

In 2014, an EliteSingles study discovered that 97% of our members see humour as an essential part of a healthy relationship.² Happily for them (and for anyone looking for a witty partner), our latest study has revealed something interesting: we now know where to find the funniest singles in New Zealand.

In our study, we looked at anonymous user data from 40,000 of the Kiwis registered with our site. By analysing how strongly these singles agreed with the question ‘I often make others laugh,’ we determined which people in NZ think they’re funny. We then averaged these scores out by area, allowing us to find the cities and towns where funny singles congregate.³

Once the scores were tallied, it turned out to be excellent news for the singles of Waiuku in the Auckland region. Previously known as a place to find steel workers, farmers, and the occasional Auckland commuter, Waiuku can now add another feather to its cap: it’s home to New Zealand’s funniest singles.

As well as determining the funniest place overall, the study found the funniest place in each region. From Northland to Southland, here’s where to find the funniest singles near you:

Funniest places in the North Island

Northland: Whangerei
Auckland: Waiuku
Waikato: Huntly
Bay of Plenty: Katikati
Gisborne: Gisborne
Hawke’ Bay: Napier
Taranaki: Waitara
Manawatu-Wanganui: Palmerston North
Wellington: Raumati

Funniest places in the South Island

Tasman: Motueka
Nelson: Nelson
Malborough: Blenheim
West Coast: Greymouth
Canterbury: Ashburton
Otago: Wanaka
Southland: Invercargill

Funny Kiwi men vs funny Kiwi women

So, it seems that New Zealand is teeming with hilarious singles – and, as you can see on the map, they’re of both genders. In fact, no one gender dominates the funny list, with Kiwi men and women alike declaring themselves to be witty.

Indeed, in what may be shocking news for anyone who still believes that ‘women aren’t funny,’ the survey showed that women are actually pretty confident when it comes to embracing their own wit. In 6/16 regions, women beat men to the funny crown, coming out on top in Auckland, the Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Nelson, the West Coast and Otago.

In comparison, there were only 5/16 regions where men’s humour self-ranking outdid that of women: Northland, the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Malborough and Canterbury.

Finally, there were 5/16 regions in the study where men and women drew for the crown: Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Tasman, and Southland are all home to men and women who see themselves as equally funny.

Why is a good sense of humour so important?

Funny men, funny women, funniest singles – why does all of this matter? Well, for starters, if you’re a funny person, it may make you more attractive. As mentioned above, our members think that a shared sense of humour is vital for compatibility, and that’s a sentiment shared by many. From 1990s lonely hearts postings seeking someone with a ‘GSOH’ to modern day online dating profiles written by those who ‘love a good laugh,’ singles are drawn to those who see the wittier side of life. In fact, it’s a desire popular enough to almost be cliché!

But why would that be? EliteSingles psychologist Salama Marine thinks that it is because giggling together can bring us closer to one another: ‘’Laughing together is probably the best sign of a healthy relationship for a couple. Humour and self-mockery definitely help to forge happy memories and the ability to make each other giggle with just a glance creates a strong friendship between two people.’’⁴

She goes on to say that shared humour is great news for your future together: ’’When two partners can laugh at themselves and they’re not afraid to be ridiculous around each other, it indicates a strong bond. This in turn is essential for a lasting relationship.’’

So, humour can bring people together and help them stay that way. It’s no wonder, then, that so many people seek funny singles – and, happily, they’re everywhere in New Zealand

Are you ready to meet a funny single man or witty single woman? Join EliteSingles today to discover your matches.

EliteSingles editorial March 2016

If you have any questions about being funny in a relationship, or you are from the press and would like to know more about this study then please comment below or email us at [email protected]