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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan Submission Analysis

Xyst was engaged by Auckland Council to analyse feedback on the draft Hibiscus and Bays Local Parks Management Plan. This plan was the first of 21 omnibus reserve management plans in the Auckland open space planning programme and included 284 parks over 604 hectares of parkland. The team analysed over 1000 comments from 263 submissions. […]

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 […]

Contract Management and Contract Auditing

Xyst was engaged to manage the Amenity Tree Maintenance Contract and Open Space Maintenance contract for the City of Port Phillip from May 2023 through to March 2024. This included providing a dedicated contract manager working within the City of Port Phillip on placement. Particular emphasis was focused on improving contractor performance, systems improvement, reviewing […]

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 […]

Open Space Planning

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

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 […]