Writing and editing services for New Zealand councils
My writing and editing services
I combine my love of writing and editing with a strong interest in all aspects of local government to provide writing and editing services with a difference. Writing and editing council strategies, plans, reports and consultation documents is the perfect match for my skills and experience.
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.
Other editing services
I enjoy editing for a wide range of clients, and have experience with the following types of documents…
“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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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
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...
Eight ways to improve your infrastructure strategy
The Long-Term Plan cycle sure comes around quickly! It feels like we just finished the last one, but now it's time to think how councils can improve on their 2018 infrastructure strategies for the 2021 Long-Term Plan (LTP). I was involved in writing three...