Plain Language Awards

Celebrate the stories of our clearest business communicators

Information for judges of the 2023 Plain Language Awards

A snapshot of all the information you need for judging in 2023

Thanks so much for being a judge for the 2023 Plain Language Awards. We’re so glad to have you and your expertise.


2023 judges

You can see you profile, and that of your fellow judges, at the link below.

Judges for the 2023 Plain Language Awards


This year’s head judge

This year Simon Hertnon is our head judge. The role of the head judge is:

  • assisting decision-making
  • promoting best practice across the judging process
  • speaking on behalf of the judges.

Any questions?

We hope you’re able to find all the information you need on this page and around our website.

If you have any questions about decision making or best practice in judging, please email simon@nakedize.com

For any questions about Awards admin, please email hellie@write.co.nz


Recording of our judges’ webinar

Thanks to all who attended our Zoom call on Tuesday, 25 July. If you missed it, never fear!

We recorded the webinar for those who are unable to make it, or to refresh your memory if you did attend.

Unfortunately, our recording didn’t capture our videos. Oops!

Watch the Zoom recording


PowerPoint slides

You may like to download the PowerPoint slides that were covered in the webinar.

View and download the PowerPoint slides shown at the webinar (907 KB PDF)


Instructions for judges

You may like to print this summary document with a snapshot of the information from the webinar.

Download and print the instructions for judges (248 KB PDF)


Key dates

Monday, 31 JulyEntries close
Tuesday, 1 to Friday, 4 AugustAwards team assign entries
Saturday, 5 AugustJudging begins
10am Friday, 11 AugustShortlist due
10am Friday, 18 AugustFinal judging results due (1 winner, 2 finalists) AND
Rationales for entries not progressing to shortlist due from lead judges
10am Friday, 25 AugustAll shortlisted entries’ final reviews due from lead judges
Friday, 1 SeptemberWebsite summaries (finalists and winner only) due from lead judges

Show your support with a ‘Proud judge of the 2023 Plain Language Awards’ logo

Please use your judges’ logo liberally to promote your support of the 2023 Awards — on your website, social media, email signature, and anywhere else you like!

Download your judges’ logo


Useful links about judging the 2023 Awards

How the judging process works

Judges for the 2023 Plain Language Awards

Plain language criteria for documents and websites

What types of user-testing do judges look for?

The Awards categories for 2023

Entry terms and conditions

Entry forms on Submittable


Keep up to date with the Plain Language Awards

Please share our social media posts with your contacts. Word of mouth and a personal connection is the best way to spread the word!

Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter

Sign up to our newsletter

Read our newsletters

Read our blog

Share your plain language story


A huge thank you to all judges

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be a judge in the 2023 Plain Language Awards. We couldn’t do this without you!

A special thank you to our lead judges for taking on the extra responsibility of leading your panel.

And an extra special thank you to Simon Hertnon, for taking on the role of head judge.

We would also like to thank all the judges that have shared information about the Plain Language Awards on LinkedIn and elsewhere. That has been incredible to see.

We’re looking forward to a great Awards season!