I founded Xyst in 2002 with a desire to establish a parks and community facilities company that could both meet the needs of local government and also provide an alternative safe and happy workplace for colleagues needing to take time out from the demands of local government. Since then we have grown the company to the scale it is today.
I strive to be the best I can and to support those around me to be the best version of themselves and to make a difference to our public parks and facilities. As a Director I am proud of our company culture, our move to offer opportunities to graduates, our engagement with our professional body, the recognition and awards my colleagues have achieved and the long serving nature of many of our team. Seeing staff members move to becoming shareholders of our company fills me with pride and excitement for the future.
I strive to treat people in a way that I would like to be treated and encourage the team to be the best they can be.
It’s been an amazing role for 22+ years with Xyst, seeing it grow and flourish based on a mix of the quality of the work we produce and importantly the wonderful people who have joined the Xyst team. Being at work has been a pleasure.
In mid 2024 my operational leadership role concluded enabling me to have some time away from work exploring other opportunities. I remain a Director and advocate for our fantastic company.
My expertise
I have always had a passion for the outdoors, starting my career as a gardener undertaking the first part of an apprenticeship in amenity horticulture while working as part of an arborist team. I went on to study arboriculture in 1979 when the industry was at its infancy in the United Kingdom. Later I studied recreation management at Loughborough University, United Kingdom.
My work is founded on a deep passion for the outdoors. I have always had a love of gardens, trees and public spaces for recreation, and have enjoyed competitive sport for my entire life. I bring this to work with me every day.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Recreational Management (ILAM Diploma), Loughborough University
- Royal Forestry Society Certificate in Arboriculture
- National Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture), Merrist Wood College of Horticulture
- Traffic Control Management, Level 1 Basic TC
- Certificate in Infrastructure Procurement Level 6
Accreditation
- ARPro (Accredited Recreational Professional) awarded July 2006 ongoing
- CIPP (Certified International Parks Professional) awarded 2014 ongoing
- World Urban Parks 2024 Distinguished Individual Award
- Recreation Aotearoa (NZRA) Fellow bestowed in 2016
- Ian Galloway Cup recipient 2007 – for excellence and personal contribution
- World Urban Parks Asia Pacific – leader 2002 – 2018
- World Urban Parks Deputy Leader – 2018 – 2021
- Recreation Aotearoa Life Member (bestowed 2024)
Xyst in action
We have been privileged to work on many inspiring projects throughout the years, seeing the evolution of our parks and outdoor spaces. The development of trails, which Xyst has been involved in over the past 20 + years has provided an increased opportunity to explore the environment for our wider communities.
As the architect of the Yardstick projects it has been rewarding to see the project established in Canada, Australia and at times used in South Africa and parts of Europe.
The executive placement roles at Gore, Waikato District, Mackenzie District, MPDC have also been challenging and rewarding, as the organisation usually needs steady leadership in a time of stress or with staff shortages. When completed, it’s a wonderful feeling to have served in the role and made new friends along the way.
The 2 years spent leading the Australia team in 2021/22 was both challenging and refreshing as we recruited new staff and focused the business more towards parks operational projects.
One of our key benefits we bring to our communities is to find an alternative practical approach to making our communities stronger. Our ability to both be aware of best practice and to strive to find best practice solutions at fair value for our clients is part of our success.
Our Xyst team are very engaged in their own lives with their communities running community events, being active runners, walkers, hockey players, boaties, anglers and trampers.