David Downes (1967, Wellington, New Zealand) is a composer and film maker. Downes compositions have included private and public commissions for theatre & film scores, orchestral works, electro-acoustic pieces, and songwriting.

Since 1988, Downes also made a considerable contribution to modern choreographic work in New Zealand with his dance scores. He is particularly known for his work with choreographers, and for dance-inspired music, including two CD releases: "Saltwater", and "The Rusted Wheel of Things" (originally entitled "Pavillion").