He managed the team at both and said the events were at opposite ends of the spectrum.
''Even the lead-up to both games was different. In the lead-up to Delhi there were big issues about security and the hygiene factor.
''This one [Glasgow] had a very similar culture [to New Zealand]. There was a lot of faith in the organising committee. There didn't seem to be those same concerns that were addressed publicly.
''The lead-up was completely different, as well. You just went there with a so much more relaxed attitude. Not having people walking around with big AK47s makes a difference.''
As the team manager, the majority of Southby's role was completed before the first shuttlecock was hit.
He organised training camps, and made sure team entries were completed and players had accommodation.
Southby, a programme manager at Otago Polytechnic's institute of sport and adventure, was also the badminton team's high performance co-ordinator as it prepared for the games.
The role, 10 hours a week, involved co-ordinating the team, which was spread around the world, and making sure the New Zealand Olympic Committee's criteria for qualification was met.
While the job finished at the conclusion of the Games, he is now negotiating with Badminton New Zealand to ''see where we go from here''.
The eight-strong team competed in singles and doubles but failed to bring home a medal. That was not surprising, Southby said.
''We have only won one medal in world champs before, a bronze in 2005. We've never won a Commonwealth Games gold, just a few silvers and bronzes.
''I think [badminton in New Zealand] at the top end is not too different from what it has been in the past, but we are certainly lacking the depth we have had in the past.
While teams like Botswana, Uganda, Sri Lanka and Ghana pour money into their programmes, New Zealand's high-performance funding was cut in 2006-07. That ''really hurt us'', Southby said.
Any funding Badminton New Zealand receives from commercial or other organisations maintains the top team and leaves no money to invest in development.
''It's an Olympic sport ... England has over 100 employees. That's what we are up against. Our guys drop about $25,000 to $30,000 a year. Just to qualify, train, play and live overseas, it's not sustainable.
''We have got guys at 22 or 23 saying, 'I don't know if I can play any more'. To be competitive on the world stage you need to be playing international tournaments all the time ... and how do you do that with no money coming in?''
Southby, who is married to Southern Steel netball coach Janine, played badminton from when he was a ''wee nipper''.
He went on to play at the Slazenger and Wisden Cup level, New Zealand's premier grade, before coaching various age groups and eventually becoming a national selector in 2006.
- by Robert Van Royen
