WriteCoach testimonials
‘I enjoyed the course and found Christine to be an excellent trainer. I couldn’t help thinking that if my teachers at school had been as patient and understanding (or as easily understood) as Christine, I may have chosen quite a different career path!’
Laraine Waters, Receptionist, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘From a secretarial point of view, it was presented at my level, no pressure, very relaxed atmosphere and most of all, I know that I will make quite a few changes to my work.’
Susan Dikvert, Kensington Swan
‘An extremely necessary experience for professional service firms.’
Russell Briggs, Kensington Swan
‘There’s so much more to writing than we think. Once you have been to the training, it actually makes so much sense.’
Sayee Barua, Telecom
‘Had fun, was way more informative, very friendly, great learning environment.’
Darren Porter, Telecom
‘Excellent for highlighting the traps — where people go wrong in designing websites/writing for the web. How to avoid making the same mistakes.’
Fiona Smillie, Statistics New Zealand
‘Was definitely an eye-opening experience.’
Izak Van Der Ploeg, Telecom
‘A worthwhile and meaningful course that gives an excellent overview of the principles and practices of effective writing for the web.’
Jane Vardy, Statistics New Zealand
‘Would definitely sit in again and listen to Helen. Perfect!’
Jelyn Monzon, Telecom
‘Good informative course, gives some useful tips for effective web writing/layout/design.’
Kiri Mikaere, Statistics New Zealand
‘I have been corresponding with customers for many years. I am pleased with my level of writing, but see now that I can be much more effective in the future. An excellent experience.’
Lesley Mansell, Telecom
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‘A well-structured workshop. Makes good use of Opus examples and how they can be improved.’
Mark Parker, Opus International Consultants Ltd
‘Christine has made a tedious course a very entertaining one!’
Ann Hegedus, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘This workshop enabled me to revisit my style, and empowered me with useful tools for the future.’
Banu Sidharth, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘Christine, thank you for presenting the material in such a clear and fun way. Everyone was put at ease and as a result their writing will be much improved. I am really looking forward to the results.’
Sarah Hon, Kensington Swan
‘Very valuable. I learned a lot more than I thought I would.’
Damian O’Neill, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘A valuable learning experience which will always be useful. Huge thanks for a fantastic workshop — loads of tips and tricks for my writing.’
Jenny Milson, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘Well-worthwhile. Everyone needs to do this.’
Mike Stannard, Department of Building and Housing
‘Anyone engaged in any form of business writing will leave this workshop with practical ideas that will improve their work.’
Richard Barrand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘The workshop was excellent. The concepts presented made sense and will be useful to me.’
Rowan Greig, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘Write provides a practical training programme that is very relevant to business writing in government departments.’
Serge Sablyak, Department of Building and Housing
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‘This was the most practical, hands on approach to sensible writing skills that I have done. I look forward to implementing the new skills learnt.’
Heather Clark, New Zealand Fire Service
‘It’s scary to think how much of my work has been sent out in a format I would dearly love to take back and improve! You’ve given me a great window of opportunity to improve my communication. Thanks!’
Tania McCoard, New Zealand Fire Service
‘We found the refresher session very valuable to maintain our focus on plain English writing, and to keep the momentum going. Pam helped us to identify some key areas where we can continue to improve.’
Anna McKinlay, Manager, Castalia Consulting
‘Fantastic course to improve a disappearing skill. Here’s looking forward to the day when every business has completed this course!!’
Diana Simpson, Marketing & Communications Manager, Marsh Limited
‘Excellent presentation within a relaxed training environment. Level of trainer’s expertise evident which made the learning experience enjoyable.’
Shane Howe, New Zealand Fire Service
‘It was not what I expected. Pam made it exciting, fun, and relevant. A complete surprise!’
Liz Hogg, Simpson Grierson
‘Wonderfully worthwhile. I will look at language in a new way from now on!’
Michelle Sullivan, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘The Write Group seminar was the most informative and worthwhile piece of training I have had so far from my employer.’
Emma Shearing, Simpson Grierson
‘Great learning environment and plenty of opportunity to take as much as you want out of it.’
Fay Powell, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘Fantastic trainer. Best and most relevant training I’ve had to date.’
Gemma Mayes, Simpson Grierson
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‘I never thought learning about grammar and punctuation could be so entertaining.’
Jeremy Gray, Simpson Grierson
‘Christine did a great job — she came across as professional, low key and credible, and people wanted to ask earnest questions afterward, which is always a good sign! I thought the slides were excellent, and just enjoyed being able to watch someone else’s treatment of the material. Actually, I was dying to interrupt a number of times — you know how it is — but managed to restrain myself. We were delighted, thanks!’
Dr Jacquie Harrison, Head of School, School of Communication, Unitec New Zealand
‘I can’t recommend this course highly enough! I discovered so many ambiguities in my writing that I never realised were there. This course will help me add a lot more value to my clients’ documents.’
Jessica White, Law Clerk, Buddle Findlay
‘”Minute writing is a skill, not a chore.” Prior to this workshop I found minute taking a chore. Now I have the skills to improve my minute writing and I feel more equipped/confident.’
Cara Hunt, Admin and Finance Manager, Dairy InSight
‘Christine, I did your “punctuate perfectly” class last week and, as a result, am really enjoying the semi colon. I’m using it heaps more now. Thought you might like to know that.’
Jonathan Hill, Corporate Communications
‘An informed, dynamic presenter who challenged and engaged. Working with relevant material a plus.’
Jenny Whatman, Ministry of Education
‘Content and presentation exceeded my expectations.’
Brian Mitchell, Implementation Manager, Ministry of Education
‘Lively and supportive presentation/facilitation.’
Catherine Carter, Ministry of Education
‘Energetic and able to keep attention right through the day! Thanks.’
Fleur Pawsey, Ministry of Education
‘A really great course. It provides a good thought provoking process.’
Ann Armstrong, Ministry of Education
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‘Day went quickly with good content and discussion.’
Kevin O’Neill, Account Manager, Ministry of Health
‘Enjoyable relaxed atmosphere.’
Paul Nelson, Archivist, Archives New Zealand
‘Great course, excellent tutor, and learnt a lot about grammar.’
Lisa-Maree Stempa, EA/Support Officer, NZQA
‘I enjoyed the workshop. Gives me confidence to test my new skills!’
Lavina Monteiro, PA/Design Administrator, IRD
‘I found it to be a very effective, practical and enjoyable course.’
Ken Gardiner, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘Finally, a course that addresses individuals’ insecurities regarding communicating in written format. This has given me confidence to follow my ‘gut’ feel when creating a document.’
Andrea Hammar, Meridian Energy
‘The workshop was great. I have heard many good things about the course and the presenters, and it is all true.’
Peter Kindiak, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘Good use of relevant examples, suggestions to improving style.’
Joe Pott, Meridian Energy
‘I found this course well organised and the information was easy to digest and understand.’
Eloise Orovwuje, Media Developer, Career Services
‘I had a good understanding of editing but I didn’t know the best way to approach it. The course made those tricky rules simple.’
Anna King, Media Developer, Career Services
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‘I have found the course very beneficial. I am new to report writing and this clarified a number of points.’
Kelly Lawton, Palmerston North City Council
‘I feel more confident in my report writing style.’
Peter Grey, Palmerston North City Council
‘This course is outstanding and a must for all government policy analysts. ‘
Gordon Hook, Manager, Crime and International Team, Ministry of Justice
‘Helen is a very effective trainer, backed by a well-resourced organisation.’
Murray Carter, Dispute Resolution Services
‘The content was specifically structured to our writing — in terms relevant.’
John Haines, Dispute Resolution Services
‘Workshop was tailored for our business and the relevance of the material drove home the principles.’
Derek Pullen, Dispute Resolution Services
‘Business writing has been 70% of my work for the last 5 years … yet, I have learnt more about business writing in the last 2 days than in the last 5 years. I will recommend this course to all my colleagues, as we are often criticised for poor written communication.’
Clara Arbizu, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘The business writing course met all my objectives. I feel more confident about my ability to communicate effectively. The course gave me practical tools to streamline my written work and make my words work for me. I’m now better able to analyse my work and improve my writing.’
Phillipa Sanderson, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘I now know why a previous manager sometimes did not approve my documents for seemingly illogical reasons!’
Steve Penno, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘The course tells you what you need to know to make your written communications effective and accessible to readers.’
Rita Hoy, Senior Writer, Auckland City Council
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‘Margaret is an amazing teacher. She clearly has a deep understanding of matters English and an ability to interestingly impart this knowledge to the workshop participants.’
Conrad Wright, New Zealand Immigration Service
‘An excellent course. Will help you to write clearly and concisely —and recognise when you’re not!’
Pieter Tulp, New Zealand Immigration Service
‘The workshop surpassed my expectations. It was extremely valuable.’
Lara Buis, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘It was not what I expected. Pam made it exciting, fun, and relevant. A complete surprise!’
Liz Hogg, Simpson Grierson
‘Excellent presentation within a relaxed training environment. Level of trainer’s expertise evident which made the learning experience enjoyable.’
Shane Howe, New Zealand Fire Service
‘Excellent! Really helpful! Would highly recommend Business Writing For Lawyers workshop!’
Siobhan McNamara, Simpson Grierson
‘I now understand the difference between editing and proofreading. A very worthwhile course.’
Irene Hamer, Communications Advisor, Institute of Chartered Accountants
‘I really appreciated the way that Christine made this topic such fun. Also, the use of ‘picture words’ was an excellent way for me to retain the information. I would thoroughly recommend this course to all business people.’
Fiona Kirk, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘I really enjoyed the day — it was good to be around like-minded, intelligent individuals (not that I’m not at work). Enjoyed learning.’
Nicola Blain, Organiser, Public Service Association
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‘I thoroughly enjoyed today’s seminar. I found Margaret to be a very interesting and entertaining presenter.’
Patricia Baker, Meridian Energy
‘If you think you know everything there is to know about business writing — think again! This course is worth putting yourself on.’
Stephen Knight, Nestle New Zealand
‘It has been a really useful introduction to the MoH’s preferred style of writing.’
Belinda Laws, Analyst, Ministry of Health
‘It was a good refresher course (since leaving school/university) and I have learnt many new things about the English language!’
Kate Aitkinson, Sysdoc Group
‘It would be very easy to avoid or deprioritise writing training but this workshop provided an excellent framework and tips that will be very useful in my daily role.’
Bruce Alexander, Sales Director, Nestle New Zealand
‘Pam is a gem — she made me feel comfortable. I respect Pam for her use of Te Reo Maori. Her awareness and capability to pronounce Te Reo Maori was very impressive and I really appreciate this. It doesn’t happen too often.’
Stacey Whitiora, Fisheries Advisor, Ministry of Fisheries
‘Brilliant, enlightening and empowering. Please take on the universities and nip this noxious archaic extablished way of writing in the bud!’
Carol Ferrier, Opus International Consultants Ltd
‘This was such a positive and constructive course. It applied directly to our own work environment. The course provider was wonderful and it was a joy to be part of this course.’
Heidi Field, Land Transport New Zealand
‘A great informative day. Trainer was great and explained in great detail and answered any questions asked. Had a very enjoyable day and would recommend to all.’
Karyn Lee, Land Transport New Zealand
‘Honestly the best training course/workshop I have been on!!! Pam was awesome!!’
Mitch O’Brien, Opus International Consultants Ltd
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‘Excellent course, recommended to all professionals, politicians etc to make this world a simple, stress-free place.’
Satish Busopala, Opus International Consultants Ltd
‘Really enjoyed the afternoon with Helen, she made us understand how just a few words can improve customers’ perception of us.’
Kyla Powell, Telecom
‘Focuses attention on [correcting] a career of bad habits.’
Steve Fisher, Baldwin Boyle Group
‘Writing is our stock-in-trade, but this course taught us there’s a lot of difference between print and PC.’
Lynne Tuxford, Baldwin Boyle Group
‘The course offers a lot more than I expected and helped me recognise quickly my weakness in report writing.’
Nadine Rogers, Work and Income NZ Auckland
‘The course helped provide a number of creative/useful ways of approaching Cabinet papers.’
So’o Leatigaga, Ministry of Education
‘I thought I knew how to write Cabinet papers. I am confident that using what I have learnt today will help me do better.’
Alan Peck, Ministry of Education
‘The workshop and presenter were well tailored to the challenges we face effectively communicating in writing. It was great to see our people “getting” the ideas and wanting to improve their writing.’
Katherine Percy, Workbase
‘It is useful to have examples of my own work to critique and work on during the workshop. Consider using some good examples from our own work samples, as well as the not so good examples.’
Nicola Beentjes, Workbase
‘All you need to know about writing web content for NZ public sector websites in one day!’
Robin Clarke, Hutt City Council
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‘I can’t believe a one-day course could cover so much. An excellent course. I would like to see anyone writing for the public sector attend this course.’
Hamish Denston, Ministry of Transport
‘A valuable insight into how to make a relevant, readable and user-friendly website, not only for government.’
Tanya Piejus, Communications Advisor, Department of Building and Housing
‘It was helpful to use writing examples taken from our organisation. The writing examples made the course relevant to our needs.’
Maru Samuel, Te Ohu Kaimoana Trustee Limited
‘Even, or especially, as a non-native English speaker, this course was very useful to me.’
Christine Laux, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘There were several ‘a-ha’ moments. To me these were invaluable reminders.’
George Matthew, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
‘Very practical course. Presenter very inclusive.’
John Kelly, Ministry of Education
‘I came along with an open mind that even if I learnt one new thing it would be worth my while, but this day far exceeded my expectations with good, easily applicable and handy business writing tips.’
Laree Taula, Tertiary Education Commission
‘I think that more people (managers) should do this course.’
Haley Steel, Business Service Officer, Crown Minerals
‘Well worthwhile - the information highway will be a lot smoother now.’
Jim Simmonds, Customer Services Representative, Land Information New Zealand
‘Great course to put me on the write track to becoming a better, more effective communicator.’
Ed Butler, Advisor, Crown Company Monitoring Advisory Unit
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‘Content and facilitation of the course was very useful and effective!’
Raewyn Tan, Positively Wellington Tourism
‘This is a highly worthwhile course. The presenter had a vast knowledge of writing, punctuation, and grammar. The day is lively, time passes quickly. Your writing will never be the same — it will be better.’
Faith Roberts, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Health
‘This is a really useful course for web writing, presented in a relaxed easy to follow manner.’
Susan Gray, Franklin District Council
‘This is the first time I have received constructive feedback in a ‘safe’ environment.’
Jim Henry, New Zealand Fire Service
‘The workshop is delivered in an ‘open discussion’ environment allowing me to ask questions freely. The trainer is very knowledgeable in the content of the workshop and promotes ‘simplicity’ as opposed to ‘waffle’.’
Leilani Clarke, Department of Corrections
‘Eight hours of training revealed (and began to undo) ten years of bad habits.’
Denzel Hankinson, Castalia Consulting
‘Write Group Limited help you think right so that you can write right.’
Reah Mason, Contact Energy Ltd
‘This workshop will help me remove the clutter from my writing. It has helped me see where I can apply the active voice instead of the passive voice in report writing. Margaret, thanks for a great day, you are a fantastic tutor! I learnt a lot and had fun.’
Karla Shaw, Corbans Viticulture Ltd
‘The User Manual workshop I attended was excellent. Very informative and will be of great assistance when rewriting our training manuals. Thank you!’
Lynne Wood, A J Park
‘I am extremely pleased that Write Group offers courses specific to my needs! A leader in the field!’
Hilary Stichbury, Editor
‘Positive, reinforcing course, very practical, very realistic. Margaret is an excellent trainer. Very helpful, enthusiastic, motivated, with a modern style. Margaret really makes this course, and of course the excellent pronunciation!’
Gemma Barden, Technical / Legal Assistant, Human Rights Commission
‘A great refresher course for those who claim they have no time for such learning.’
Dann Olykan, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
