Duncan Tip for cutting through Bureaucratese – use ChatGPT
1. Draft Tight Questions
Copy and paste any bureaucratic waffle into ChatGPT ( https://chatgpt.com/ ) and ask:
“What are they trying to avoid answering?”
“What’s the actual issue buried in this?”
“What are three direct questions I should ask back?”
2. Rewrite Like a Scalpel
Ask ChatGPT to rewrite your reply in firmer, clearer terms:
“Write me a short, sharp response demanding a timeline and legal justification.”
“Make this reply sound assertive, not aggressive.”
3. Translate the Bureaucratese
Paste in long Council reports, consultation documents, or responses. Then ask:
“Summarise this in plain English. What’s really being said?”
“What’s missing, vague, or smells like a distraction?”
4. Get Help Filing Official Complaints
Need to escalate? Use prompts like:
“Write a one-page complaint to the Ombudsman ( https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ ) about any withheld information or dissatisfactory response under LGOIMA.”
“Create a formal complaint that demands specific action.”
5. Stay Respectful—But Sharp
Even when you’re right, tone matters. Ask:
“Polish this so it’s respectful but firm.”
“Write this like someone who’s done their homework.”
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