Scot Hedge
I am a highly experienced manager with over 25 years’ operating within environmental, recreational and operational services, in both the public and private sectors. My experience includes management of strategic and operational planning and projects, development and implementation of capital works programs, environmental management of construction activities, and delivery of maintenance programs for public open […]
Tom Nicholls
My background and passion is in horticulture and open space design. I have had over 15 years’ experience in landscape design and construction, from being a landscape apprentice to small business operator. With these tools I have furthered my education in sustainable landscape design and project management, adding to my desire to design and build […]
Holiday Park Concept Plan
The Greymouth Top 10 Seaside Holiday Park was seeking to expand its accommodation offerings on a vacant portion of its site. Xyst prepared a concept plan laying out building footprints, circulation amenities and landscaping. Xyst also provided a detailed assessment of consenting requirements enabling the client to lodge consents in the future.
Yardstick Trails User Survey
Yarra Ranges Council asked Xyst to carry out a targeted intercept survey of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail and the Yarra Valley Trail. For the survey we used the Yardstick Trail User Survey developed specifically for Yarra Ranges in 2019, and suitable for use on any trail. The survey includes a set of questions […]
Yardstick Parks User Survey
Yarra Ranges Council asked Xyst to carry out a Yardstick parks user survey on fifteen of its parks and reserves. The intercept survey includes around 40 questions, some of which were optional additions to the standard survey content. The survey took place in November 2025 and involved collection of 180 intercept surveys to collect data […]
Waititi Trout Stream Holiday Park Development Plan
Xyst undertook a full review of the consenting history and regulatory and planning requirements for the Holiday Park. We coordinated a full site survey, geotechnical investigation and services investigation. Using this information we developed a long term concept plan for the redevelopment of the site. Xyst also project managed the first stage of the redevelopment.
Lake Ferry Playground – Comprehensive Playground Inspection
Xyst visited Lake Ferry playground to conduct the physical comprehensive inspection. We then provided South Wairarapa with base asset data on each of the playground items and surfaces, and a full playground inspection report on each of the assets. We provided a risk assessment against any of the items that were non-compliant and make recommendations […]
Lakeside Drive Playground
Xyst was engaged by the Mackenzie District Council to assist with the project management of the Lakeside Drive Playground. This project presented several challenges, including tight budget constraints, complex underground services, the nearby lake and roadway, contaminated soil, and the need to meet high accessibility standards. Gaining buy-in from both the local community and the […]
Remutaka Cycle Trail Wayfinding
Xyst reviewed the existing signage along the Remutaka Cycle Trail, identified inconsistencies and gaps, and developed a comprehensive wayfinding plan. This included a full audit of current signs, mapping of decision points, and the design of a unified signage system. The plan details types, locations, and content for new signs, including plinths, blades, bollards, and […]
Lake Alexandrina Signage Review
Xyst carried out a comprehensive signage review at Lakes Alexandrina and McGregor to improve the clarity of messaging, reduce signage pollution, and consolidate information from the thirteen different groups involved in managing the area. Over time, the volume of signage had created confusion, duplication, and significant visual clutter. Our role was to collaborate with all […]
Te Henga/Bethells Beach
Public Use Study Following severe damage to the Te Henga/Bethells Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s facility from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, Auckland Council commissioned a study to assess how relocating the club within Te Henga/Bethells Beach Reserve might impact public use and open space values. The assessment combined a review of strategic planning documents, on-site […]
Mairangi Bay Beach Reserve
Public Use Study The Mairangi Bay Beach Reserve Public Use Study assessed how the beach and reserve areas are currently used to guide future design and management decisions, including the potential relocation of the Surf Lifesaving Club facility. Conducted over four days in November and December 2024, the study area covered approximately 8,000 m², including […]
Land Status Review and Classification
Devonport-Takapuna Xyst completed a comprehensive land status review for all parks and reserves in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area to determine how the land was held and if held under the Reserves Act 1977, if appropriately classified. This work included research and analysis of publicly available information for each land parcel, including title searches, review […]
Play Value Assessments
Xyst completed a comprehensive assessment of over 200 playgrounds and skate facilities to evaluate their overall play value. As part of this project, we developed a set of agreed service levels to guide the appropriate scale and type of development for each playground category. These service levels helped define key elements, such as: • Target […]
CPTED Audits
Parks / Playgrounds and Public Toilets Xyst conducted the individual assessments for three park playground locations, and three public toilet conveniences across the district. Xyst provided Council with a report of CPTED assessment points, including photos of assets and other key pertinent features and commentary of suggested upgrades/recommendations.