Projects
With experience and expertise across the spectrum of creating, managing and maintaining outdoor spaces, Xyst has had a big impact on communities throughout New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Feel free to browse through the case studies below to find out how we have helped council, local government and other people working in the public sector to find solutions for projects.
Blacktown City Council
Blacktown City’s Greenspaces Business Unit sought to conduct a business health check to strategically position itself for the next ten years. The review identifies opportunities for improvement in service delivery, strategic planning, operational structure, financial management, and operational services, and provide actionable recommendations as part of a Greenspace Business Improvement Plan.
South Wairarapa District Council
Our independent playground safety inspections were carried out in accordance with NZS 5828:2015, and provide clear, unbiased reporting, helping South Wairarapa District Council’s parks managers make informed decisions about the safety of their public playground equipment and surfacing.
Trinity Schools
Xyst conducted surface impact testing in accordance with NZS 5828:2015 and EN 1177:2018 on the playground surfacing at the preschool to ensure that the play surface has adequate impact attenuation properties for children when they land and fall.
Tararua District Council
Xyst provided Tararua District Council with data that identifies the nature and extent of pest plants on Council land across the region. This allows Council to understand and meet their pest plant obligations under the Horizons Regional Pest Management Plan 2017-2037. Council are now able to plan and budget for the effective control of pest plants, monitor progress, undertake reporting and improve levels of service for pest plant management.
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
The shade audit will enable Souther Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust to better protect the health, comfort, and wellbeing of customers and staff at Bunurong Memorial Park by ensuring adequate and effective shade across the site. By identifying gaps in shade coverage and understanding how existing shade performs across different seasons and usage patterns, SMCT can reduce exposure to harmful UV radiation, enhance visitor experience, and support safer work environments. The project will also provide evidence‑based recommendations that prioritise environmentally responsible solutions, directly supporting the objectives of SMCT’s Environmental Strategy 2022–25 and informing future planning, design, and capital investment decisions.
Auckland Council
Xyst worked with Auckland Councils Parks and Community Facilities team to conduct CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Site Assessments across 6 of their Albert-Eden Ward parks and provided detailed reports on each – making recommendations for prioritised short-term actions, and long-term strategies to improve user safety and further activate positive park usage.
Melton City Council
• Consistent, high‑quality design standards for all Council‑managed kindergarten outdoor play spaces, ensuring alignment with Victorian Government requirements and national safety frameworks.
• Improved child development outcomes through play spaces designed to support cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and creative growth across diverse ages and abilities.
• Evidence‑based planning and investment, enabling Council to prioritise maintenance, renewal, and upgrades through a clear, comparative play value assessment for all existing sites.
• Enhanced inclusion and accessibility, ensuring universal design principles are embedded into both new and upgraded play spaces.
• Stronger links to early childhood learning, with outdoor environments that support curriculum needs, including STEM, language development, arts, and social learning.
• Greater operational efficiency, supported by guidelines that specify durable materials, maintenance considerations, and long‑term sustainability.
Wellington City Council
Xyst worked with Wellington City Council to impact test playground surfaces at 22 of their public playgrounds – assessing their safety performance and identifying the need to replace surfacing where impact testing failed.
Whakatāne District Council
Xyst was engaged by Whakatāne District Council to conduct Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments and prepare recommendations to help reduce incidences of crime and improve user safety at Rex Morpeth Park.