Commerce Commission wins Plain English Award

Commerce Commission wins Plain English Award

The Commerce Commission has won the Best Plain English Document – Public Sector award for its latest ‘Know your rights’ brochure – Borrowing money or buying goods on credit: Know your rights, at the 2015 Plain English Awards last night.

“This is the third time the Commission has been a finalist in the awards and we are delighted to have won this award. We know that clear communication about what we do, how we do it and why we do it is critical to our success as an organisation. Which is why, over the last few years we have put a lot of effort into making sure we communicate more effectively with New Zealanders. It is fantastic to have that effort recognised with this award,” said Brent Alderton, Chief Executive.

The Commission has made plain English an everyday part of its work and all staff are provided with intensive plain English training. “We are now publishing documents that are clearer and easier to read. Plain English has become embedded in our culture,” said Mr Alderton.

The Borrowing money or buying goods on credit: Know your rights brochure was developed to help borrowers understand what their key rights are under consumer credit legislation which changed in June this year. The Commission felt it was important that New Zealanders who borrow money or buy goods on credit, know what their rights are. The brochure also provides key information such as what to expect from your lender, what costs you will have to pay, how to get out of a contract and what happens when you have trouble making repayments.

“We have tried to make the language in the brochure practical and easy to understand, and based around common questions a borrower might have. We have also produced the brochure in a number of other languages, recognising the diversity of New Zealanders. We have had positive feedback from community agencies using the brochures with their clients which clearly shows the difference the brochures are making in explaining credit law,” Mr Alderton said.

ENDS

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