Blog
Notes on local government issues
How to write a community engagement plan
Are community engagement plans magically whipped up by the communications advisers at your council, or do you have to come up with them yourself? Even if they are mainly done for you, subject matter experts can definitely add value to them. Download the community...
Writing an asset management plan?
Asset managers around New Zealand are beginning the process of reviewing and updating their asset management plans to support the 2024 Long Term Plan process. Here’s some great advice I picked up on asset management plan writing during a training day with Ross Waugh,...
Want to write better reports? Check out these masterclasses.
The local government masterclasses on the NZIER website are excellent resources for council officers and for consultants who work in the local government sector. Here are some of the top report writing tips I picked up from these masterclasses. An overview of poor,...
How to get started on your 2024 infrastructure strategy
Here's an overview of the key steps involved in preparing your 2024 infrastructure strategy, and some ideas for the scoping phase of the project. How to review your infrastructure strategy Key steps in the process are: scopinginterviews with staff to identify what has...
Your guide to writing effective council reports
This report writing guide will help you to write reports that stand out for their clear storyline and high quality writing style. Here’s what it covers. Story structure Part One shows you how to apply story structure in your report. It takes the Three Little Pigs...
How transport plans are changing
Transport plans around New Zealand will need to reflect the direction in New Zealand’s first Emissions Reduction Plan. Councils will get more funding for projects which reduce transport emissions and less funding for other projects. Reducing car travel in urban...
How to write a policy advice paper
I recently completed a series of three policy papers, and noted down the process while it was still fresh in my mind. Please feel free to try this process if you need to write a policy paper (any long-form report with recommendations) for your council. Why a process...
Highlights from the climate change forum
Learning about the Wharekawa Coast 2120 project and how to communicate about climate change, and gaining a better understanding of the upcoming requirements for financial reporting on climate change risks were some of my highlights from a recent climate change forum...
Consultation ideas from the draft National Adaptation Plan
The arrival of the draft National Adaptation Plan is exciting news for everyone in New Zealand who cares about this topic. However, it can be difficult to find the time to read and provide feedback on such a large, complex document. Tailored information That’s why it...