Wayfinding Signage Installations
Xyst was commissioned by the Mackenzie District Council to project manage the installation of new park, public space, and wayfinding signage throughout the Mackenzie District. As a starting point, our team conducted an inventory of all existing park signage and subsequently prioritised the refurbishment of areas with higher use. Throughout this project, our team collaborated […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. This report identified four key risk areas including two blocks of Mackenzie District Council land, the Tekapo River and the Southern Forestry blocks boarding Murray Place and Hamilton Drive. Seeing […]
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 a comprehensive landscaping plan, led by Xyst’s in-house landscape architect. Staff then used these plans to engage with the local community, including Community Board Members, the Fairlie Lions, Veteran’s Affairs, […]
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 […]
Lottery Community Facilities Grant Application – Tulloch Park Stage 2
Xyst reviewed eligibility to the fund and prepared the application content, which included detailing the nature of the project, identifying the community need the project will meet, specification of the new park assets, community engagement and evidence of support. Gore District Council successfully secured the full $300,000 of co-funding.
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.
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 […]
Putāruru Water Park – Stage 2 Visitors Precinct – TIF Application
Xyst detailed the proposal, the project description, the proposed infrastructure, funding source investigation, the project milestones, risks and mitigations for the project in the application for funding. This included links to the river installation in Stage 1 to the annual appearance of Matariki by way of two significant sculptural installations, representing the connection between Ranginui […]
Landsdowne Trail Toilets and Wetland Stargazing Platform – TIF Application
Xyst investigated and priced the toilet and stargazing deck design and build options and pulled together the relevant co-funding application to the value of $288,750.
Otaia/Lindsay Bush Reserve – Toilet and Carpark Replacement – TIF Application
Xyst completed eligibility checks, the project description, proposed infrastructure and funding investigations, as well as the proposed delivery programme, risks and mitigations. Central Hawkes Bay District Council were successful in receiving co-funding to the value of $184,500.
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 […]
Ruatoria Puawaitanga Park – Concept Plan
The developed concept design aided further stage programming, planning, funding, detailed design and construction.
Preferred Arboricultural Service Suppliers Panel Procurement
Xyst developed a procurement plan, conducted early market analysis, prepared RFP documents and response forms, put out the tender, evaluated bids received, and assisted ADC in contract award.
Contracts and Specifications Review
Xyst worked to facilitate a series of tasks that have a focus on operational management of the portfolio of open space. This includes: project management and facilitation of a number of operational tasks developing contract specifications for open space maintenance considering the delivery approach for open space maintenance and how to approach the market, is […]
Pakipaki Pouwhenua
This project brought numerous enhancements to a section of State Highway 2, which passes the Pakipaki community and Te Kura o Pakipaki, all aimed at mitigating traffic speed. We adopted a community-led approach, resulting in landscaping, road margin improvements and the installation of six magnificent pou whenua, accompanied by interpretation signs standing proudly outside Te […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Public Toilet Strategy
Public toilets are important community facilities for residents and visitors to maintain a safe, healthy, clean and tidy city. This Strategy considers facility provision, distribution, condition, usage, design elements, levels of service, operations and maintenance, future growth and future costs. Xyst provided robust data, information and evidence to inform an implementation plan to be used […]
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 […]
Parks, Recreation and Culture Capital Prioritization Widget
Xyst Canada developed a capital project prioritization tool. We used risk, provision and cost factors to prioritize capital project and used this process to communicate with Council and administration.
Capital Prioritization Tool
Xyst Canada Ltd. developed a tool based on criteria developed with internal staff. The ‘widget’ tool prioritizes all Parks capital projects. The project ranking results were communicated with CIty Council to determine capital costing and parks level of service.
Peace Avenue Trees
Xyst undertook a survey of 500 historic trees planted at the turn of the century in and around Fairlie and Kimbell towns. The trees had received little care for many years and some recent failures had alerted Council to issues ahead if no maintenance or inspections were completed. The trees were all inspected, condition and […]
Taurapa Sculpture Lighting
Xyst worked with the Taurapa artist, Maia Hegglun to retrospectively install lighting to illuminate Maia’s work. We produced rendering’s and concept drawings, obtained consents along with project management of electrical and civil works to install programable RGB-W Projectors allowing any colour combination to be projected onto the Taurapa throughout the year.
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 […]
Parks, Gardens, Cemeteries and Community Facilities Operations and Maintenance Contract
Xyst 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 also assisted with contractor handover and contract management in the first year of the contract.
Nelson Camping Hub
The Council resolved to provide a central service hub for campers visiting Nelson. Xyst identified potential sites and negotiated a lease for a disused petrol station in downtown Nelson. We quickly arranged all the necessary facilities to provide toilets, hot showers, wifi and visitor information. This included engaging contractors to staff and clean the facility.
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Contract Training Workshop
Xyst prepared and led a 3/4 day training session on contract management, contributing to cover contract management tasks including tender planning, specification writing, etc. Three main themes were delivered to staff; these were contract management, service delivery specifications and quality management.
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 […]
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 […]
Tulloch Park Development – Lotteries Community Facilities Fund Application
Xyst assisted in the preparation of the text for the online application as well as the development of the budget, project timeframe and delivery milestones. Xyst also provided technical advice regarding the site layout and options for recreational and amenity features.
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 […]
Project Management
We specialise in providing specialist project management skills for parks, recreation and community projects.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Chris Rutherford
I founded Xyst in 2002 and since then we have grown the company to the scale it is today. Currently I manage the Australian branch from Melbourne, focusing on identifying opportunities for our company to work with like-minded clients and interact with our wonderful team around projects, opportunities, training and challenges. I endeavour to provide […]
Dafydd Pettigrew
As a consultant, I have been involved with a mixture of parks planning, asset management, capital works delivery and programme management projects for councils, charitable trusts and Maori trusts. My role often requires a high degree of consultation and engagement with the public, key stakeholders and mana whenua. In any project, I work with people […]
Anna McElrea
I support and assist councils and other entities to administer parks and reserves. Our shared goal is to protect, enhance and activate our public open space network in partnership with mana whenua and local communities. I help them to meet capacity issues with critical work programmes and projects, and provide independent expert advice on parks […]
Paul Wilson
My primary role is to manage the team at Xyst’s Napier office and to assist our other consultants to bring innovative, best practice solutions for our clients. I have deep knowledge across the key areas of Xyst’s services and share it for our collective benefit. I’m the go-to guy for technical issues and problem solving. I […]