Australian comedian Heath Franklin's Chopper character has an all-new TV show premiering on TV3 tonight.
Chopper's Republic of Anzakistan sees the character based on infamous criminal and celebrated author Mark 'Chopper' Read uniting Australia and New Zealand as one country - although the new regime hasn't been thought through all that thoroughly.
"I haven't worked out the finer points of it yet, I guess my vision is just for us to generally kick arse all over the world," Chopper told me of his vision for Anzakistan.
"Then we'll sit down for a beer, and then kick a bit more arse. I'm not going to get too stressed out about it."
One thing Chopper wants to address as El Presidente of Anzakistan is differences in the common parlance of the existing two nations.
"Jandals and thongs, that gets embarrassing," says Chopper.
"What's 'togs' short for, where does it come from? You can't just say a word like 'togs' and expect me to think it's fine. 'Cozzies' is short for swimming costume, it has an origin at least."
Chopper's Republic of Anzakistan features a number of other Kiwi and Aussie comedians, including Billy T Award winners Guy Montgomery and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer.
Chopper says Montgomery's moustache rivals his own, while Gonzalez-Macuer has "sweet tattoos".
Chopper's Republic of Anzakistan combines stand up, sketches and some behind-the-scenes discussion. In it, the comedians will reflect on the unique aspects of our culture and the changes that we might have to make if we really did become the Republic of Anzakistan.
It will be broadcast on TV3 tonight at 10pm, following 7 Days.
Watch my full interview with Heath 'Chopper' Franklin or check out his AMA here.
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