Hawkes Bay Expressway Mapping

We drew upon a range of spatial information to develop the bespoke maps. These maps showed roading designations across the two Councils as well as neighbouring property boundary lines and other key spatial data. We then arranged the printing of two high resolution maps at 3m x 1.5m, including graffiti guard to install on the office walls for staff use in upcoming Roads of National Significance projects.




Meadow Bank Reserve Development

Procurement for Stormwater and Recreational Improvements.

Xyst worked with Hutt City park officers and stormwater engineers to procure a revised stormwater improvement design and subsequently, a construction contractor, to commence site works in June 2024.

Xyst also developed a revised landscape concept plan for recreational improvements – including a new accessible track, providing greater access into the reserve, bench seating and native planting of the embankments and wetter areas for habitat and amenity. Xyst procured furniture and obtained pricing from a landscaping contractor for delivery in the 2024/2024 financial year.




Streets for People Concept Development Plan

Xyst worked with the project team, and engaged with key stakeholders in the development of a series of landscape concept plans for key sites within the project area that included painted street planters and planting, footpath and electrical box murals, and the inclusion of additional seating and rest areas that connect with adjacent green spaces to encourage additional pedestrian and cyclist use and calm traffic.

Xyst further developed concepts in key areas for pricing and engaged with a mural artist for pricing and implementation.




Parks Operational Review

After consulting with Maribyrnong City Council’s management and operational staff, the Xyst team identified areas for improvement and operational excellence.

Xyst conducted an audit of around 60 parks and open spaces to gather information on the current achievement of service levels. We also reviewed the existing asset information, financial budgets and carried out cost analysis of services.

Based on our findings, we provided Maribyrnong with a comprehensive report that highlighted areas of excellence and recommendations for improvement.




Playground Performance Assessment Summary Report

A total of 214 playground performance assessments were conducted in 2019 in the Toowoomba Regional Council. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis.

The assessments recorded and evaluated key attributes of each playground, including site description, site location, overall play values, ancillary facilities, asset information and judgements for future planning.




South East Queensland Water Playground Performance Assessment

Xyst staff undertook 17 playground assessments in 2019. Data was captured utilising hand held mobile devices and uploaded to an online platform that collated the information for analysis. The assessments recorded and evaluated the following key attributes of each playground:

  • Site description
  • Location
  • Overall play values
  • Ancillary facilities
  • Asset information
  • Judgements on individual play space

The summary report comprises a series of charts that graphically illustrate the key findings of the performance assessment, accompanied by some high level analytical commentary.




Parks Operations Business Improvement Review

Xyst staff initially carried out a desktop analysis of existing documents relating to service levels, service standards, budgets, customer feedback, asset management plans and strategic plans.

A total of 22 parks were assessed by scoring of a range of criteria based on typical industry standards. The identification of current operational costs and asset provision to determine comparative cost of service on a per hectare or per asset basis was also carried out.

Park user surveys were carried out at 16 different parks to record visitor expectations, satisfaction and behaviour. Three metropolitan councils were interviewed to ascertain how they currently operate (including staff resourcing, organisation chart, scope works, relevant systems and service delivery).

Staff workshops and individual meetings were carried out with parks management staff to develop and understanding of current management and service delivery processes to identify strengths, weaknesses, issues and opportunities for improvement.




Twizel Sports Field Concept Plans

The Mackenzie District Council engaged Xyst’s landscape architects and support staff to conduct a comprehensive analysis and scoping of two reserves for potential development with sports fields.

Staff used standard field measurements and setbacks to help optimise the use of each site. Through this process, detailed concept plans were crafted verifying the suitability of each site under consideration, these concept plans were then circulated and used for community engagement.




Leamington Domain Masterplan

Xyst worked in partnership with mana whenua to undertake site analysis with key staff and lessees, a two-stage public engagement process and community board and council engagement. This provided a greater understanding of the key design outcomes and priorities for development. It also strengthened Council’s relationships with mana whenua, lessees and the community and their connection to the Domain.

The final masterplan successfully enables a cohesive and strategic approach to developing the Domain. It strengthens Huarahi (connections and accessibility), identifies cultural connections to significant sites and landmarks, enables an area for a future Hauora Community Hub, connects and enhances the Taiao (natural environment), provides improved play and recreation outcomes and celebrates the history of māra (gardening) on the site.

Upon completion, we provided the Council with high-level preliminary cost estimates for priority developments within the Domain. This information will be used by staff to secure funding via the Long Term Plan and other funding avenues.




Sports Fields Lease Model Review

Xyst was contracted to complete this piece of work which included desktop analysis, stakeholder consultation and option analysis. For the purpose of this report, only green fields were considered which included sports such as: rugby, touch rugby, football, softball, athletics, lacrosse etc. Exclusions from this report included hard surfaces and specialised surfaces such as tennis courts, netball courts, lawn bowling greens, croquet lawns and hockey turfs.

Throughout the project, Council and Xyst, engaged with the lessees and other stakeholders, to assess the current model and explore the best lease model to achieve the agreed outcomes. This engagement with lessees was completed face-to-face in one on one meetings. Other user groups such as clubs, organisations and event organisers were engaged online through surveys.




Pōmare Park Development

Concept to Detailed Design (for Stage 1)

The work involved developing the concept plan prepared earlier in conjunction with the local Taitā community, the DHB and other stakeholders in to a detailed construction and tender set. Drawings included the development of a Site Context, General Arrangement, Set Out, Demolition, Earthworks, Level and Drainage, and Planting Plans.

Xyst also prepared Planting Schedules and other construction Details along with associated Specifications.




Lake Ruataniwha Reserve Management Plan

Xyst was commissioned by the Mackenzie District Council to develop a Reserve Management Plan (RMP) for the Lake Ruataniwha Reserve, in accordance to the Reserves Act 1977.

In the initial phase, Xyst conducted in-depth research into the land’s status and historical background. Critically, key stakeholders were then notified about the intention to formulate the management plan. Xyst then sought input from key groups, including the community, local iwi, rūnanga, Sport Twizel, South Island Rowing, and various other stakeholders. The collated feedback was then incorporated into the draft RMP, which was subsequently presented to the public for consultation.

Following the consultation period, Xyst processed submissions and facilitated a hearing for those wanting to express their views. The finalised RMP was then produced and submitted for the Council to adopt.

As part of this process, Xyst produced a Concept Landscape Development Plan to guide the long term development of the park, in line with the objectives of the RMP.