Kirsty Huxford
I have worked in environmental policy and planning for 20 years, including roles in local government and foriwi organisations working on a wide range of environmental projects and programmes. I have extensive experience supporting partnerships between iwi and local/central government particularly in statutory processes. I support clients to work through complex processes associated with recreation and […]
Water Features Risk Assessment
Xyst visited all 17 public water features within the scope of the project to assess risk. Xyst made site specific observations, detailed the risk at each site and made recommendations to reduce risk. These recommendations were then incorporated into the wider Water Features Maintenance and Improvement plan, helping to prioritise actions and allocate budgets for both […]
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 […]
Level 3 Comprehensive Playground Inspections
Tararua District Council Over three days Xyst visited community playgrounds in Dannevirke, Pahiatua, Eketāhuna, Woodville, Norsewood and other rural communities to conduct the comprehensive inspections. Xyst gathered data on the assets at each playground and carried out 90 individual inspections. For each site, we compiled a detailed report highlighting any areas of non-compliance with the […]
Alps 2 Ocean East Pukaki Trail Development
Following multiple funding applications and work scoping the East Pukaki development, Xyst led the procurement process. Work was divided into two distinct packages, structures and trail building. This approach allowed for targeted expertise and efficient delivery. An open competitive tender was conducted via the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS), ensuring transparency and broad market engagement. […]
Comprehensive Playground Inspection
Xyst visited the Castlepoint Holiday Park playground and conducted a Level 3 Comprehensive playground inspection. Xyst also provided Castlepoint Holiday Park with guidance to completing their own regular operational inspections on a monthly basis.
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 […]
Masterton Cemeteries
Network Capacity Review and Site Analysis Report Xyst worked with Masterton District Council to assess the future capacity and management of six of the district’s council-owned cemeteries: Pioneer, Archer Street, Riverside, Mauriceville West, Hastwell, and Tinui. The project involved analysing interment records, demographic trends, population growth, and evolving community preferences, supported by desktop site investigations […]
Russell Kororareka Cemetery
Extension Detailed Design Xyst delivered the Detailed Design for the Russell / Kororareka Cemetery Extension, providing a comprehensive set of landscape architectural drawings, a landscape specification, and a schedule of quantities for the contractor to price and implement the works. The detailed design translates the approved concept plan (initially undertaken by Xyst) into plans for […]
Russell Kororareka Cemetery
Extension Concept Plan Xyst worked with Far North District Council to develop a concept plan for the Russell / Kororareka Cemetery extension in the Bay of Islands. The project aimed to expand the cemetery by 2,272 m² to meet future interment needs while respecting the site’s cultural significance and scenic hillside location. The project involved engagement […]
Ashburton Trail Feasibility Study
Trail route options were assessed in conjunction with a review of previous trail proposals, the cycle tourism market, insights from established cycle trails, land ownership constraints, and potential commercial opportunities. The study examined the technical, financial, and operational requirements for developing a destination trail that could benefit the local economy, while also identifying potential challenges […]
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 […]
Water Features Maintenance and Improvement Plan
Xyst was engaged by Napier City Council to undertake a strategic assessment of the city’s 19 water features, which play a vital role in shaping Napier’s public realm, cultural heritage, and civic identity. The project aimed to evaluate the operational performance, financial sustainability, and future viability of these assets in light of increasing environmental pressures […]
Te Kuiti Cemetery Extension Plans
Xyst reviewed local interment trends to understand future needs and ensure the cemetery can continue to serve the community well into the future. These insights informed the cemetery extension design, helping allocate space thoughtfully across a range of interment options. In planning the extension, we placed strong emphasis on: – providing for the community’s ongoing […]
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 […]