This Stand-Up Comic Made New Zealand Home By Getting on the Microphone

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When Roland Mirabueno, 28, talks about the importance of democracy, he doesn't need look too far back in the history of the Philippines, where he was born, to illustrate its seriousness. The country was colonised—first by Spain, then by America—before a dictatorship further delayed the advent of free and fair elections. "You couldn't really exercise your right. Having that ability is part of expressing your freedom."

VICE caught up with Roland in his new home of Auckland, where he is making a name for himself as a standup comedian. His first standup gig in New Zealand was—unbeknown to him—a competition, and he made the semifinals. He now feels at home, but realises that other immigrants to the country might not. "I think so many of the reasons why so many of the people who actually move to another country don't like to vote is somehow they feel like they don't have the voice. I think it's really important to vote to feel like you're at home and that you belong. You're not a guest any more."

For Roland, engaging in New Zealand's democracy is a way to join the national discourse, and to assert your identity as a Kiwi, no matter how newfound that identity might be. "It's so easy to feel like you're not part of this country or you're not part of this culture. No, actually, no, I live here, I am a New Zealander."