United Future leader Peter Dunne has found himself in the firing line of New Zealand's comedians.

What's the rule about getting up in the middle of a standup comic's gig? Don't do it.

Similarly, UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne may think twice in future before dismissing an entire working group in New Zealand - particularly when that working group is comedians.

A single comment Dunne made on Twitter on Thursday night, appears to have snowballed into a solid 24-hour lashing in which neither his quiff, nor his bow-tie were safe.

If only he had stopped there.

Instead, Dunne defended his stance, and in the process took what appeared to be a swing at National's Northland by-election candidate Mark Osborne, but was perhaps meant for NZ First leader Winston Peters.

Finally, an onslaught of comedic retorts forced him to retreat, indignant.

Because it's Friday (and what's Friday without a Friday Funny?), here are some of the best replies: