Tom O’Neill

Consultant

As a Consultant at Xyst I have been engaged in a range of areas including project management, asset management, planning, research and service delivery roles for Councils and Clubs. My work often entails liaising with local communities and key stakeholders to gain input and local perspectives on areas they are passionate about.

With proven experience driving Capital Projects Councils have underway, and working with communities, I seek to improve social, recreational and environmental outcomes for our people.

Where possible, I like to work on the ground, building strong relationships with co-workers, contractors and stakeholders. This approach streamlines our activities and makes use of our collective knowledge.

You can contact me for help with

My expertise

Utilising nine years in local government, including secondments at Councils and experience in facilities, I bring an understanding of internal Council systems and processes. With experience in Council Parks, Projects, Assets and Harbour Officer roles, I am quickly brought up to speed, resuming operations and solving resourcing issues where placements are required.

I also bring experience in shorter-term projects, assisting Councils in project management, community engagement, planning, contract management and asset management. Having worked across multiple Local Government organisations, I understand the unique pressures that staff, facilities, and core services face. Drawing upon my background, I strive to assist Councils as they optimise service delivery to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

 My early career was spent in the aquatics sector, where over six years I worked at four different Councils and seven facilities. During my time in aquatics, I led the operations of both outdoor and indoor facilities and actively worked to implement programmes to engage the local community. Of note, during my time with Christchurch City Council, I was involved in a review of the Council’s SwimSmart learn to swim programme in the context of the competitive market in Canterbury.

Qualifications

  • Master of Business (Maj. In Management), University of Canterbury
  • Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management (Maj. In Marketing), Lincoln University
  • National Certificate in Recreation and Sport, Level 3
  • Quantified Tree Risk Assessment System – Registered User

Xyst in action

As a firm believer that both communities and expert opinions matter, I have been working with the communities of Lakes Alexandrina and McGregor to resource improvements to one of New Zealand’s premier summer holiday locations. Previously under-resourced and under-represented, I have managed to facilitate quarterly meetings inviting five community organisations, and another seven agencies who have had involvement in the area.

Hosting a moderated environment, we have assisted the Mackenzie District Council to bring in expert opinions from partner agencies and enabled the communities to share their views and projects, all of which has helped to ease tensions. These meetings have helped the communities unite, identifying positive changes that will benefit all those who utilise the area.

Expertise

Service Delivery

From procuring and managing contractors to the practical implementation of strategic work, we can help you to deliver services efficiently

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Research

Along with Yardstick, our international benchmarking program for local government, if you need research to make good decisions, we can get it for you

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Camping

From design and planning to maintenance, we can help to ensure people have a great experience when they enjoy your campgrounds and facilities

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Asset Management

Having accurate information about assets allows you to make practical, workable decisions about maintaining and developing community spaces

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My Projects

Wilding Pine Removals

The Mackenzie District Council engaged Xyst to assist with the removal of 60 hectares of wilding conifers (Contorta and Corsican) in a block visible from

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Lake Tekapo Wild Fire Mitigation

Consultants from Xyst, engaged by the Mackenzie District Council, received a report from Fire & Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) identifying Lake Tekapo’s vulnerabilities to wildfire.

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Fairlie Ashes Circle

The team at Xyst were engaged by the Mackenzie District Council to spearhead the development of the Fairlie Cemetery Ashes Circle. The project started with

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Signage Suite & Procurement

The Mackenzie District Council initiated a Brand Guide (2020) to establish consistency in the Council’s visual representation. Subsequently, Xyst conducted an audit of Council signs

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Parks & Facilities Management

Xyst was brought on board after a thorough risk and performance evaluation of the Mackenzie District Council’s parks and community facilities operations. Xyst was then

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Fairlie Dog Park

The Mackenzie District Council engaged Xyst to develop a dog park for the Fairlie Community and the region’s visitors. Xyst started by identifying the project’s

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