The Risk Paradox: Why serious messages need less seriousness
Credibility doesn’t come from tone or language. It comes from consistency, and relevance.
How to triage content requests (with flowchart)
This article is all about triaging content requests in a way that actually works - because you’re not a dumping ground or a posting service; you’re a strategic function.
Key steps for hiring a social media advisor
Hiring a social media advisor in government can be tricky. Someone with a digital marketing background might know how to shift units, but that’s often not what you need.
State of Govt Social Media 2025
Twice a year I trawl through more than 630+ New Zealand council and government social media pages. Here’s what I learned.
5 ways to be more proactive in your work
We can always be more proactive in our work - it just means taking back a bit more control of our time and our outputs.
Useful info, guides and resources - all in one place
There is a lot of guidance out there for public sector comms, content and social media teams. I’ve brought it together.
Your social media crisis checklist
In the midst of a crisis, social media becomes a lifeline. This checklist will help you build trust, counter misinformation, and maintain meaningful connections when they’re needed most.
Your social media needs to look more like social media
Are you making the most out of your social media? Or is it just another comms tool?
People-First : social media principles for the public sector
These principles put people at the heart of public sector social media - both the dedicated people managing our channels and the diverse communities we serve.
What it’s like working with me (and am I the right choice for you?)
I don’t know if I can help you - yet. But that’s the first thing we’ll find out when we connect.
Are you broadening or deepening engagement on social media?
If you want an instant gauge of how strategically you're using social media, see if you can answer this one critical question.
NZ govt websites are wild and free - should we reign them in?
Our government websites bear no resemblance to one another and give very little indication that they are, in fact, linked to the government at all.
What I learned from 630+ public sector socials
Twice a year I wade through the social media pages of every council, government department, and Crown agent in New Zealand. Here are my 5 key takeaways.
Tips for swapping caution for courage in our comms
Government comms systems are often designed to minimise the chances of saying something problematic, which is a problem in itself.
Turning off comments a slippery slope for councils
Nelson City Council’s new approach to limiting comments on social media is understandable but misses the mark. Effective engagement requires more resources, not less conversation.
Want to take more content risks? Own the consequences
Ultimately, if you can’t convincingly explain the reasoning for taking a bolder approach, and you aren’t willing to put your neck on the line for it, it might not be the right approach.
The winning way to execute your strategy
Without execution, strategy is just theory. Here are 5 proven tips for making sure your strategy gets put into action.
How to set better targets using lead measures
When it comes to executing a strategy, lead measures eat lag measures for breakfast. Here’s why.
How to get started in strategy (with 6 brilliant quotes)
Strategy might be daunting, but operating without one is even more challenging. Here’s how I started my strategy journey - it was a lot simpler than you might think.
Ditching X? Make sure to think it through
Getting rid of the mess that is X is understandable for public sector organisations. But is it also shortsighted?