As a Consultant at Xyst, I deliver expertise in Level 3 Playground Safety Inspections (ensuring compliance to NZS 5828:2015), project management, and asset management, alongside planning, research, and service delivery for Councils and community organisations. I often work closely with local communities and key stakeholders to gain meaningful input and reflect their perspectives in the projects that matter to them.
In regard to playground safety, I undertake Level 3 inspections to NZS 5828:2015, providing councils with compliance reporting and practical recommendations to manage risk and improve safety. I have also successfully led capital projects for councils, overseeing stakeholder engagement, project scoping and procurement. In asset management, I have helped clients produce Asset Management Plans (AMP’s) and make informed decisions through evidence-driven strategies and lifecycle planning that optimise longevity and value.
Wherever possible, I like to work on the ground building strong relationships with co-workers, contractors and stakeholders to build trust, streamline activities, and harness collective insights to achieve our goals.
You can contact me for help with
- Playground Inspections (Level 1-3)
- Asset Management
- Project Management
- Open Space Planning
- Contract Management
- Amenities and Facilities
- Tree Assessments
- Funding Applications
My expertise
Utilising nine years in local government, including secondments at Councils and experience in facilities, I bring an understanding of internal Council systems and processes. With experience in Council Parks, Projects, Assets and Harbour Officer roles, I am quickly brought up to speed, resuming operations and solving resourcing issues where placements are required.
I also bring experience in shorter-term projects, assisting Councils in project management, playground safety inspections, community engagement, planning, contract management and asset management. Having worked across multiple Local Government organisations, I understand the unique pressures that staff, facilities, and core services face. Drawing upon my background, I strive to assist Councils as they optimise service delivery to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
My early career was spent in the aquatics sector, where over six years I worked at four different Councils and seven facilities. During my time in aquatics, I led the operations of both outdoor and indoor facilities and actively worked to implement programmes to engage the local community. Of note, during my time with Christchurch City Council, I was involved in a review of the Council’s SwimSmart learn to swim programme in the context of the competitive market in Canterbury.
Qualifications
- Master of Business (Maj. In Management), University of Canterbury
- Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management (Maj. In Marketing), Lincoln University
- Level 3 Comprehensive Certified Playground Safety Inspector (Playground Safety Inspections Australia)
- National Certificate in Recreation and Sport, Level 3
- Quantified Tree Risk Assessment System – Registered User
Xyst in action
As a firm believer that both communities and expert opinions matter, I have been working with the communities of Lakes Alexandrina and McGregor to resource improvements to one of New Zealand’s premier summer holiday locations. Previously under-resourced and under-represented, I have managed to facilitate quarterly meetings inviting five community organisations, and another seven agencies who have had involvement in the area.
Hosting a moderated environment, we have assisted the Mackenzie District Council to bring in expert opinions from partner agencies and enabled the communities to share their views and projects, all of which has helped to ease tensions. These meetings have helped the communities unite, identifying positive changes that will benefit all those who utilise the area.