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 herbicide use only as insecticides and fungicides are not generally used in the parks that have been proposed as case studies.

All areas considered for the trial were visited to collect information about weed management on the reserve. Following site visits, each reserve was analysed in terms of what it provides, how it is maintained, and the implications of any changes in management. Potential options for vegetation management without herbicides were assessed against each of the subject reserve areas and the potential costs weighed against the potential benefits. Recommendations were made for each reserve area including whether or not vegetation management without herbicides is feasible.

Xyst worked closely with the Hutt City Parks and Reserves team to review their operations, property, planning, project management and contract management roles. Using a combination of peer Council analysis, Yardstick benchmarking and our extensive local government experience to identify opportunities for improvement and a programme of change.

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 existing specifications and creating variations where appropriate. Formal and informal contract management training and the development of contract specific templates was also provided as part of the commission.

In addition to the contract management activities, Xyst conducted audits of assets managed under the contract which were used to measure contractor performance.

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, stakeholder engagement and workshops
• Tracks and trails
• Play spaces

My expertise

I seek to build capability, develop partnerships and deliver high quality recreation experiences. I have also been involved in environmental landscape architecture, development of green space frameworks, asset renewals and open space management.  My roles have encompassed parks, recreational facilities, horticulture and turf management, and cemeteries; I delivered local and international webinars to support the Cemeteries and Parks industry and managed the New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective.

In partnership with St Paul’s School, Richmond, I developed an open space plan, including play spaces that reflect the school’s beliefs, cultural values and education goals. It incorporates a vision that integrates cognitive reasoning, physical and social intelligence, and connects to bio diversity, and aligns with the school’s education framework around pedagogy.

I also successfully project managed a range of assignments such as cycleways, trails, bike track, playgrounds, multiple walking tracks and many horticultural planting plans

Qualifications

• National Certificate Māori Management
• National Certificate Level 4 Advanced Horticulture
• National Certificate Level 4 Landscape Construction
• National Certificate Level 3 Sports Turf
• Firstline Business Management

Xyst in action

I bring a wide range of experiences and expertise to Xyst and will be supporting projects across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. I will also be providing workshop opportunities in my capacity as a trainer/presenter for IPWEA training working groups.

Service delivery is a discipline covering all aspects of how councils and local government bodies deliver services. It involves specifications and procurement of contractors to carry out work, monitoring performance, dealing with issues, practical implementation of strategic work and all other on-the-ground work. 

Needless to say, it’s a service requiring extraordinary attention to detail and the ability to get tasks done. We have a proven ability to work with senior management, technical officers and on-the-ground staff. This enables us to provide robust top-to-bottom analysis for service planning and reviews.

Our approach brings leading edge methodologies and solutions to transform service delivery departments from reactive into proactive business-focused operations.

We know how to deal with entrenched cultures, mitigate political concerns and overcome technical smokescreens to meet service delivery expectations.

Feel free to contact us

if we can help you deliver a project

Our expertise

• Business Improvement Planning
• Service Delivery Reviews
• Contract Management
• Service Standards and Specifications
• Quality Monitoring
• Procurement
• Project Management

Related Team

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Related Projects

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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 a naturally inquisitive mind, I’m highly adept at finding a variety of solutions for clients.

You can contact me for help with

• Asset management
• Procurement
• Maintenance contracts
• Service reviews
• Project management

My expertise

Prior to joining Xyst, I served the Tauranga City Council for 15 years, most recently in the role of Manager Parks and Recreation where I led the planning for open space and indoor space recreation. I’m recognised nationally as a leader in the delivery of outstanding parks and am acknowledged for my talents in efficient and inclusive delivery of organisational and customer expectations.

I bring outstanding organisational skills to any project, along with a serious pedigree in asset management, procurement and project management. I’m a long-time supporter and previous member of the Parks Advisory Team for Yardstick Parks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science: Human Geography, Open University
• Diploma in Geography, Open University

Xyst in action

One memorable and rewarding project was leading the team that created sports fields in a greenfield location. This was in response to growth pressures creating congested parks at peak times and challenges for sports codes to be accommodated in their preferred location.

By initiating a review of the demand and needs analysis, reserve management plan update and being successful in seeking funds at the LTP, we helped to create a new sports park with all associated facilities for the benefit of field sports, passive recreation and play.