Do you need....
- Someone to pull together a report, work on a time-consuming EOI or help preparing a plain language executive summary for a technical report
- Assistance with policy or strategy work to make sure it can be understood and accessible to a wide audience
- Additional communication or engagement capability
- Assistance with an award or funding application
- PR assistance or help to give marketing and communication materials a refresh.
If you just don’t have the time to get that important communication task completed and off the ‘to-do’ list, call The Write Assist!
What’s my experience?
I am an experienced communication specialist who can assist with all of your writing and communication needs.
I have recently worked with Te Tupu Ngātahi (an alliance between Auckland Transport and NZTA Waka Kotahi) on landowner engagement and communication and assisted NZTA with an engagement summary report. I also work with Auckland Council, especially the Development Programme Office (DPO), helping with public communications particularly focussed in and around the city centre. Here is an example of an information pack that I prepared to assist with public consultation on a draft concept plan for improvements.
From 2018 to early 2021, I was employed at Auckland Council in the position of Media and Corporpate Communications Advisor. My role had a focus on managing reputational risk communications and reporting the decisions of committees through media releases and targeted communications. Click the links for examples of media releases and articles prepared on behalf of Auckland Council:
community reputational risk consultation technical climate funding myth busting!
A highlight of my time at the council was the opportunity to prepare the end of term report for outgoing Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse in her role as Chair of the Enviornment and Community Committee. You can check it out here.
My career has involved the preparation of numerous reports and have a recognised strength in reworking technical reports to make them more accessible to a general audience. As a Strategic Advisor at Waitākere City Council, I was involved in strategy and policy development and as a Senior Transport Planner at Flow Transportation Specialists, I contributed to master planning, prepared transport assessments and was involved in large corridor management plans such as for Onewa Road.
I have also worked as a Communication Advisor for central government (LTSA/LTNZ) and as a consultant writer for the Safer Streets Trust, a community trust working with the NZ Police. I was also a teacher for many years.
Please contact me for more samples of my work, or for a full copy of my CV.
No writing job too big, no communication job too small!
Here’s what people say about getting the right advice from The Write Assist:
“Sandy has helped me with everything from writing those difficult emails to nailing down marketing slogans. When I don’t know what to say or how to say it, I call The Write Assist.” Diane Stanbra, Co-founder, Rescued
"When I apply for a new role or need a piece of work proof read and edited, Sandy from 'The Write Assist' is always first on my contact list. Sandy has a masterful grip of language and will make your work clearer, precise and much more professional! Sandy has helped me to achieve my communication goals and I have recommended her services to friends, family and colleagues and will continue to do so." Lachlan Mitchell, Training Advisor-BCITO
"Whether you are trying to get that dream job or are trying to translate technical information for lay people, The Write Assist will help you redefine how you create, articulate and communicate." Jamie Boyle, Coastal Scientist, Thames-Coromandel District Council
Contact Sandy today to discuss your writing and communication needs.
 
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