Sports Field Capacity Review

The issue to be addressed by this review was the community desire for increased winter sports training capacity in Nelson. The objective of the report was to provide independent professional advice to Nelson City Council on whether a proposed artificial sports turf is the best solution to a shortage of playing fields in the Nelson […]
Artificial Turf Business Case

Xyst was commissioned by Nelson City Council to undertake a business case to understand whether an artificial turf should be developed in the district to address the shortage of quality training grounds or whether this could be achieved through other opportunities. The business case explored two options, considering environmental impacts, economic benefits, community demand, and […]
Mangawhai Open Space and Facilities Needs Analysis

Xyst was engaged by Kaipara District Council to assess provision of open spaces and recreation facilities in Mangawhai for the next 30 years. We assessed current and future needs due to population growth. We used the PlaceChangers online tool for spatial analysis of different types of open spaces and recreation facilities. This was supplemented by […]
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 […]
Sportsground Assessment Report

Xyst worked with the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI) to understand the City’s sportsground conditions. Areas requiring capital investment were identified, risks were discussed and recommendations were provided to the client. The recommendations also outlined operational management, renewal and capital improvement costs at a high-level.
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 […]
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 […]
Community Facilities Strategy

The Community Facilities Strategy (CFS) provided direction for decision making, development and management of community facilities in the Waikato District, including tasks such as investment and divestment frameworks for Council staff. The strategy considered the following facilities: public toilets aquatics community halls community hubs and libraries sport facilities and pavilions Our team supported engagement with […]
Hurunui Halls Feasibility Study

Xyst prepared a feasibility study that included a needs assessment for community halls in both Hawarden and Waikari townships. We prepared concept plans and costings for the preferred option.
Owen Delany Park Needs Assessment

It was identified that there was a need to clearly understand what recreation activities and facilities were required at Owen Delany Park to support the development of a Masterplan. Xyst provided support to Isthmus who delivered the final Masterplan by delivering a Needs Assessment for the park. Xyst spoke with current stakeholders, conducted a site […]
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 […]
Elise Young

I am passionate about our sector and making a difference. I always produce work to the best of my ability and take the client on the journey with me. I like to positively challenge thinking and the way things have always been done to continually seek better solutions. My role involves working with a variety […]
Paul Wilson

My primary role is to manage the team at Xyst’s Napier office and to assist our other consultants to bring innovative, best practice solutions for our clients. I have deep knowledge across the key areas of Xyst’s services and share it for our collective benefit. I’m the go-to guy for technical issues and problem solving. I […]
Matawai Reserve Concept Plan Development
Xyst engaged with Council and community stakeholders, including the school and tamariki/rangitahi, local working group, and hapū, to develop the concept to help in future planning. Features included a court renewal, an extended playground with flying fox, a nature play area, barbeque, seating and shelter, parking development, a perimeter trail around the junior cricket oval […]
Review of Open Space Maintenance Delivery

Xyst was engaged to review the Council’s service delivery, with the overall aim of ensuring the service is delivered effectively and efficiently and that it meets the needs and expectations of the community. We reviewed Council’s service delivery and prepared a report which identified the following: The true cost of delivering the service How the […]