We want to help lift the confidence and capability of local government professionals across Aotearoa. The Write Group offer workshops designed to help you get more value from the time you spend communicating — whether you’re creating quick emails, public information, or detailed reports.

All courses are delivered in partnership with the Write Group, global leaders in clear, human-centred communication, and come with our quality guarantee.

To celebrate our partnership with the Write Group, ALGIM members can access discounts on selected Write services until 31 December 2026 using the code: ALGIMWRITE2026

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Meet the trainers

Penny Maxwell

Penny empowers people to improve their writing and communication with clear, practical guidance. She delivers workshops, coaching and online learning, always focused on helping learners understand their audience and apply plain language. 

With more than 20 years of experience teaching adults in New Zealand and overseas, she brings strong cultural awareness and a commitment to accessibility. She values working in a purpose driven organisation that supports social justice. 

Penny has particular strengths in presentation skills, business writing essentials and email essentials.

Jacob Lister

Jacob designs practical workshops helping people feel confident and capable in their writing. He listens closely and tailors sessions to support clear communication with local communities. His relaxed, encouraging style helps participants try new skills without pressure, whether in person or online.

Jacob shows that plain language is both accessible and inclusive, and he values working in a purpose driven organisation. His background in teaching and youth work strengthens his facilitation skills. He has particular strengths in advanced reading, critical thinking and peer review.

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AI+Human™ — Write Smarter with AI

Overview

Write smarter with AI+Human™ and get the most from generative AI. Apply the principles of plain language to create excellent prompts, refine outputs, and retain your authentic voice.

This workshop will show you how to treat AI as a smart writing tool that boosts your efficiency and expands your thinking.

The workshop is practical and interactive, with plenty of examples and time to practise using your AI tools.

The content is consistent with both:

• the well-known Write Plain Language Standard
• the international ISO Plain Language Standard 24495.

Skills you’ll gain on the day

In this half-day workshop, you’ll learn to:

• decide when to use AI in your writing process — consider levels of control for each of you
• build a library of use cases — identify useful ways to use AI at work
• think and prepare — unlock your brainstorming partner, get help summarising long background documents or research
• create personas and plan — understand your reader and define your purpose to better prompt your AI
• write — craft insightful, effective prompts to gather and organise content, and to generate a useful draft
• edit — polish with AI and your human brain.

We’ll also discuss potential risks and how to use AI tools ethically and responsibly.