Born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Danny arrived in the Hutt Valley in 1983. He attended Hutt Intermediate and finished his schooling at Hutt Valley High School in 1992.

In February 1993, Danny began working at Harbour City Funeral Home in Kilbirnie on a three-month trial period. He decided to stay on after the trial. Danny completed the Embalming course in 1995, achieving the highest marks in both the theory section and overall for that year. In 1997, he became fully qualified by completing the Funeral Directors Course and earning a Diploma in Funeral Services.

Since starting in 1993, Danny has held various roles within the company, occasionally moving between branches to fulfil these positions. For nearly six years, he served on the Funeral Service Training Trust (FSTT) as the representative for the New Zealand Funeral Directors Association. The FSTT was responsible for developing the Funeral Directing and Embalming Qualifications and overseeing funeral service education in New Zealand.

Danny has always lived in Lower Hutt and was an avid football player until age and injury prompted him to shift his focus. Now, he spends his time being an ‘uber driver’ alongside his high school sweetheart wife, supporting their four daughters and their busy dance and social schedules.

---