Henry's reaping the rewards of working hard in an inclusive environment.
His genial nature still cannot disguise the fact he is a fast bowler, a job where an appetite to instill fear and hesitancy in batsmen is a pre-requisite as they prod or leave their pads or stumps exposed as 140km/h missiles zero in. Henry consistently produces enough subtle movement to incite confusion.
Tuesday against England was a rarity. New Zealand conceded their highest total in ODIs of 408 for nine.
Henry went for 73 from his 10 overs; just the third time in 10 ODI bowling innings he had gone for more than a run-a-ball, and only the second match he had failed to snare a wicket.
Even that setback musters a smile, albeit rueful.
"We've just got to make sure we're asking the right questions by looking to attack and take wickets," he says.
Henry was the major victim when the World Cup squad was picked, missing out on a pace bowling spot to Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Adam Milne, Mitchell McClenaghan and Kyle Mills.
His handling of the disappointment, Plunket Shield form of 20 wickets at 28.55 and Milne's subsequent injury saw him not only recalled, but picked to play the semifinal and final. He bowled respectable spells and took the wickets of Australians David Warner and Michael Clarke at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Henry's reflection on the tournament offers shades of Stephen Donald before the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.
"I went to the Aussie game in Auckland as a fan. I sat with a couple of mates and loved it. The noise and hype was incredible. It was such a buzz and the experience of that crowd made me realise it was going to be electric [once I got the call-up] against South Africa. Everyone lived every ball.
"I was in the stands with my sunnies on. I had to play [Plunket Shield] the next day so I was sticking to the water, but it was great just being there enjoying it."
Henry also credits his two seasons in the Indian Premier League, under the Stephen Fleming-coached Chennai Super Kings, as crucial to accelerating his career. He's yet to play a game on his $58,000 contract, but has absorbed himself in the environment.
"You're rubbing shoulders with the best in world. Last year I'd played one international game and I was chewing the fat with guys who had played 10 years or more of international cricket. Flem's been great tactically to help me get into the mindset of the game. The experience of that first year gave me confidence I could compete at that level.
"You're standing at the top of your mark at training with the likes of [current or former internationals] Andy Bichel, Dwayne Bravo, Kyle Abbott and Ashish Nehra, guys with so much experience."
That's not to mention bowling to batsmen such as New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Michael Hussey, Faf du Plessis and Suresh Raina.
Henry left the IPL and was awarded a test debut, trotting through the Lord's Long Room on May 21 as only 15 other New Zealanders had done before their maiden appearance.
He announced himself to the sea of bacon and egg ties in the pavilion - and his parents in the stands - with an opening spell of two for 19 from five overs, dismissing England captain Alastair Cook and senior pro Ian Bell on Thomas Lord's sloping theatre.
Given the predilection of coach Mike Hesson and McCullum to employ a 'class is permanent' policy by persevering with players, Henry should have plenty of opportunities to eke out a substantial test and ODI career.
