Tea was taken early when tailender Duanne Oliver was out for one to end the innings, with Henry taking 7-23 as New Zealand cashed in on winning the toss and asking South Africa to bat in bowler-friendly conditions.
Zubayr Hamza, back in the South African starting lineup for the first time in two years, top-scored for the tourists with 25.
Henry, whose previous best was 4-93 against South Africa four years ago, has struggled to be a regular member of the New Zealand attack where Tim Southee and Trent Boult have long been the new-ball bowlers.
But with Boult on paternity leave, the Christchurch-born Henry relished the chance to perform in front of his home crowd.
With his fourth ball he removed South Africa skipper Dean Elgar for one with a ball that nipped away off the pitch.
Yes @Matthenry014! Playing his first Test since Edgbaston last year and he strikes early at Hagley Oval. Follow play LIVE with @sparknzsport. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/nxGtIcLAwV
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 16, 2022
When South Africa looked to be showing some resistance with Hamza and Kyle Verreynne putting on 33 for the sixth wicket, Henry removed the pair along with Kagiso Rabada and debutant Glenton Stuurman in an eight-ball burst.
Just like that @Matthenry014 has SEVEN! Three in the over and two in two balls to finish. South Africa 9 down at Hagley Oval. Follow play LIVE with @sparknzsport. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/v5zrVPI8iz
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 17, 2022
Alongside Henry, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner each took one wicket.
© Agence France-Presse
