Our People: Q&A with Darryl Goode
Darryl first applied for a job as a travel lift operator so that he could work closer to home and today he is the Operations Manager for Pine Harbour Marina.
Pine Harbour Marina sits on Auckland’s eastern edge at Beachlands, providing a gateway to the Hauraki Gulf and ferry connections to the CBD. It combines a large recreational marina and marine-service precinct with restaurants, businesses and the surrounding Pine Harbour community.
How did you first become involved in the marina industry, and what led you to Pine Harbour Marina?
I was living in Beachlands and saw an advert for a Travel Lift Operator at Pine Harbour Marina, so I decided to apply. At the time, I was travelling to Pokeno for work and had a young family, so the thought of being able to live and work close to home was really appealing. Looking back, it was probably the best decision I have ever made.
What does your current role involve, and what might a typical working day look like for you?
My role covers pretty much everything involved in keeping the marina running safely and efficiently. That includes managing staff, hardstand and haulout operations, health and safety, contractors, maintenance, customers and tenants. No two days are really the same, which is one of the things I enjoy about it.
What do you enjoy most about working at Pine Harbour Marina?
The people and the variety. I enjoy working with the team, dealing with customers and tenants, and seeing projects and improvements come together. It’s also hard to beat working somewhere where you can look out over the water every day. The marina community is relatively small, but it’s a fantastic one, and that’s something I really enjoy being part of.
Marinas bring together boats, people, infrastructure and the marine environment. Which part of the job interests you most?
Probably the operations side. I enjoy solving problems, keeping things moving and making sure the marina is safe, well maintained and operating as it should. There is always something that needs attention, so it keeps things interesting.
What motivates you to keep learning and progressing in your career?
I like being challenged and I don’t like standing still. The marina industry is constantly changing, so there is always something new to learn. I also enjoy developing the people around me and seeing the team improve and grow.
How are you developing your skills and knowledge, and where would you like your career to take you next?
A lot of my learning comes from being hands-on and dealing with different situations every day. I’m also continuing to build my knowledge around health and safety, leadership, compliance and marina operations. I have recently completed my AMM through the Marina Industries Association, which has been a great opportunity to further develop my knowledge and understanding of the marina industry. Long term, I’d like to continue progressing into more senior marina management and see where that takes me.
What has been your proudest achievement or most satisfying moment at Pine Harbour Marina so far?
Seeing the improvements we’ve made across the marina and the way the team has developed has been really satisfying. I’m particularly proud when we take something that wasn’t working well, find a solution and see the difference it makes to the operation. Seeing the marina continue to improve as a whole is something I’m really proud to be part of.
What have you learned about the marina industry that you did not expect when you first started?
I probably didn’t realise just how many different areas are involved in running a marina. It’s not just about boats and berths. There’s infrastructure, engineering, environmental responsibilities, health and safety, customers, tenants, contractors and a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don’t see. There is a lot more to running a marina than I first realised.
Who is Darryl Good outside work? What do you enjoy doing when you are away from the marina?
Outside work, I’m very family focused and enjoy spending time with my kids. I’m also heavily involved in rugby, both as a coach and around the club, which I really enjoy. I’m the President of the Beachlands Chartered Club and I’m also currently on the Board of Trustees at my kids’ school. I enjoy being involved in the local community, being outdoors and keeping busy.
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