Writing and editing services for New Zealand councils

My writing and editing services

I work with council staff who have expertise in infrastructure, parks and environmental management.

My clients have a lot of responsibilities and don’t have time to complete all the reports, plans and strategies on their to-do list. My research, writing and editing services help them to progress their projects by delivering high quality documents on time, to support decision making and consultation processes.

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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.

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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.

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“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

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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.

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Testimonials

Specifically you bring to your team (and to Council) a remarkably positive can-do attitude that is backed up by clear strategic thinking and attention to detail.

Keith Marshall, Chief Executive, Nelson City Council

Your contribution was illustrated by the way you grappled with the dog control policy and bylaw. You remained committed to high quality community engagement through being professional, actively listening and seeking the best solution for our city. You have promoted and demonstrated personal leadership and positive attitudes.

Richard Johnson, Acting Chief Executive, Nelson City Council

I would like to thank Debra Bradley for initiating this series [of articles] and getting me motivated to contribute under her editorial tutelage. Her grasp of these matters is impressive and I would commend her services to councils throughout the country.

David McMahon, Independent Hearing Commissioner and resource management consultant, RMG

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What I’m Writing About

How to write a council policy

by Debra | Feb 3, 2020

You’ve been asked to develop or review a council policy. If there’s an existing policy in place, you’ve been given some insights into the aspects of it that haven’t been working particularly well. But how, exactly, do you get started with this project? Here’s the...

Three books for council bookshelves

by Debra | Jan 12, 2020

Happy new year! Before launching into new projects in 2020, I’ve been reflecting on some of the books which made the biggest difference to my local government work in 2019. Here are my top three recommendations for council bookshelves. Writing Effective Policies and...

Eight ways to get started on your 2021 infrastructure strategy

by Debra | Dec 7, 2019

It's time for councils to pick up their 2018 infrastructure strategies and decide how to go about updating and improving them. Key steps in the process are: scopinginterviews with staff to identify what has changed since the 2018 strategy was draftedputting it all...