Vale Dai Henwood

With sadness, we note the passing of comedian and author Dai Henwood this week. Dai's 27 years in comedy, in which he won every major New Zealand comedy award including the Billy T Award, Fred Award and NZ Comedy Guild awards for Best Male Comedian, Best MC and Best TV Achievement. He was well-known and well-loved from shows such as 7 Days, Family Feud, Dancing with the Stars and LEGO Masters NZ, with legions of fans from Aotearoa and beyond.

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

He co-wrote his popular memoir, The Life of Dai, with fellow comedian and friend Jaquie Brown. It's an uplifting and moving story about finding joy despite adversity. In her review for Kete, author Sarah Ell said that 'For all that his outrageous comedy persona has brought him popularity and accolades over the years, this [book] will probably make you like him even more.'