Best Plain English Financial Document — General Financial Document 2011
Special note for the Financial Sector category
This category was introduced for the time in 2011. The judges were impressed with the entrants’ obvious commitment to clear communication but also noted several areas in the entries for further improvement. These suggestions will be sent to the entrants privately.
Judges' comments
Winner: AMP Services (NZ) Limited — Build and Manage Wealth on Your Terms with AMP WealthView
This document starts strong with a useful table of contents and clear headings to guide the reader. Sentences are usually you-centered, in active voice, and of moderate length. Layout is clear, if basic and traditional.
Finalist: Gareth Morgan Investments — Finally — An Annual Report Written for You
If only all annual reports would make the same effort to speak to the reader clearly. The writer has kept the lay reader in mind by using bold graphics to make key points in the front half and by placing highly technical information at the end as if it were an appendix.
Finalist: Pathfinder Asset Management Limited — Global Water Fund information sheet
Honourable Mention: Ministry of Social Development — Sussed Pocket Guide: Your financial plan for tertiary study
The judges were very impressed with this document, commenting that all aspects of its language, organisation, and design are clearly aimed at its audience. However, the judges also felt that this guide was difficult to compare to the other entries and was more suited to the Best Plain English Public Sector category.