Te hā o te reo
Tone of voice
Our tone of voice reflects who we are: an open, welcoming, and vibrant community space . We speak in a way that is friendly, inclusive, and clear, inviting everyone in, no matter their age, background, or reason for visiting.
Friendly and inclusive
- Use warm and approachable language
- Avoid jargon or overly formal language
- Use inclusive terms like "you and your whānau", "everyone is welcome", or "something for all ages".
- Reflect Wellington’s diversity, be culturally respectful and affirming
Example "Kia ora! Come in and make yourself at home. There’s always something new to discover."
Clear and concise
- Use plain language and short sentences.
- Avoid waffle, but keep it warm. Clarity doesn't mean cold.
- Organise content logically, think about what people need to know first.
Example “Our makers space is open every day. Book a session online or just drop in and see what’s happening.”
Creative and playful
- Inject lightness and fun into communications when it suits the context, especially for children’s events, creative workshops, or casual social posts.
- Use gentle humour or wordplay, but keep it accessible and respectful.
- Be imaginative, inviting curiosity and creativity.
Example “Got a budding builder or curious creator in the house? Bring them along to our Saturday Make & Create sessions.”
Use of te reo Māori
- Integrate te reo Māori authentically and appropriately — not as decoration, but as an essential part of our voice.
- Use words like whānau, kai, ako, kōrero, tamariki, tohunga, pātai, wānanga, and mahi naturally in sentences.
- Always respect tikanga in how we describe events, spaces and community.
Audience considerations
We speak to a wide and vibrant audience, so we adapt our tone while keeping the core voice consistent:
- Families and children: more playful, colourful, engaging.
- Researchers or students: clear, professional, but still warm.
- Older adults: respectful, accessible, and community-focused.
- Visitors/newcomers: friendly, explanatory, and welcoming.
Writing style guide
Use this Wellington City Council style guide when writing, editing or proofreading – whether for print or digital channels. The guide helps maintain a consistent style and voice across all our communications. It contains guidelines on:
- Punctuation
- Grammar
- Formatting
- Creating accessible communications
Writing style guide