How I found my niche

When I worked as a resource management planner I felt like a ‘writer in a planner’s outfit’. It’s not that I was a complete misfit. I had a double major in English and Biology, and a diploma in journalism, and all of this was really handy for writing planning documents about environmental topics.

However, I knew I didn’t have the zeal for regulation that some of my colleagues had.

When I moved into strategic planning work, I breathed easier. Developing policies, strategies, AMPs and bylaws, and editing everyone else’s stuff came far more naturally to me – and I was just better at it.

That’s why strategic planning work is central to my Writing for Councils business. And doing it as a freelancer is bliss for me. I get to learn about new topics all the time and to focus on my core skills of writing and editing.

Twelve years on, I’m continuing to offer writing services, while also investing in ongoing professional development with Ed Gandia and Cathy Topping to hone my AI skills, and passing on these benefits to my clients.

 

 

Too many projects on the go?

If you need help with a council document you have come to the right place.

I can assist you with the whole review process (from scoping through to adoption of a strategy, policy or bylaw) or work on specific writing and editing tasks.

I am a stickler for meeting deadlines, so handing over one of your projects means you can breathe easier, knowing you won’t be left with half-completed work.

Say no to overwhelm 

 

I can help with policy papers, writing of plans and strategies on behalf of council officers, development of consultation documents, and editing of all kinds of council publications.

I have worked with councils around New Zealand including: Auckland Council, Environment Canterbury, Marlborough District Council, Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, Selwyn District Council, Whanganui District Council, Wellington City Council, Porirua City Council, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Waikato District Council, Kaipara District Council and Northland Regional Council.

Is there a document in your inbox that you don’t have time to deal with right now?

 

You are only three steps away from meeting your deadline.

work experience

  • Journalist (reporting and sub-editing for the Hamilton Press)
  • Planning Assistant (coordination of the First Schedule consultation process for the Nelson Resource Management Plan)
  • Senior Policy Planner (resource management, particularly freshwater management)
  • Planning Adviser (bylaws, reports, asset management plans and lots of editing)

Education 


Qualifications:

  • BA double major in Biology and English (Waikato University)
  • BA (Hons) in English Literature (Waikato University)
  • Diploma in Journalism (Auckland Institute of Technology)
  • Diploma in Environmental Studies (Open Polytechnic of New Zealand)
  • Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing (Whitireia New Zealand)

“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

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