Writing and editing services for New Zealand councils
My writing and editing services
I work with busy council staff who don’t have time to complete all the reports, plans and strategies on their to-do list. My writing and editing services help them to deliver high quality documents on time, to support decision making and consultation processes.
Professional writing services for councils
A natural inclination towards systems thinking, a quiet home office, and more than 20 years of experience working in the local government sector means I can help you to complete the following types of documents:
- reports
- business cases
- infrastructure strategies
- strategic policies and processes
- action plans
- consultation documents
- guides.
Professional editing services for councils
I understand the local government context and the audience you’re writing for, so when I edit your work I’ll be asking questions, identifying gaps and suggesting additional content. I will keep your audience in mind at all times, to ensure your documents are fit for purpose.
My editing experience includes the following types of documents:
- reports
- asset management plans
- resource management documents
- long term plans
- annual plans and annual reports
- state of the environment reports.
Writing and editing climate change documents
Climate change is relevant to almost all aspects of local government work. I have a strong interest in both climate change mitigation and adaptation, so I value the opportunity to work on strategies, plans and consultation documents on these topics.
My experience with climate change documents includes:
- developing a climate action plan
- discussing climate change issues and strategies responses in infrastructure strategies and reports
- considering climate change issues related to freshwater and natural hazards planning.
“Debra is a highly proficient writer and policy analyst. Debra always delivers what she says she will in a professional manner and in a way that is engaging and easily understood.”
Matt Heale, Manager Environment, Nelson City Council
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How to Create Successful Council Documents
Helping council staff to be successful
I have been providing writing and editing services for council staff since 2014. My clients are usually juggling multiple projects and have significant demands on their time, which makes it difficult for them to find extended, uninterrupted periods of time to write and edit complex documents. I work alongside my clients to understand the issues and options under consideration, and then return to my quiet home office to write documents on their behalf. My clear, concise writing style supports both decision-making and consultation processes.
Testimonials
What I’m Writing About
Making it easy for businesses to join the low emissions economy
Taking action to reduce emissions is top of mind for councils around New Zealand. However, they can only do so much on their own, and also need businesses to join the low emissions economy. Three reasons why businesses may resist this message are: not knowing how to...
Five ways to be more productive
Everyone knows New Zealand would be better off making furniture (and houses) rather than exporting raw logs. While productivity is a bit of an ugly word, there’s a lot to like about creating more value in less time, or with fewer resources. It’s highly likely to lead...
Councils can respond to the climate emergency
The groundswell of councils signing up to climate emergency declarations recognises the need to take large scale actions over the next 10 years. Christchurch, Nelson, Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Kāpiti Coast, Wellington and Dunedin councils have already made this...