Based in Tauranga, New Zealand, I am a copywriter, content strategist, and project manager with more than 20 years’ experience across journalism, communications, advisory, creative studio management, website development, and content creation. I’ve been freelancing since 2013, with a focus on crafting clear, effective copy and helping businesses find the right words for who they are, what they offer, and who they do it for. Travel has always been a driver of creativity and perspective, shaping my interest in travel and lifestyle writing alongside commercial work. There’s real enjoyment in telling stories about places, people, and experiences. I’m often on the road and work remotely from wherever the laptop opens. The work I’ve done over the years includes website copy, white papers and reports, long-form articles, short-form copy, words for ad campaigns or other creative, brand messaging, and content strategy. I’m equally comfortable shaping the big-picture narrative as refining the finer details. Strong strategy and project management capability means I can lead website and marketing projects from initial concept through to launch and I can align teams, manage budgets and timelines, and keep messaging consistent. I work with clients in New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK, and often collaborate with established design studios, digital agencies, and PR teams. I enjoy working across the time zones and deliver high-quality work efficiently. I’m best at turning complex ideas into clear, easy to read content and making the process straightforward and collaborative.

Martine Pierhagen

Based in Tauranga, New Zealand, I am a copywriter, content strategist, and project manager with more than 20 years’ experience across journalism, communications, advisory, creative studio management, website development, and content creation. I’ve been freelancing since 2013, with a focus on crafting clear, effective copy and helping businesses find the right words for who they are, what they offer, and who they do it for. Travel has always been a driver of creativity and perspective, shaping my interest in travel and lifestyle writing alongside commercial work. There’s real enjoyment in telling stories about places, people, and experiences. I’m often on the road and work remotely from wherever the laptop opens. The work I’ve done over the years includes website copy, white papers and reports, long-form articles, short-form copy, words for ad campaigns or other creative, brand messaging, and content strategy. I’m equally comfortable shaping the big-picture narrative as refining the finer details. Strong strategy and project management capability means I can lead website and marketing projects from initial concept through to launch and I can align teams, manage budgets and timelines, and keep messaging consistent. I work with clients in New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK, and often collaborate with established design studios, digital agencies, and PR teams. I enjoy working across the time zones and deliver high-quality work efficiently. I’m best at turning complex ideas into clear, easy to read content and making the process straightforward and collaborative.

Available to hire

Based in Tauranga, New Zealand, I am a copywriter, content strategist, and project manager with more than 20 years’ experience across journalism, communications, advisory, creative studio management, website development, and content creation.

I’ve been freelancing since 2013, with a focus on crafting clear, effective copy and helping businesses find the right words for who they are, what they offer, and who they do it for.

Travel has always been a driver of creativity and perspective, shaping my interest in travel and lifestyle writing alongside commercial work. There’s real enjoyment in telling stories about places, people, and experiences. I’m often on the road and work remotely from wherever the laptop opens.

The work I’ve done over the years includes website copy, white papers and reports, long-form articles, short-form copy, words for ad campaigns or other creative, brand messaging, and content strategy. I’m equally comfortable shaping the big-picture narrative as refining the finer details.

Strong strategy and project management capability means I can lead website and marketing projects from initial concept through to launch and I can align teams, manage budgets and timelines, and keep messaging consistent.

I work with clients in New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK, and often collaborate with established design studios, digital agencies, and PR teams. I enjoy working across the time zones and deliver high-quality work efficiently.

I’m best at turning complex ideas into clear, easy to read content and making the process straightforward and collaborative.

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Work Experience

Founder & Senior Copywriter / Project Manager at Sweet Orange Ltd.
May 1, 2013 - Present
Remote role providing strategy, marketing, websites, brand storytelling, social media, copy and content writing, SEO, media management, PR campaigns, press releases, editorial copy, blogs, newsletters, and coaching/training for businesses, media organisations, not-for-profits and creative agencies.
Marketing and Media Coordinator at Tauranga Art Gallery
March 1, 2015 - April 1, 2018
Responsible for all promotion and marketing of the Gallery and its programmes and activities, including oversight of digital platforms, brand management, advertising, and media liaison.
Publication Manager/Editor at Bay News
August 1, 2013 - August 1, 2014
From the Bay of Plenty Times newsroom, served as the main journalist and content manager for the community newspaper Bay News.
Online Editor at Bay of Plenty Times / APN News & Media (now NZME.)
August 1, 2010 - May 1, 2013
Managed bayofplentytimes.co.nz and served as the go-to person for other regional news sites; responsible for growth/engagement of the website and social platforms; weekly column; communications with local organisations, businesses and communities; restaurant/product/book/movie reviews; PR activities.
Marketing Co-ordinator & Business Development at Key Research / Pulse Business Solutions
December 1, 2009 - May 1, 2010
Marketing coordinator and business development responsibilities, contributing to growth initiatives.
Communications / Web / Social Media / Events Manager at Stroke Foundation Midland Region Inc
January 1, 2008 - August 1, 2010
Part-time management of communications, web presence, social media and events.
Studio Manager (Web) / Senior Project Manager / Photojournalist at RéserveGroup (now Blue Ocean)
February 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008
Website development and marketing strategy for tourism businesses across New Zealand and the South Pacific; acted as primary point of contact for a diverse client base and managed a development team of six.
Project Manager Internal Communications at Council Albrandswaard
November 1, 2003 - November 1, 2004
Project Manager for internal communications on the outskirts of Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Project Manager / Copywriter / Web Manager at Chapeau Communications
January 1, 2001 - November 1, 2003
Project Manager and Magazine Editor for DHL Europe / Benelux; Copywriter and Web Manager.

Education

BE Com - Journalism & Communications at AJV/Fontys HBO, Tilburg, The Netherlands
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2001
Hotel Management Tourism & Marketing - diploma at Instituut Notenboom, Roosendaal, The Netherlands
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1993
HAVO at Oude Hoven, Gorinchem, The Netherlands
January 1, 1985 - January 1, 1991

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Non-Profit Organization, Retail