Reserve Bank of New Zealand |
Te Pūtea Matua

Document name

What is legal tender? webpage

Judges’ comments

The judges praised this webpage as a significant improvement that makes the topic more accessible. They noted the content is now shorter, clearer, and has successfully shifted from an institutional perspective to one that talks directly to readers.

The content is structured logically, with clear, reader-friendly headings. The judges highlighted how framing headings as questions helps people find answers quickly. The document also uses short sentences, well-structured paragraphs, and bullet points effectively to make the information easy to follow.

The writing successfully balances authority with approachability. The judges commended the use of clear and familiar language, which avoids jargon and explains legal terms. This creates a friendly and professional tone that helps readers understand a legal topic without feeling intimidated.

Media statement

We’re thrilled to be recognised in the Best Plain Language Turnaround category.

Our team created this new resource as we know cash is an important issue for New Zealanders. We’re regularly asked questions about what legal tender is and what people’s rights are when it comes to paying with cash.

These questions were not easily answered on our website. The only resource we had was an older legal document. It was highly technical and did not meet the needs of our broad audience.

Our new legal tender webpage is solely focussed on what people want to know. It uses language that’s easily understood and is structured to answer the most common questions first. Using plain language has been an essential tool in helping us produce clearer, more reader-focussed content.

Claire Naeraa-Spiers
Senior Manager, Content & Channels
Reserve Bank of New Zealand | Te Pūtea Matua