Plain Language Awards

Celebrate the stories of our clearest business communicators

Winner: Best Plain English Document — Public Sector 2018

Dunedin City Council

Judge Ralph Brown and Dr Sue Bidrose from the Dunedin City Council. Photo by Rebecca McMillan.

Document name

Investing in our great small city | Te Whakatāpae i tēnei taone


Judges’ comments

A challenging assignment, handled superbly.

We liked the conversational, engaging tone, excellent use of the active voice and the inviting combination of text and graphics.


Media statement

We wanted to show we didn’t have to use complicated and technical terms to explain important things to our community, while still meeting legal and financial requirements.

Our 10 year plan consultation document went to every household in Dunedin. We wanted the information to be clear, concise and easily understood to encourage people to get involved and tell us what they think.

We’re delighted to have won this award and will continue to produce plain English writing that helps us work with our community to get great results for the city.

Dr Sue Bidrose

Chief Executive
Dunedin City Council