Sam Kenny, 44, died on January 3 after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019. Photo / SuppliedBowel cancer is the second-highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, second only to lung cancer. Bowel Cancer New Zealand said the incidence of bowel cancer in this country is one of the highest in the world, with more than 1200 people dying from it each year. She said she advised families going through something similar to reach out to charities such as Bowel Cancer New Zealand and the Cancer Society for support. Dai Henwood went public with his stage 4 cancer diagnosis in January 2023.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 14, 2026 16:26 UTC