Nelson Responsible Camping Research

Xyst designed a survey and undertook face-to face interviews with 193 campers located at the Camping Hub or free camping sites using preset questions developed by Xyst and NCC. Questions focused on the following six areas: 1. Demographics, origin and destination 2. Vehicle type and use of self-contained facilities 3. Use of accommodation other than […]

Mackenzie Basin Visitor Facilities

Xyst analysed visitor demand and the planned response of each agency involved in facility provision in the Mackenzie Basin. We identified capital and renewal spending plans across the basin and identified priority sites.

Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries and Community Facilities Operations and Maintenance Contract

We undertook a comprehensive procurement process for the development of a new maintenance contract covering the entire district. This included specification writing, GIS asset and contract mapping. contract writing, procurement plan, ROI and RFP preparation and evaluation. Xyst has also assisted with contractor handover and contract management in the first year of the contract.

Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network Masterplan

In 2017 the Wellington Regional Trails Framework was endorsed by the partners who initiated it and contained in the framework is a key recommendation to develop the ‘Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network’ as a signature trail experience. We worked with TRC Tourism develop a masterplan including cost estimates that would enable each Council to progress […]

Invercargill Cemetery Operations Review

Xyst was engaged in 2017 to undertake a review of cemetery operations at ICC and identified the existing processes used between staff and funeral directors were time consuming, expensive and had high risk of human error. There was no plans to update the Council’s corporate IT solution for cemetery bookings so Xyst identified a low […]

Cemetery Management Review

We reviewed the Council’s current bylaw, policy, standard operating procedures, forms, website and processes and practices. We have examined the Council’s current cemetery management module provided in Civica Authority and undertook a physical audit of records as they relate to interments in Charlton, Mataura, Gore and Pukerau cemeteries. We interviewed staff and funeral directors and […]

Standard Operating Procedure for Cemetery Interments

Xyst worked with the sextant to document current procedures and identify any areas of improvement. Industry best practice was reviewed to consider how current procedures stand with regard to health and safety, and risk minimisation.

Glacier Country Cycle Trail Feasibility Study

Xyst worked alongside Tourism Resource Consultants to deliver a feasibility report outlining a proposed cycle and walking trail between Okarito and Fox Glacier that would benefit the community economically without significant detrimental environmental effects. Workshops were held throughout and contact was made with key players to consider a possible route, potential constraints, develop costings and […]

Asset Condition Assessment & Valuation

Xyst was engaged to undertake Asset Collection work on behalf of the Mackenzie District Council, where we used a mobile GIS data collection tool to populate asset data throughout the district’s parks, facilities and trails. This asset information was then used to develop a renewal plan and valuation. This information has also been populated onto […]

Trail Signage at Whataupoko Park

Xyst developed a wayfinding signage plan in consultation with the Gisborne MTB Club. This project included: • consultation with immediate neighbours • development of a trail signage design package • development of a signage implementation plan including locations, quantities and installation specifications • project management implementation of signage installation, including sign ordering, procurement and contractor […]

East Cape Campground

Xyst prepared a concept plan to assist the Iwi Trust to develop the campground in a sustainable way, retaining the unique character of the site and managing use to protect urupa and other cultural sites of significance.

Rakaia Gorge Campground Toilet Renewal and Star Deck TIF Application

Xyst completed the full application documentation, including justifying the need for additional infrastructure, developing the infrastructure proposal, demonstrating how the project will support the local community, other tourism benefits and funding of the plan. This included development of the site plan concept and visualisations, component estimates, project milestones and tasks.

Lion in the Meadow Sculpture Relocation Visualisation

Xyst worked with the Whakatāne District Council to gather images of the sculpture in its previous location and transposed this with additional landscape development to the proposed new site for presentation to the local business collective.

Anderson Park Stage 2 Development Options Analysis

Xyst provided analysis on the feasibility and cost of the proposed project components including conversion of the former toilet block into a cafe, recirculation and treatment of the water play area, fencing of the primary play area and addition of new play facilities.

Riverside Dog Exercise Park Development

Xyst managed the concept and assisted in detailed design, procured products (dog agility equipment, wheelchair access, dog drinking fountains, picnic table, bag dispenser) and construction (pathway and fencing) suppliers, and managed the project delivery from September – December 2022.

Roto Kohatu Recreation Reserve Management Plan

Christchurch City Council engaged Xyst to assist on the Roto Kohatu Recreation Reserve Management Plan. Preliminary work on the preparation of a reserve management plan for this reserve identified that some parcels are not suitably classified for current and proposed management. Xyst prepared the reclassification and then prepared a reserve management plan including managing public […]

Taupo District Cemetery Plan

The plan documented the management and capacity of each cemetery in the district, set levels of service for each cemetery and forecasted demand and capacity. Cemetery fees and charges were benchmarked across New Zealand using Yardstick

Pakowhai Pou and signage project

Xyst worked with Waka Kotahi and mana whenua to install three pou whenua near the Links Road/State Highway 2 roundabout in Hawkes Bay. Xyst consultants assisted as community liaisons and in a project planning capacity from concept through to installation. On Wednesday 12 October 2022, three pou whenua were unveiled and significant stories were shared […]

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Bid

Xyst was engaged to assist Napier City Council with the development of a bid for the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023. The bid was for McLean Park to be utilised as a training venue to the World Cup. The bid was successful and will host an international team mid 2023.

Spencer Beach Holiday Park Management Transition

The holiday park had been leased from Christchurch City Council for many years and there was a lack of clarity around asset ownership and value of the assets to be transferred. Xyst prepared background documentation for Council reporting and completed a verification and schedule of thoe assets owned by the tenant and those owned by […]

Water Conservation Plan

A Water Conservation Plan specifically related to Napier City Council’s key sports grounds, amenity gardens and water features. This was among one of the first industry initiatives in the country with a real focus on water conservation. The purpose of this Water Conservation Plan was to understand and improve the wide use of water across […]

Project Blessings

Xyst has been engaged by Waka Kotahi numerous times to assist with the organisation of blessings. These events have been both prior to works beginning and at completion of projects. Xyst works with mana whenua who whakapapa to the area to ensure tikanga practices are followed and the blessing reflects the aspirations of mana whenua.

Open Space Consultation

Xyst developed a Consultation Plan for the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. At a high level the consultation was split into two phases. Phase one focused on broad information gathering which informed the Draft Strategy and was undertaken by MPDC. The second phase was undertaken by Xyst and consulted on the Draft Strategy. Consultation methods […]

Aquatic Facilities and Services Review

Dunedin City Council engaged Xyst to undertake a review of the pool network across the city and the services provided across the network. While the Council plays a significant role in the provision of pool space for the population, school and community pools make a significant contribution in providing equitable access to pool space citywide […]

Event Resource Consent

Xyst prepared a resource consent application for Gisborne District Council, including AEE for the events cross referenced against the requirements of Te Papa Tipu Taunaki o Te Tairāwhiti – The Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan. This required consultation with various staff involved in the management of events to determine the scale and nature of what would […]

Community Facilities and Open Spaces Levels of Service Development

For Southland District Council, levels of service were prepared by Xyst for a range of assets within six activity areas: 1. Parks and Reserves (Open Spaces) 2. Cemeteries 3. Public Toilets 4. Community Centres 5. Community Housing 6. Water Structures (wharves and jetties) Benefits of a robust level of service approach include: • Consistency of […]

Manapouri Foreshore Vegetation Management Plan

Southland District Council (SDC) was undertaking a review of the Manapouri Foreshore Reserve Management Plan (2003) which provided for height management of vegetation on the reserve. Although some work on vegetation had been carried out, there had been little ongoing height management particularly in the areas identified as “retained/managed bush”. An itemised programme of works […]

Contract Performance Auditing

Nelson City Council engaged Xyst to carry out contract performance auditing. Xyst has developed an inspection template using a mobile app that allows performance against a set of performance measures from contract specifications to be scored from 1 to 5 and to produce an overall percentage score for each location. Activities audited include grass maintenance, […]

Waikato Tree Inventory data collection

Waikato District Council

Using a mobile data collection tool (GIS Cloud) Xyst collected data about the identity, age, condition, location and maintenance requirements of every Council tree in the Waikato District. Data (including images) is collected in the field and uploaded to a cloud-based database from where it can be exported in various formats for import directly into […]

Section 17a Open Space Maintenance Service Review

Xyst worked with the Parks and Reserves team at South Waikato District Council to compare and analyse options including outsourcing delivery, in-house delivery, shared service arrangements and via a CCO/CCTO.

Open Space Maintenance Specifications

In 2016 Xyst Ltd established a working group of parks industry colleagues representing both the client and contractor interests, to explore the need for an industry standard approach to the documentation of service delivery specifications. Based on the endorsement of this group, Xyst then approached New Zealand Recreation Association (now Recreation Aotearoa – RA) to […]

Waitaki Public Toilet Performance Assessment

To undertake this work for Waitaki District Council, Xyst used its public toilet performance assessment tool to provide an individual assessment and report for each public toilet complete with photos and an overall performance score. Each toilet was assessed for: • Facility description (materials, gender configuration, location) • Condition (floors, walls, ceiling, fixtures, roof – […]

Waitaki Emergency Response and Contingency Plan

Waitaki District Council

Waitaki District Council contracted Xyst to develop an Emergency Response and Contingency Plan for its parks and open spaces activity. The plan provided a generic risk assessment and response for all parks and identified specific risks and prepared appropriate responses where these could be identified at individual parks. The plan included actions around trees where […]

Minor review of Tapuaeharuru Bay Lakeshore Reserves Management Plan

In 2020 Taupo District Council received a proposal from Taupō Moana Group Holdings Limited (TGMHL) to develop the Hole in One site it occupies on the Taupō lakefront. The application involved further development than what was allowed for under its current operating licence or the operative management plan. Xyst was able to provide advice to […]

Whangarei Open Space review

Whangarei District Council

The open space review included an inventory of all existing Open Space land within the Whangarei District and categorisation of the Open Space land using the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) category framework and an analysis of provision undertaken at the district and community (ward) level. In addition to categorisation of reserve land, the WDC […]

Street Gardens and Street Furniture Levels of Service

Matamata-Piako District Council engaged Xyst to define level of service statements and guidelines at a high level for provision and development of street gardens and street furniture, and more detailed LoS for maintenance. The priority for this project was the public street or road adjacent to the business zones of the Matamata-Piako District, and entrance […]

Play Strategy Review

Xyst worked with the client to transition them from a traditional Playground Strategy to a Play Strategy. The Strategy analysed the current state of Napier’s playgrounds, introduced play beyond playgrounds, youth facilities and touched on outdoor exercise equipment and splash pads. Five key outcomes underpin this Strategy.

Morrinsville Recreation Ground

Morrinsville Recreation Ground was described as the jewel with a wide range of users and user groups. The key stakeholders (41) were those who utilised the Morrinsville Recreation Grounds for a particular event or activity, those who have a vested community interest in the space, and Council staff who have involvement at the ground. Consultation […]

Howie Park Concept Plan

Xyst undertook consultation with key stakeholders and the community to understand how the park was used and to identify key issues and opportunities to enhance the park. Consultation included intercept surveys, phone interviews and drop-in sessions. A consultation report was developed, followed by three concept plan options for Council.

Pakipaki Church Conservation Feasibility Study

Xyst undertook a feasibility study to determine whether the building could be restored and then for the sustainability of the restored building to remain in sound condition for those activities to be held within and associated to the original Church.

Riverside Park – Consideration of park asset re-establishment

Xyst developed a report taking into consideration the affected park assets, CPTED, implications on the flow of the surrounding park and recommendation for relocation of affected park assets. A range of stakeholders were contacted to inform the report.

Otaraua Multi-Purpose Circuit Needs and Feasibility Assessment

Xyst undertook a Needs and Feasibility study on a proposed multi-purpose circuit, unique to New Zealand due to design specifications meeting the international speed skating requirements whilst also meeting cycling, walking and running event requirements. Assessing the need, Xyst considered the population in the catchment and the growth predictions, the number of potential users given […]

Wellington City Council – Open Space Quality Assessments

As part of the development of a new open space investment strategy for Wellington City, Xyst visited 131 parks and assessed each using our quality assessment tool over a range of factors including community integration, inclusiveness, diversity, regeneration, maintenance and opportunity. An individual scored report was prepared for each site as well as a comprehensive […]

Recreation Facilities Utilisation Study

The Xyst team undertook an assessment of the sport and recreation facilities across the Ashburton District, providing key provisions including a gap analysis and trend overview for 17 different sport and recreation activities. To support the analysis, we met with different sport and recreation clubs across the district to understand utilisation of their current facilities, […]

Sports Lighting Assessment

Xyst conducted an evaluation of 372 sports lights in the Waipa District by physically visiting each location to appraise the lights’ condition and evaluate their compliance with relevant lighting standards. A detailed GIS database was established, and a report containing suggestions for enhancement was prepared.

Fiordland National Park – Review of Lighting Regulations

A review of all national, regional and local regulatory policies and rules was undertaken by Xyst. This work was in preparation for making an application to the International Dark Sky Association for dark sky status for Fiordland National Park.

Hetana Street Reserve Classification

Xyst reviewed the background of the proposal and commissioned a land status report and an arborist assessment. We advised Council on the process and prepared the public notification documentation and the hearing and decision reports, and facilitated mana whenua engagement and the hearings.

TIF Round 7 Application – Tulloch Park Toilet and Change Room Development

As part of the Stage 2 development of Tulloch Park in Mataura, Gore District Council wishes to develop a new toilet and change facility to complement the new visitor assets in the park. These assets include a new playground, pump park, fitness circuit along with a new zero-depth splash pad, and refurbished court surfacing. The […]

Westshore Playground Renewal – Scoping and Procurement for Design and Build

Key aspects of the project included: Scope development following community consultation Assessment of exisiting play structures Arrangement of site survey and consenting investigations Development of design guidelines for the playground design and build Procurement of contractors for playground removal (including evaluation) Procurement of a playground design and build contractor (including evaluation) Drafting of contracts Comms […]

Taitua Arboretum Development Plan

25 years on from the gifting of the Taitua Arboretum to the people of Hamilton City and 50 years on from the first tree plantings, the Arboretum’s landscape has changed significantly; the trees have matured, infrastructure has been developed and visitation has increased significantly. The intention was to take a fresh look at the Arboretum, […]

Rural Townships Community Caretaker Performance Assessment

Xyst was engaged to undertake an independent mid-term audit and performance review of community caretaker contracts in place for parks and open space maintenance in rural townships across the Tairāwhiti Gisborne District. The project included developing and undertaking an audit/performance assessment of each of the nine contractor areas, interviews with the contractors who held open […]

Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan Submission Analysis

Xyst was engaged by Auckland Council to analyse feedback on the draft Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan. This plan was the first of 21 omnibus reserve management plans in the Auckland open space planning programme and included 284 parks over 604 hectares of parkland. The team analysed over 1000 comments from 263 submissions. […]

Oval Reserve Sports Park irrigation

Xyst was engaged by Tairāwhiti Gisborne District Council to provide end-to-end project management for the design and installation of an irrigation system for Oval Reserve sports ground in Gisborne. We initially engaged a specialist irrigation design company to design the irrigation system and prepare tender documents. Xyst then ran a competitive tender process on behalf […]

Low Herbicide Weed Control Trial Study

Nelson City Council has received several requests from members of the public who have requested that pesticides aren’t used in Council’s parks and reserves. In response, Council has requested that Xyst Limited investigate the feasibility and implications of undertaking weed control in a selection of reserves with no (or minimal) herbicide use. The report considers […]

River Walkway Development

Xyst worked with Council officers to identify a future walkway linkage. We undertook consultation with adjacent property owners, including land acquisition and easement over land, prepared resource consents including working on a HAIL site, and within the Railway Corridor, prepared a contract for construction and managed project contractors including Xyst acting as Council representative for […]

Westshore Beach Playground Maintenance Plan

We developed a comprehensive playground maintenance plan, for Napier City Council, which captures detail on all playground items such as technical names, suppliers, maintenance inspections and actions required, warranties and much more. The document supports playground maintenance staff as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the playground and ensures information is not lost, post development. We then developed […]

Capacity Review

Xyst worked closely with the Hutt City Parks and Reserves team to review their operations, property, planning, project management and contract management roles. Using a combination of peer Council analysis, Yardstick benchmarking and our extensive local government experience to identify opportunities for improvement and a programme of change.

Kauaeranga Valley Trail Needs Assessment

For preparation of the assessment Xyst undertook a review of current strategic documents, recreation participation, current trail provision, demographics and projections, the tourism setting and active transport opportunities. To understand where community sentiments lay and to gather further localised information community consultation was undertaken via three ways: stakeholder structured interviews, an online survey and drop-in […]

Social Housing CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Assessment

Xyst conducted interviews with properties and stakeholder relationships staff, and inspected the site both at day time and night time to make site observations on aspects such as natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, lighting and maintenance. We also conducted crime analysis and investigated demographic data. A comprehensive list of recommendations were made to […]

Remarkables Park Lighting Design

Xyst prepared a lighting masterplan and design guide which set out the lighting typology to be applied to the various stages of the Remarkables Park development in Queenstown. This incorporated human centric lighting and dark sky lighting principles. Specific lighting design and been undertaken for commercial streets and car parks as each stage of the […]

Invercargill Airport Lighting

Xyst designed both the airside, drop-off zone lighting for the Invercargill Airport. This project was one of the first LED installations for airside aprons and required extensive modelling and management of light to prevent light spill and glare.

Trigg Crescent Playground Engagement

Napier City Council

We undertook a targeted community engagement approach delivering 800 fliers to residents living within a 10-15 minute walk of the proposed playground site. The flier advertised a community drop-in session and provided a link to an online survey. Key stakeholders were also contacted and feedback was received. Approximately 50 people attended the community drop-in session […]

Hawea Historical Park Draft Co-Management Plan

Hawea Historical Park (the ‘Park’) is co-owned through a 50/50 partnership between mana whenua of the hapū Ngāti Hawea, Ngāti Hori, and Ngāti Hinemoa who are represented through the four marae, Kohupātiki, Matahiwi, Ruahāpia, and Waipatu, and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. To represent and acknowledge this unique concept and partnership, mana whenua fittingly bestowed […]

Liz Oldfield

Liz Oldfield

I am a registered Landscape Architect with over 15 years in the field. I have significant experience working for local government and private practice on the design of open spaces including regional parks, local parks, beach reserves, archaeological sites, war memorial reserves, cemeteries, former quarries and landfills, play spaces, residential subdivisions and commercial landscapes. You […]

Charlotte Blakey

Charlotte Blakey

With over 15 years combined experience in natural resource management and arboriculture, I have been involved in a variety of projects within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. This includes the development of asset management plans, program management and implementation, development of policies and procedures, provision of technical advice, collection and analysis of field data, […]

Aidan Perry

Since starting with Xyst, I have been involved with a mixture of tree and asset condition assessments, playground maintenance reports and cemetery reviews. These roles involve working on the ground to provide Council’s with up to date data on their open space areas. I have also been involved in working alongside council to fill the […]

Rob Lile

As a Qualified Accountant, I have considerable commercial experience across several industry sectors.  I have worked in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Europe, within the financial sector, and through my previous management roles and opportunities where I have been a business owner/operator, I am highly experienced in finance, budgeting, marketing, sales and IT, and I […]

Karl Nesbitt

I have over 30 years’ experience in the horticulture, parks and open spaces, community facilities and customer service sectors. I have been involved in contract management, business development and quality assurance programs such as Yardstick. You can contact me for help with Project management Asset management Environmental landscape Open space development Cemeteries and crematoria Community, […]

Nicki Malone

I am a highly experienced open space and local government professional, with more than 15 years’ experience in open space planning, including reserve management, master and concept planning, capital work programme development, project planning and management and community engagement. I have experience in developing relationships and partnering with mana whenua. You can contact me for […]

Jenn Benden

As a Director, my focus at Xyst is across parks and recreation consulting, business development, managing staff, and strategic direction. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada, have lived and worked in Australia, and now live in New Zealand. My specialist areas are strategic planning for parks, sport and community facilities, as well as project management […]

Trees

The management of trees and the urban forest is vital to mitigating the effects of climate change and to the health and wellbeing of communities

Trails

We do everything required to create safe, sustainable trails that allow people to enjoy the outdoors without having an impact on the environment

Sport & Recreation Planning

From feasibility studies to project managing construction, we create functional, safe and vibrant facilities that cater for people’s needs

Service Delivery

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

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

Amenities & Facilities

Good quality, safe and well-maintained public amenities are essential for the convenience and comfort of people using our public spaces

Project Management

We specialise in providing specialist project management skills for parks, recreation and community projects. 

Play Spaces

From redevelopments to new builds, our children need safe, fun play spaces to get them outside for fresh air and exercise

Open Space Planning

Open space planning encompases everything to do with policy for open spaces in our communities including parks and playgrounds

Lighting

Our award-winning, qualified independent lighting designer provides a wide range of specialist lighting advice to the local government, tourism and port sectors

Cemeteries

With the growing demand for land and space, we can provide you with efficient strategies and solutions for managing cemeteries

Camping

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

Asset Management

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

Mark Smith

As a senior consultant, I am able to support clients in many ways with my specialities in asset management, procurement, maintenance contract options, service reviews and project management support. My experience allows me to be flexible in the options I provide for client support. I take a pragmatic and diligent approach to client queries, and […]

Anne Relling

To assist councils and other agencies, I work with them to complete strategic and asset planning to help meet the recreational and open space needs of their communities. I also undertake project management on behalf of councils to implement actions identified in their long-term plans. It’s important to understand every client’s needs. That’s why we […]

Tom O'Neill

Since starting with Xyst, I have worked alongside council to fill the role of Parks, Facilities and Customer Service Officer. This role manages the day-to-day operations of the council’s cemeteries, parks, pools, halls and associated community services. I’m also involved in planning and auditing these services to ensure their quality is maintained. Where possible, I […]

Alison Rawley

My key responsibility is project management of the Yardstick suite of benchmarking tools. This involves regular updates to the online tools on the Yardstick website, development of new survey and benchmark projects for clients, technical support, data analysis and reporting. It also involves liaison with partner industry organisations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand and […]

Tina Zheng

As a landscape architect, I provide different types of plans according to the client’s requirements, the characteristics of the site, and make suggestions for future development. In social consultation, I use my graphic skills to help the public understand what kind of place they will have and the future development of the site. I also […]

Elise Young

I am passionate about our sector and making a difference. I always produce work to the best of my ability and take the client on the journey with me. I like to positively challenge thinking and the way things have always been done to continually seek better solutions. My role involves working with a variety […]

Julia Ross

Julia Ross

I have recently joined Xyst and bring 15+ years of experience working within accounts and administration to the team. My role comprises working closely with our business manager on various accounting functions and compliance as well as Company payroll, Health and Safety and our Carbon Zero programme. You can contact me for help with Research […]

Jane Wright

As a consultant with Xyst, I help local government and other agencies plan and deliver parks and recreation benefits for their local communities. This involves supporting clients with a broad range of knowledge and practical skills associated with open spaces and facilities. In any project, I aim to build strong relationships that help to inspire […]

Eric Hamilton

I support councils to develop clear policy and guidelines for managing public activities on public land. I do this by supporting council officers to manage natural and built assets, ensuring they are maintained and managed in a sustainable manner. This support includes helping council staff to grow and broaden their knowledge to manage people, activities, […]

Annette Campion

I provide expertise and an in-depth understanding of planning for parks. I am engaged to undertake assessments of parks and recreation provision, analysis of park acquisitions and business cases for park development proposals. I am also the secretary of the Te Motu a Hiaroa (Puketutu Island) Management Trust which reflects a co-governance arrangement for a […]