New Zealand TV star, comedian and author Dai Henwood has died at the age of 48 after a six year battle with cancer.

“It is with a deep sadness that we share the news that Dai Henwood ONZM passed away today,” Henwood’s management posted on social media on Tuesday.

“After valiantly living with colon cancer for the past six years, Dai died holding the hands of his family in Auckland Hospital on the morning of Tuesday 10th November 2026.”

Henwood, known for his regular appearances on Kiwi shows including 7-Days and Taskmaster, was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2020.

He underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to delay the disease before going public with the news in early 2023.

“Right now I thought it was time to be public with my diagnosis,” Henwood shared at the time.

“I’m an authentic person and it was such a huge part of my life that I was hiding.”

Having started his career in television, he appeared in the comedy show Pulp Comedy in 1999 and became a regular and hugely respected name on the Kiwi stand-up circuit, going on to release his comedy specials Dai Another Day and Adapt Or Dai.

Henwood was awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the entertainment industry and charitable fundraising in June 2025.

“I have been blessed to spend more than half my life making people laugh all around Aotearoa and abroad,” he told RNZ of accepting the award.

As well as being a regular and inspiring face onscreen, Henwood was a vocal advocate for bowel cancer checks and routinely took part in charity fundraisers and multiple jobs up until his death.

“After decades of entertaining us on both stage and screen, he then shared his vulnerability during his cancer diagnosis,” his management continued.

“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.”

Henwood is survived by his wife Jo and children Charlie and Lucy.