Daren's story

Enabling Communities to Thrive

From Military Intelligence Officer to Zero Harm Advisor – Daren’s journey of service beyond the uniform

In the shadow of Mount Ruapehu, Daren Smith continues a lifelong mission of service – drawing on decades of experience and a deep personal connection to the mission.

Today, as a Zero Harm Business Advisor with Downer, Daren helps protect the people and places that underpin New Zealand’s Defence capability. His story is one of enduring relationships, resilience, and a true reflection of Downer’s purpose: Enabling Communities to Thrive.

At Waiouru Military Camp, where every New Zealand Army soldier begins their journey, Daren ensures that Downer staff, from tradespeople to cleaners, can do their jobs safely and effectively. It’s a critical part of maintaining the infrastructure that supports NZDF operational outcomes and military training.

“I’ve been to many different places throughout my career, and we did some really good and effective work,” Daren reflects. “But… not everyone came home. That’s why safety matters. It’s personal.”

Daren’s transition into a civilian role with Downer was seamless. Having previously worked with the NZDF’s Office of Compliance, he already knew the team and the terrain. “Our main objective is providing the best facilities for the NZDF, so our brave young men and women are looked after,” he says. “I believe we’re doing a really important job.”

But his journey began far from New Zealand. Growing up in the UK during a time of high unemployment, Daren had dreams of becoming a Master butcher, but the industry was struggling. When that path closed, his brother, already serving in the infantry, suggested the Army and what started as a short-term fix became a 26-year career in Military Intelligence which included operational tours of Northern Ireland, the Balkans, the Middle East and other parts of the world.

After meeting a number of NZDF soldiers while on deployment, Daren moved to New Zealand in 2005 to be closer to family. Initially Daren continued his military service with the NZDF, later taking on roles with Corrections, Fish & Game, and the Coastguard. Each step brought him closer to his current Health and Safety role at Downer, helping Downer’s people stay safe while the team support the next generation of Defence personnel.

Military service runs deep in Daren’s family. His brother’s influence led him into the Army, and now his son is also serving. “Supporting NZDF is, I believe, directly supporting my son while he follows his own Army career,” he says. “I’m very proud of what we achieve as a team, and I am extremely proud of my son.”

Veterans from all Services bring more than experience; they bring a mindset. Attention to detail, discipline, and a deep understanding of risk are second nature. “It’s all about analysing risk and the threats,” Daren explains. “From a health and safety perspective, it’s the same, looking at tasks, identifying the hazards, assessing risk, and developing effective control measures.”

But for Daren, it’s not just about systems, it’s about people. “Downer has a fantastic team here in Waiouru, they are truly special people who just want to do the best job they possibly can,” he says.

His work is a quiet but powerful example of how veterans can continue to serve in civilian roles, bringing leadership, insight, and a deep sense of purpose to the communities they support.

“Absolutely join Downer,” Daren says. “Once my son finishes with the Army, I’d happily recommend he come to Downer. There are so many opportunities if you work hard and apply yourself.”

And for mental wellbeing? Daren has a few key pieces of advice: “Go to the gym, look after your family, and keep bees. Keeping bees is brilliant for mental health.”