Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Website

info.health.nz

Judges’ comments

The judges praised the website for successfully organising a huge volume of important information. They noted the website’s purpose is immediately clear, and its logical structure makes it easy for people to navigate. Features like clear headings, on-page contents lists, and helpful menus allow users to find what they need quickly and confidently.

The website’s tone was highlighted as a key strength. It is professional, engaging, and reassuring, which is appropriate for presenting sensitive health topics. The writing is supported by a clean and uncluttered design that works well on both desktop and mobile. The judges also commended the use of short sentences and paragraphs, familiar words, and clear explanations of technical terms.

A deep commitment to its audience was evident in the website’s extensive user testing. The project team tested the site with a wide range of people, including consumers and health professionals. The judges were impressed that this feedback was used to shape the final website. They concluded the website is an excellent example of how plain language can help people make informed decisions about their health.

Media statement

The goal for the Health New Zealand website is to empower people to make decisions about their health, and the confidence to navigate the health system.

Over the last 2 years we have worked to provide one place where people can go to find health information and guides to access services — from where to park at Waikato Hospital, to self care for bunions. Where to get a vaccine, to how to use a pair of crutches. We have created over 2,000 pages of plain language, accessible health information to help everyone living in Aotearoa navigate their health journey.

We have spent a lot of time working with clinicians to provide content that is not only clinically reliable and of a high clinical standard, but that remains understandable to our audience. A big thanks to our clinical teams and stakeholders who have dedicated their time to this important work.

This site is fast becoming vital for the New Zealand public. For many people it is their first interaction with the health system. It is a place people have to be, not want to be. Our focus on plain language and accessibility reflects our commitment to equity, inclusion and the wellbeing of all people in Aotearoa.

The acknowledgement of the work we have put in to championing plain language and accessible content is a proud moment for the team.

Briony Willing
Principal Advisor, Digital Communications
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora