Comedian Dai Henwood pays emotional tribute to father Ray Henwood at his funeral

On Monday afternoon, Kiwi comedian Dai Henwood paid an emotional tribute to his father Ray Henwood, who died last week.

Ray, who was one of New Zealand's most beloved actors, was aged 82.

According to Stuff, several celebrities - including Bret McKenzie, Jeremy Corbett and Ben Hurley - were in attendance at Wellington's State Opera House to celebrate Ray's life, a man who was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film and theatre in 2006.

Standing before Ray's white casket, which was dressed in red and white roses, the 41-year-old TV star bid a tearful farewell to his father.

"You make me a better man and as your soul is carried by the warm wind, I want you to know that you are always a part of me. I love you Dad, and you rest amongst the stars. Goodbye," a teary Dai said.

Dai also recently took to social media to pay tribute to his dad, posting a photo of the two together from his childhood he wrote: "I miss you Dad, you were proud of me and that mattered a lot."

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"Thanks for everything you know or might not know you did."

He added: "You passed away early this morning and it hurt. Mum, Jo, Charlie, Lucy and I love you to the stars where you belong.

"Kua hinga te tōtara i te wao nui a Tāne. (A mighty Totara has fallen in the forest of Tāne Mahuta)."

Ray was best known for his role in the sitcom Gliding On. He also co-founded Circa Theatre.

He is survived by his second wife, the retired judge Carolyn Henwood, their two children and his two grandchildren.

Ray was to be cremated in a private ceremony.