From Marlborough to the Military, to MIQ Master.

As the pandemic broke in New Zealand, Marlborough man Air Commodore Darryn Webb MNZM was given command of the fledgling MIQ. He talks to William Woodworth about the mammoth task.

Marlborough’s own Air Commodore Darryn Webb MNZM won’t quickly forget being told to report to the Prime Minister’s office with no understanding of why.

He was handed the task of defending New Zealanders from a strain of Coronavirus that was ripping through populations across the world, through a quarantine system.

After being seconded into Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and given command of the fledgling Managed Isolation and Quarantine.

Darryn led the effort to write manuals and adapt empty hotels into quarantine centres in an unprecedented situation, he explains.

“The enormity of attempting to keep COVID out was definitely not lost on me and it does make you think about whether you have the skills and experience for the job,” he reflects.

“When you got out of bed each morning you had no doubt what your task was and everyone involved, whether coordinating from Wellington, conducting border security or supporting facility management, did an amazing job.

“We had to develop a system quickly, and standardise facilities not designed for purpose. Things changed quickly, so staff and system needed to adapt even faster”.

Darryn’s 30 plus year career began in 1990 as a transport plane pilot, commanding New Zealand’s Hercules fleet, RNZAF Base Ohakea and in 2016, Air Force Deputy Chief.

“In terms of my own experience, I was fortunate to join at a time when New Zealand was becoming more involved in multi-national deployments supporting the United Nations, so I was involved in operations and deploying the Defence Force around the world,” he says.

Darryn’s Air Force father meant he grew up at Woodbourne and Ohakea military bases and looks back fondly on his Marlborough youth.

“It was an idyllic childhood surrounded by extended family. I went to Springlands School, played rugby for Opawa, caught eels in the stream and played from dawn till dusk - life was hard to beat.

“Heading down the Marlborough Sounds, early morning as the sun is rising with the picnic packed, was perhaps my favourite time.”

Darryn’s Air Force interest developed on returning to Woodbourne and after finishing school at Marlborough Boys’ College, he joined Air Cadets, won a flying scholarship, and flew solo as a 17-year-old.

Looking back at early missions, he says the Defence Force has professionalised immensely, but one thing stays consistent.

“The enthusiastic, motivated, and capable young people who join the Air Force seeking to be challenged make a difference.

“Opportunities to lead others teaches you about purpose, about teamwork, about finding solutions to problems that are not obvious, and having fun along the way. They’re universal life lessons whether you’re starting out or in charge.”

Darryn says the mostly civilian MIQ team had “a professional environment where people understood the critical need to get things done to a timeframe often measured in minutes.

The 2022 admission to the New Zealand Order of Merit was a proud but humble moment for Darryn who is quick to point out it was a “very large team effort.”

“I’m sure any recipient of a New Zealand or equivalent level of recognition would say the same.

“My family, especially my wife and two kids who helped me through very long and challenging days, were similarly proud and I had lots of really nice messages from mates.”

Darryn encourages anyone interested in the military to find their own pathway and give anything they’re interested in a go.

“The key requirements are motivation, perseverance and being a real team player.

“Surround yourself with positive people – I’ve been in pretty harsh locations with challenging tasks, but it never feels like a chore if you’re alongside your mates.

“You will learn about yourself. You will make new friends. You will overcome challenges you might have thought impossible.

“And you don’t have to stay for 30 years, but I’ll warn you now, turn your back for 5 minutes and before you know it, that is exactly what might happen”.