Gareth Morgan Investments
Finalist: Best Plain English Document — Private Sector 2012
Gareth Morgan KiwiSaver Scheme Annual Report 2012
Judges' comment
This document is on track to become deserving of a plain-language award. The judges liked the use of white space, and text boxes picking out key information. The tone was friendly, and differentiated the report from similar documents.
Media statement
This year’s GMK annual report followed the well-received format of the 2011 report. Once again, the objective was to provide our KiwiSaver scheme members with an annual report that they would read, understand and enjoy. At the same time it needed to satisfy the statutory and regulatory requirements.
As the cover states, we were literally “up-front” about what happened in the scheme during the year. We really want our KiwiSaver members to know what's going on with their money; communicating with them in plain English is how we achieve that.
And this year’s report certainly hit the spot with members. This message says it all: “Thank you the Annual Report was the best one I’ve ever read! At least I could understand it not like the countless other ones I’ve ‘binned' in the last 30 years. Congratulations and thank you.”
My personal approach to plain English is to hone everything down as much as possible – start with everything you need to say then cut, cut, cut. Less really is more. I also believe plain English doesn’t have to be boring English – it’s important to keep a bit of attitude and colour in your writing!
Peter Johnston
Content, Communications and Brand Manager