Anita Quibell

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 […]

Waipā District Council Cemetery Concept Plans and Capacity Analysis

We undertook site analysis with key staff, an assessment of the statutory framework, a two-stage public engagement process, mana whenua engagement, community board and council engagement to understand the cemetery network constraints and opportunities and prepare and test concept plans and network priorities. Once completed we analysed the plans to provide council with a good […]

Andy Smith

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 […]

Hauraki District Council 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 […]

Signs for Parks and Community Facilities

The Council has prepared a Brand Guide (2020) to create uniformity in the visual image of Mackenzie District Council. Xyst undertook an audit of Council signs at parks and found that there were few signs which clearly identify the Mackenzie District Council and those signs that were present were few and far between and of […]

Ruapehu District Council 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 […]

Tauranga City Council 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: […]

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. […]

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.

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 […]

Kapiti 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 […]

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.

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 […]

Latrobe City 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 […]

Mackenzie District Parks and Facilities Management

Brian Milne

Following a risk and performance review of the District’s parks and community facilities operations, Xyst was requested to step in at short notice to cover a staff management vacancy. This lead to a long-term engagement to provide complete management service for the delivery of the District’s public facilities, parks and places. In addition to typical […]

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.

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.

Moyne Shire (VIC) 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 […]

Yarra Ranges Council – 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 […]

City of Melbourne 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 […]

Port Pirie Regional Council 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 […]

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 […]

Yarra Ranges 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 […]

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.

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.

City of Darebin – 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 […]

City of Darebin – 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.

Ashburton District Council – 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, […]

Waipa District Council – 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.

Matamata Piako District Council – 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.

Napier City Council – 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 […]

City of Darebin – 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 […]

City of Kalamunda – 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 […]

Macedon Ranges Shire Council – 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 […]

Moyne Shire – 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 […]

Nillumbik Shire Council – 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 […]

Hamilton City Council – 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, […]

Outback Communities Authority – 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 […]

Port Pirie Regional Council – 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 […]

Nelson City Council – 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 […]

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, […]

Maree Keenan

Maree Keenan

I have worked in parks management in local government in Australia for over 17 years, mainly in leadership roles. I am passionate about parks and the natural environment, and my aim is to connect and collaborate with others in order to support sustainable and functional open space for our communities to enjoy. You can contact […]

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 […]

Hayley Lee

I am a detail-oriented and goal-driven individual, passionate about providing solutions in the sport, parks and recreation sector. I have been involved in projects spanning Aotearoa New Zealand and in Australia, working in sports, play and public spaces along with other sectors such as infrastructure, transport and coastal environments. My knowledge and experience in the […]

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 […]

Open Space Planning

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

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 Yule

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Brian Milne

My specialist field of expertise is asset management. I also provide planning and operational support to local government clients, allowing them to complete the parks and recreational projects that enhance our community well-being. Managing assets is a challenge faced by every council and local government body, which is why I oversee the development and delivery […]

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 […]