Writing and editing services for New Zealand councils

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How to Create Successful Council Documents

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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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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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 share the ideas in your Activity Management Plan

by Debra | Jun 29, 2020

An Activity Management Plan is a technical document rather than a bookshop bestseller. But that’s no reason not to communicate its contents with your target audiences. You can click here if you would prefer to listen to an audio version of this article. Anyone who...

How to use Whole Brain Thinking to be successful at work

by Debra | Jun 1, 2020

You can use Whole Brain Thinking to make the most of your natural strengths, and to write reports to engage all members of your audience. I was a bit nervous about introducing a ‘whole brain’ section into a workshop on report writing. Was it a bit too wacky or complex...

Advice for councils during the Covid-19 crisis

by Debra | May 8, 2020

Here is some advice I picked up from a presentation by economist Shamubeel Eaqub and a workshop on collaborating online offered by Business Lab. The first one provided insights on what councils need to do to respond to the Covid-19 crisis and the second one provided...