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, […]

Botanic Garden Education Program

Xyst analysed the current education program that Geelong Botanic Gardens was using and created an issues and opportunities report. The report identified a number of issues and opportunities, fundamentally identifying a lack of strategic direction for the program. It was recognised that a business plan was needed to address many of the key issues. The […]

Play Strategy Review and Open Space Quality Assessments report

Xyst undertook park quality performance assessments on all City of Greater Geelong owned or managed community parks and other open space types. We were also asked to review the Geelong Play Strategy 2012-2020 and produce a report around how well the city implemented the strategy and advice on strengths, weaknesses, lessons learnt and any significant […]

Rural City of Murray Bridge – Water-Based Recreation Management Plan

Xyst developed the Management plan to help RCMB identify opportunities for rejuvenation along the Murray River Corridor, encompassing future potential for residential land uses and sustainable environmental management. Xyst participated in inception and research and consultation and assessments to deliver a final management plan. From this Xyst identified opportunities and constraints relating to a broad […]

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.

Skate Park and BMX Track Study

We undertook a desktop study on Council’s skate park and BMX track facilities. The aim of the study was to inform Council with recommendations for future developments that were based on robust evidence. To assist with the study we explored the following: Council’s current youth facility situation, demographics (population, township and age projections), current trends […]

Aidan Perry

Since starting with Xyst, I have been involved with a mixture of tree and asset condition assessments, playground maintenance reports and cemetery reviews. These roles involve working on the ground to provide Council’s with up to date data on their open space areas. I have also been involved in working alongside council to fill the […]

Artificial Water Features in Reserves – Safety Guidelines Investigation

Tauranga City Council

Artificial water features can be defined as water play features, ornamental ponds, pools, fountains, cascades, artificial streams, and similar assets. With the exception of water play features, the assets are not interactive water features or water play parks that have been designed and constructed specifically for play. Xyst sought feedback from a number of organisations […]

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 […]