Dai Henwood MC/Entertainer Profile

From Gags to Grins: Comedy Connoisseur & Master of the Moment

Dai Henwood is one of New Zealand’s most beloved comedians. His stand-up comedy has taken him around the world, with international touring, sell-out seasons at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, and invitations to perform at renowned events such as the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. Among many accolades, he has won the Billy T Award, the Fred Award (twice), NZCG Best Male Comedian, and the Rielly Comedy Award. In 2025, Dai was recognised with a New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to the entertainment industry and charitable fundraising.

A music fanatic, Dai spent 10 years on radio before beginning his TV career, where he started out on C4 cult favourites Insert Video Here and Roll the Dai. Since then, he has hosted a number of popular shows such as Family Feud, Dancing with the Stars, and Lego Masters. He is also known as a staple favourite on 7 Days.

Dai is constantly rallying the New Zealand nation with support and joy—most notably during the COVID-19 lockdown, when he launched the comedy show Dai’s House Party to keep spirits high and bring laughter into people’s homes. He continues to support causes close to his heart, with affiliations to Starship Children’s Hospital and Hello Sunday Morning.

Mission

With 25 years in the comedy industry and 3 years living with stage 4 cancer Dai Henwood has gone to hell and back. Hell turned out to be a good teacher. Along with the highs of his careers came some spectacular lows, a re-invention of himself and the creation of a work ethic that has lead him to be one of New Zealand’s most loved entertainers.

Dai moved from finding happiness in a bottle of beer, to being sober after spending time at a Japanese temple where he was reinvigorated to create a meaningful life in the present moment. Along came 2020. A lockdown and a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Six major surgeries, 14 rounds of chemotherapy and heaps of radiation hasn’t knocked back his will to succeed and live a happy life, it only made it stronger.

We all struggle with setbacks and those set backs can get in the way of being a good partner and parent as well as holding you back from success in the workplace. Dai is deeply invested in sharing his resilient joy and passing that forward.

Keynote

Being in a room with Dai you will laugh, think dynamically, and walk away with tools that can make you a stronger human in both your personal and professional life.

Dai’s extensive career, personal experience, and natural ability to connect with people have meant that he is a seasoned pro when it comes to a diverse range of events. He can handle a crowd with ease, always ensuring the audience is entertained and engaged.