A snapshot of all the information you need for judging in 2025

Thanks so much for being a judge for the 2025 Plain Language Awards. We’re so glad to have you and your expertise!

2025 judges

You can see all 36 judges’ bios on the Awards website.

Judges for the 2025 Plain Language Awards

This year’s head judge

Our head judge this year is Simon Hertnon. The head judge:

• helps with decision-making
• promotes best practice across the judging process
• speaks on behalf of the judges.

Any questions?

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 megan@write.co.nz

Recording of our judges’ webinar

Thanks to everyone who attended our Zoom meeting (webinar) on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.

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

Watch the Zoom recording

PowerPoint slides

Download the PowerPoint slides that were covered in the webinar.

View and download the PowerPoint slides from the webinar (1,181 KB PDF)

Instructions for judges

Print this summary document with the information from the webinar.

Download and print the instructions for judges (302 KB PDF)

Feedback examples

Simon Hertnon, our head judge, has provided useful examples of feedback comments for entrants.

Look at examples of feedback comments (93 KB PDF)

Key dates

Show your support with a ‘Proud judge of the 2025 Plain Language Awards’ logo

Please use your judges’ logo liberally to promote your support of the 2025 Awards — on your website, social media, email signature, and anywhere else you like!

Download your judges’ logo

Useful links about judging the 2025 Awards

How the judging process works

Judges for the 2025 Plain Language Awards

Plain language criteria for documents and websites

What types of user-testing do judges look for?

The Awards categories for 2025

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 2025 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!