Parks Operational Review
After consulting with Maribyrnong City Council’s management and operational staff, the Xyst team identified areas for improvement and operational excellence. Xyst conducted an audit of around 60 parks and open spaces to gather information on the current achievement of service levels. We also reviewed the existing asset information, financial budgets and carried out cost analysis […]
Playground Performance Assessment Summary Report
A total of 214 playground performance assessments were conducted in 2019 in the Toowoomba Regional Council. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated key attributes of each playground, including site description, site location, overall play values, ancillary […]
South East Queensland Water Playground Performance Assessment
Xyst staff undertook 17 playground assessments in 2019. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated the following key attributes of each playground: Site description Location Overall play values Ancillary facilities Asset information Judgements on individual play space […]
Parks Operations Business Improvement Review
Xyst staff initially carried out a desktop analysis of existing documents relating to service levels, service standards, budgets, customer feedback, asset management plans and strategic plans. A total of 22 parks were assessed by scoring of a range of criteria based on typical industry standards. The identification of current operational costs and asset provision to […]
Twizel Sports Field Concept Plans
The Mackenzie District Council engaged Xyst’s landscape architects and support staff to conduct a comprehensive analysis and scoping of two reserves for potential development with sports fields. Staff used standard field measurements and setbacks to help optimise the use of each site. Through this process, detailed concept plans were crafted verifying the suitability of each […]
Pōmare Park – Detailed Design
The work involved developing the concept plan prepared earlier in conjunction with the local Taitā community, the DHB and other stakeholders in to a detailed construction and tender set. Drawings included the development of a Site Context, General Arrangement, Set Out, Demolition, Earthworks, Level and Drainage, and Planting Plans. Xyst also prepared Planting Schedules and […]
Leamington Domain Masterplan
Xyst worked in partnership with mana whenua to undertake site analysis with key staff and lessees, a two-stage public engagement process and community board and council engagement. This provided a greater understanding of the key design outcomes and priorities for development. It also strengthened Council’s relationships with mana whenua, lessees and the community and their […]
Sports Fields Lease Model Review
Xyst was contracted to complete this piece of work which included desktop analysis, stakeholder consultation and option analysis. For the purpose of this report, only green fields were considered which included sports such as: rugby, touch rugby, football, softball, athletics, lacrosse etc. Exclusions from this report included hard surfaces and specialised surfaces such as tennis […]
Twizel Man Made Hill Development
The Twizel Community requested the transformation of “Man Made Hill”, an untidy mound of spoil from the Ministry of Works days. In response, Xyst crafted a concept plan for review and implementation by the Mackenzie District Council. The project’s primary goals were to engage the community, revegetate the hill, and enhance the existing walking trail. […]
Lake Ruataniwha Reserve Management Plan
Xyst was commissioned by the Mackenzie District Council to develop a Reserve Management Plan (RMP) for the Lake Ruataniwha Reserve, in accordance to the Reserves Act 1977. In the initial phase, Xyst conducted in-depth research into the land’s status and historical background. Critically, key stakeholders were then notified about the intention to formulate the management […]
Mauka Atua Reserve, Design & Development
Xyst took on the task of designing and developing the Mauka Atua Reserve, transforming it into a functional public space. Collaborating closely with the Lake Tekapo Community Board, Xyst identified and incorporated key features into a landscape plan for the reserve. After approval, Xyst project managed the site development, overseeing the project to completion. In […]
Waipā Development Levels of Service
As a result of gap’s identified in the preparation of Waipa’s Asset Management Plans, Xyst was engaged to prepare a parks hierarchy detailed development levels of service.
Kaiapoi Community Hub Project Management
The Kaiapoi Community Hub is a complex programme of works located in the red zone area within Waimakariri as a result of the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. The project aims to provide a home for numerous community organisations. We assisted with budget tracking, timeline management, land negotiations and stakeholder engagement for the first stage of the […]
Open Space Embellishment Costing
Developed an open space hierarchy and typical development level of service description on which to base cost estimates for development contributions evaluation. Developed cost estimates based on benchmarking valuation information and prepared worked examples to provide a range of typical development costs for each park type.
Playground Performance Assessment
Xyst conducted performance assessments and an inspection of each site. Data was captured utilising hand-held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated the following key attributes of each playground: Site description Site location Overall play values Ancillary facilities Asset information Judgements for future […]
Playground Performance Assessment
Performance assessments were conducted on the regions 125 playgrounds. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated the following key attributes of each playground: – Site description – Site location – Overall play values – Ancillary facilities – […]
Open Space Level of Service Review
The outputs included: Review current Open Space category hierarchy and identify options for improvements Performance assessment of a range of parks across the municipality Undertake a user survey of a range of parks across the municipality Preparation of development levels of service for each of the Open Space Recreation Park categories (T1 – T5) including […]
CPTED Assessment and Recommendations Report – Coronation and Russell Parks
Xyst visited both sites, took photographs, looked at CPTED criteria including natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, way finding, maintenance and lighting. Xyst spoke to stakeholders including the police, key lessees and the Rotary Club prior to making recommended improvements, with due consideration of budgets.
Donovan Nursery Review
After conducting a thorough review of the information provided by Invercargill City Council (ICC), Xyst went through a comprehensive evaluation of the operational and financial viability of Donovan Nursery. As a result of this review certain areas for improvement were identified in stock management, productivity, systems management, and financial management. These findings will help ICC […]
Taitua Memorial Landscape Design
Xyst received input from the TAG group on the direction for the memorial and developed the concept and the detailed design set including signage design. Signage was produced and the design set delivered to Council landscape construction firms for pricing.
Ruatoria Puawaitanga Park – Concept Plan
The developed concept design aided further stage programming, planning, funding, detailed design and construction.
Matawai Reserve Concept Plan Development
Xyst engaged with Council and community stakeholders, including the school and tamariki/rangitahi, local working group, and hapū, to develop the concept to help in future planning. Features included a court renewal, an extended playground with flying fox, a nature play area, barbeque, seating and shelter, parking development, a perimeter trail around the junior cricket oval […]
Port Ōhope Wharf – TIF Application
Xyst detailed out a two-phase development including landscape concept plans, specifications and high level project pricing. Phase 1 included the exterior southern plaza, recreational wharf, and car parking area upgrades, and the interior (former ‘cargo’) shed fit out for visitor and public events and activities. Phase 2 included a new large northern concreted plaza area […]
Twizel Resource Recovery Park – Planting Plan and Planting
Xyst visited the site and developed a detailed planting plan, then procured plants and engaged contractors to deliver the project.
Ohau Road Reserve Redevelopment
Xyst was engaged by the Mackenzie District Council to revitalise the Ohau Road Reserve in Twizel. The project began with the creation of a concept plan for the reserve. Subsequently, Xyst utilised these plans to engage with the Twizel Community and gather their perspectives, facilitated through partnerships with the Council’s Communications Team. Incorporating community feedback, […]
Lake Alexandrina and Lake McGregor Camp – Revegetation Plan
The Mackenzie District Council engaged Xyst’s consultants to collaborate with Ngāi Tahu, the Department of Conservation (DoC), and the Lakes Alexandrina & McGregor Campground Association to develop a comprehensive revegetation plan to revitalise the Lake Alexandrina outlet creek. The team navigated challenges including the region’s harsh temperatures, the necessity for irrigation, and species with low […]
Anita Quibell
I am a parks professional with 40 years’ experience in the industry and a proven record of building strong relationships and implementing strategies that deliver results. I have worked extensively in Australia’s local government in various operational and planning roles. I have been involved in the development of strategic plans and the implementation of business […]
Cemetery Concept Plans and Capacity Analysis
Xyst undertook site analysis with key staff, an assessment of the statutory framework, a two-stage public engagement process, mana whenua engagement, and community board and council engagement in order to understand the cemetery network constraints and opportunities and to prepare and test concept plans and network priorities. Once completed, we analysed the plans to provide […]
Andy Smith
I have over 30 years local government experience, holding a range of positions within community development, open space, recreation and sport and community assets portfolios. I was instrumental in developing the first Open Space and Sport Plan for the newly formed City of Onkaparinga in 1998 and for the last 25 years I have been […]
Eastern Porirua Reserves Spatial Plan
Eastern Porirua is going through a period of change as Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities (Kāinga Ora) redevelops large areas of its land to meet housing demand and provide better community services to support growth. As part of this redevelopment the existing reserve network is being examined to determine whether it is fit for purpose […]
Reserve Management Plan – Te Rautaki mō ngā Whenua tāpui
Hauraki District Council is responsible for managing a variety of parks and reserves across the Hauraki District covering 433 ha. Xyst developed a single reserve management plan to cover all reserves in the district. The 2022 Reserve Management Plan has been prepared having considered: – the history and development of reserves so far – current […]
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 within the District’s parks and discovered a lack of identification representing the Mackenzie District Council. Existing signs were sporadic and of varying quality, leading to challenges in visitor navigation and […]
Milford Opportunities Project
Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of New Zealand’s most popular visitor attractions and iconic destinations in the world. 870,000 visitors went to Milford Sound Piopiotahi in 2019, with tourism growth forecast to continue, reaching 2 million by 2035. It is located in part of New Zealand’s largest National Park (Fiordland) and holds UNESCO World Heritage […]
Lake Rotorua Recreation Gap Analysis
Xyst was commissioned by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to provide a gap analysis of informal recreation provision in the Rotorua catchment. The analysis included a stocktake of current outdoor recreational facilities within the local area and identified gaps for potential development opportunities that would fit with the creation of a new regional park. […]
Track Asset Review
Undertook a detailed trail assessment of all Ruapehu District Council (RDC) managed trails using Xyst’s trail assessment system and against HB8630:2004. An individual assessment report has been prepared for every trail and this will include a complete assessment of all aspects of trail provision including visitor experience, current and recommended grade, accessibility, CPTED, hazards and […]
Boat Ramps Observational Study
Xyst undertook counts, using an observational count of vehicles across all boat ramps with the addition of a user count of park users at Marine Park. We completed 32 counts at each of the locations. At the Boat Ramp carparking areas, we undertook an observational count of vehicles/boats/boat trailers. The points to be counted were: […]
Kiwirail land use options
The project considered opportunities for use of land that Council leases from KiwiRail. Xyst undertook desktop research and stakeholder consultation to inform potential future opportunities. The project also undertook a review of a playground in close proximity to land within scope.
Woodlands Estate Reserve Management Plan
Xyst provided lead consultation on review of reserve management plan process for Woodlands Estate – an historic homestead and garden complex near Gordonton. As part of this process, we developed concept plans for the future enhancement of the gardens and grounds, to enable better public access circulation and use of the gardens.
The Point & Kiingitanga – Reserve Management Plan
Waikato District Council engaged Xyst to undertake a review of the 20-year-old RMP, with the new plan focusing on significant cultural values of the area. Reserve management plan hearing panel included iwi representation who supported greater inclusiveness of local mana whenua in planning for future development and use of this land area.
Section 32 Report for Waipā District Council Plan Change 26 Residential Zone Intensification
Waipā (Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi), Hamilton and its surrounds were categorised as a Tier 1 urban environment in the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 that was passed on 20 December 2021. Waipā District Council was required to notify a plan change to incorporate the Medium Density Residential Standards […]
Bothamley Park Trunk Sewer Upgrade Reserves Act Approvals
Kāinga Ora’s Eastern Porirua Regeneration Project required a major upgrade to the trunk sewer through Bothamley Park. The park is comprised of multiple parcels, is designated as a Landscape Protection Area and Significant Natural Area, and has Kenepuru Stream flowing through it to Te Awarua-o-Porirua (Porirua Harbour). Xyst provided advice on the Reserves Act 1977 […]
Open Space Strategy
Working closely with Kapiti Coast District Council and in partnership with iwi, Xyst developed a Strategy to safeguard and guide the provision of open space for the next 30 years, to ensure the right open space is provided in the right place for future generations to enjoy and cherish. The Strategy was developed using a […]
Mangakino Reserve and Lakefront Development Plan
This popular area experiences significant pressure from different user groups. Users include casual recreational users who utilise the reserve for more passive recreational activities for whanau and friends picnicking and barbecuing together, campervan and other domestic visitors in vehicles, cyclists and e-cyclists on the Waikato River trail, swimmers and families with children using the existing […]
Open Space Plan for Visitor Centre Park in the Town of Nanton, AB
The town wanted a park design to activate and invite residents and visitors to a vacant parcel of land that has been used as a parking lot for many years. Xyst Canada Ltd. and Xyst Limited combined forces to design a vibrant and sustainable park space for the client.
Coutts Island Concept Plan
Xyst undertook local community and key stakeholder engagement to identify needs and desires for the development of Coutts Island.
Swan Canning Riverpark (WA) Parks User Survey
Xyst measured visitor expectations of levels of service by asking them to rate the importance of various park features. These results were compared with visitor satisfaction for the same features. Measuring satisfaction gave an indication of performance as measured against expectations. The difference, or gap between importance and satisfaction, gave a measure of under or […]
Community Gardens Guidelines
Council acknowledged that establishing a successful Community Garden requires strong and sustained commitment from community members to undertake considerable planning, collaboration and engagement for a sustained length of time. Xyst developed these Community Garden Guidelines to assist community groups to understand the parameters of siting community gardens and the responsibilities of all stakeholders involved when […]
Bass Coast Tracks and Trails Strategy
This strategy identified 36 new trail opportunities to expand the trail network that has been identified during the development of this strategy, (emerging from background research, existing plans and key stakeholder consultation) and to respond specifically to: • recreation trends and preferences • existing trails network gaps • physical linkages/connections • opportunities to enhance community […]
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 asked to fill a sudden staff management gap, which quickly evolved into a long-term commitment to manage the District’s public facilities, parks, and community spaces. Throughout this period, Xyst’s team […]
Options for Management of Camping in Central Otago
The Options Paper considered the current state analysis, additional data available from throughout New Zealand and the outputs from a multi-agency workshop to provide the a basis for the development of the Central Otago Responsible Camping Strategy and provide a high-level understanding of the financial implications of actions.
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.
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.
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.
Awakeri War Memorial Relocation Landscape Concept
Xyst prepared the landscape concept and provided a graphic illustration of a new brass replica of the roll of honour fixed to a memorial stone outside the Community Centre.
Mataatua Historic Reserve Bollard Development Concept – Whakatāne District Council
Xyst provided a landscape concept, quantities and graphic visualisation for presentation to Te Runanga o Ngāti Awa.
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.
Gender Impact Assessment, Warburton Mountain Bike Destination Project
Yarra Ranges Council is committed to working towards a Yarra Ranges where everyone has equitable access to resources, power and opportunities. This commitment is documented in the current Council Plan 2022-25. The Gender Equality Act 2020 requires local governments to conduct Gender Impact Assessments on all policies, programs and services which directly and significantly impact […]
Open Space and Tree Management Market and Service Delivery Assessment
City of Melbourne engaged Xyst to undertake a market and service delivery assessment and make recommendations on the best model for packaging the Open Space Management and Tree Management service contracts. The Xyst team gathered market intelligence on the current and potential service providers and considered the market in which they operate. We identified any […]
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 […]
Open Space and Street Furniture Guidelines
The Open Space and Street Furniture Guidelines is a suite of three resources: Practice Notes (this document) – 4 practice notes (people, place, environment, economy) describe context, principles, considerations and further reading relevant to open space and street furniture projects. These act as a general overview in support of the specific design guidelines. Case studies […]
Tree Strategy
Port Pirie wishes to be a region that has pride in, and appreciates the values of its trees within public parks, streets and open spaces. It wishes to provide streets that are attractive and town centres which are visually appealing and inviting, to complement the network of parks and open spaces ranging from urban to […]
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 […]
Bold Park User Satisfaction Review
Xyst completed a comprehensive engagement strategy involving user intercept surveys, obtaining feedback from non-park-users in surrounding areas, and a matching on-line survey to establish an overall satisfaction rating for the Park. In addition, gaps in service provision were identified and reported that would increase the overall satisfaction.
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 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
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 […]
Trail Survey
In early 2022 Yarra Ranges Council engaged Xyst to undertake a performance assessment of three shared use trails: the Lilydale Lake Trail, the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, and the Yarra Valley Trail. This was a follow-up to an earlier survey carried out in 2019. Performance assessments were conducted in March 2022 using the Yardstick […]
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 […]
Yardstick Parks User Surveys
Yardstick Parks User Surveys were developed in around 2008 initially as a paper based intercept survey designed to target park users and measure satisfaction with a range of parks related services and features. The product was initially called Parkcheck and is still known as this by some users. The surveys were taken online in 2015 […]
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.
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.
Parks Performance Assessments
The purpose of the parks performance assessment was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each park, from a multi-faceted holistic perspective, and particularly from the users’ perspective. Recommendations to retain, change or assign (where none previously existed) service classifications for each park were made.
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 […]
Shade Audit of Open Spaces
Xyst provided a qualitative assessment of existing shade throughout the network and completed a current condition assessment for structural shade infrastructure. Analysis was provided to assist the Council to determine the current and future needs for shade within the facilities, and objective recommendations were made based on results and findings of the audits.
Playground Performance Assessment
Undertook an assessment of each playground using the Playable Space Assessment Tool, Play England 2009, which has been adapted by Xyst. The tool enabled an assessment to be made of location, play value and ancillary facilities to produce an overall percentage score for each playground, ranking each playground to enable priorities to be identified objectively […]
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.
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.
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 […]
Play Strategy Review and Open Space Quality Assessments report
Xyst undertook park quality performance assessments on all City of Greater Geelong owned or managed community parks and other open space types. We were also asked to review the Geelong Play Strategy 2012-2020 and produce a report around how well the city implemented the strategy and advice on strengths, weaknesses, lessons learnt and any significant […]
Parks and Service Review
Xyst was brought in to undertake a service review of the Parks and Environment section based on a Council resolution of November 2018. We reviewed Kalamunda’s information with other Australian councils’ park provision, using Yardstick to produce a wide range of performance metrics to assess relative levels of service, performance and efficiency. We were also […]
Open Space Strategy
Xyst’s audit identified the need to review and update the Council’s existing Open Space Strategy (2013) to provide a structured and consistent approach that will inform the strategic and planning processes for parks and gardens. The audits findings allowed Council to determine whether it was providing a sufficient level of clarity to make investments and […]
Bushland & Wetland Reserves Prioritisation & Planning
Xyst produced the document to help Council produce a more strategic and consistent process to ensure bushland and wetland reserves are managed for their long-term sustainability, on ground actions are prioritised and that councils resources are used efficiently and effectively. To prioritise the reserves and plan for the management, a process of combining state criteria […]
Open Space & Street Furniture Guidelines
Xyst were engaged to develop guidelines to be used to support existing Council policies and strategies and act as a compendium to the strategy. These guidelines were used to produce a consistent method of replacing damaged and ageing furniture and designing new parks and streetscapes. Providing these guidelines allowed Moyne Shire to meet their need […]
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, […]
Copley Community Open Space Concept Plan
Copley is located in the outback and its community park lacks shade, has old playground equipment and a tennis court. The Authority wanted the park to be more attractive to the community and visitors due to having limited recreational areas. Xyst was approached and we developed a proposed park development plan which contained guiding principles […]
Landfill Revegetation Programme and Maintenance Plan 2014
Xyst developed a landfill revegetation programme for Port Pirie Regional Council, along with a maintenance plan developed to assist the Council when undertaking the physical works required to revegetate the landfill site. The developed plan included planting schedules, maintenance plan and specifications, and site planning plan. These elements discuss which species should be planted, specifications […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Contract Management and Contract Auditing
Xyst was engaged to manage the Amenity Tree Maintenance Contract and Open Space Maintenance contract for the City of Port Phillip from May 2023 through to March 2024. This included providing a dedicated contract manager working within the City of Port Phillip on placement. Particular emphasis was focused on improving contractor performance, systems improvement, reviewing […]
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, […]
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, […]
Mark Bruhn
I have worked in local government in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, more recently overseeing the governance structure, stakeholder engagement and staff leadership within a primary health network. I bring a strong service delivery and customer relationship focus having worked closely with governance groups, elected members, tangata whenua, funding agencies and community networks. You can […]
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 […]