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 […]

Fairlie Dog Park

The Mackenzie District Council engaged Xyst to develop a dog park for the Fairlie Community and the region’s visitors. Xyst started by identifying the project’s scope through engagement with the Fairlie Community Board. Xyst then procured products for the Dog Park, including dog-proof perimeter fencing, hydro-seeding, a drinking fountain, waste receptacles, seating and signage (aligned […]

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 Director 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 having […]

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

As a Consultant at Xyst I have been engaged in a range of areas including project management, asset management, planning, research and service delivery roles for Councils and Clubs. My work often entails liaising with local communities and key stakeholders to gain input and local perspectives on areas they are passionate about. With proven experience […]

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 with a desire to establish a parks and community facilities company that could both meet the needs of local government and also provide an alternative safe and happy workplace for colleagues needing to take time out from the demands of local government. Since then we have grown the company to […]

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 […]