TV star had lived with cancer for six years

New Zealand comedian Dai Henwood has died at the age of 48, after living with colon cancer for six years.

His agents announced the news on social media, saying: ‘After decades of entertaining us on both stage and screen, he then shared his vulnerability during his cancer diagnosis. He truly brought people together, radiating positivity and a magnetic charm that pull strangers and friends into his orbit. 

‘Dai’s contributions to comedy, various charities, and the general positive vibes of Aotearoa will leave an indelible mark. He made so many people proud. Nothing made Dai happier than making people laugh, and he shared that gift of his his whole life.

‘Dai will be dearly missed by his whānau [the Māori word for his loved ones], his friends, and those who saw him entertain a nation. We were lucky to have him in our lives, and we will hold his memory dearly in our hearts.’

The son of late actor Ray Henwood and former judge Dame Carolyn Henwood, Dai is survived by his wife Jo and his children Charlie and  Lucy,

Emerging on the New Zealand comedy circuit in the early 2000s, Henwood was a founding cast member of the comedy panel show 7 Days in 2009, going on to appear in more than 150 episodes. His other credits include Dancing With The Stars and the fourth season of Taskmaster NZ.

In the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, Henwood was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the entertainment industry and charitable fundraising.

Fellow Kiwi comedians were quick to pay tribute. 

Ray O’Leary said: ‘Everyone knows he is funny but he was also such a kind, supportive man and a loving father. I sat next to him at my first 7 Days and he was so welcoming and made sure I could get a word in. He'd show me photos of what him and his kids got up to and on Taskmaster, two of the jackets he wore were covered in his kids' drawings. A legend forever.'

Rhys Darby posted: ‘I'm devastated. Dai was the best of us and not only an amazing performer but an amazing mate. The best mate anyone could ask for. He made life magical. He saw the best in everyone and everything and when life tried to take him out he fought on with a courage and determination that none of us knew was possible. New Zealand has lost a titan today, but for those of us that loved him dearly as a close friend, we'll be crying for a long time.’

Frankie McNair said: ‘Dai was such a welcoming, genuine and warm person. I was so shy in the green room and he immediately started chatting to me and making me feel a part of the team. He left such a positive impact on everyone he met. What a legend.’

And Jarred Christmas added: ‘A great man, a lovely man. 26 years of knowing Dai. Every time we saw each other, it didn’t matter that it had been years or days or even hours, his smile and warmth was always on show. He genuinely gave a shit and gave you time. Huge hole in NZ comedy and in the lives of those who knew him. Love to his family and friends.’

Published: 10 Nov 2026