Writing and editing services for New Zealand councils

My writing and editing services

I work with council staff who are experts in infrastructure, environmental management, or community services.

When they don’t have time to complete all the reports, plans and strategies on their to-do list, my research, writing and editing services enable them to deliver high quality documents on time, to support consultation processes and decision making.

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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
strategies, policies and processes
action plans
consultation documents
guides.

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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

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 submission on a council plan

by Debra | Nov 30, 2020

Last week I edited a submission for a client (Ian McComb, of Small Time Developments Ltd) which includes some really good practices. That experience inspired the following checklist which you may find helpful if you are writing a submission on a council plan. (This...

Five ways to avoid OOS when working at home

by Debra | Oct 26, 2020

Thanks to Covid-19, this was a year where working at home became normal. As well as the global benefit of lower emissions from vehicles, we also enjoyed: less traffic on the roadwearing soft pants at workhanging out with the dogbeing trusted to deliver on timehaving...

How to use Herrmann Whole Brain Thinking to understand yourself and others

by Debra | Oct 2, 2020

I first learnt about Herrmann Whole Brain Thinking at a presentation by Julie Varney, back in 2015, so it was a real treat to catch up with her in 2020 to revisit this topic. Julie Varney is the director of the Business Development Company. The Whole Brain Thinking...

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