May 2016

Is the New Zealand government counting technical communicators the right way? This month Emma Harding discusses recent correspondence with MBIE. Earnsy Liu presents the evidence on when to use words versus numerals, and Tim Grey talks to Mel Johnston about her work at Kiwibank.

We know you love competitions, and we love to spread the word about tech comm – so this month we offer you multiple chances to win 3 x $100 Prezzy cards – and all you have to do is use the Member logo and tell us about it. Finally, we've combed the 'Net so you don't have to. Grab a cuppa and settle in for some great reading in this month's Let's Tech Communicate!

From the President

This month I've been taking another look at correspondence I had with MBIE in 2015. When we complete our Census forms, we are categorised with journalists, in spite of the fact that our jobs are much more similar to other, more ICT-centric, professions. This lack of visibility at governmental level means that employers and graduates aren't including technical communicators when considering the growing ICT industry.

Five or 5? Words versus numerals...

Do you write numbers in words or numerals? Earnsy Liu looks at the (limited) research on words versus numerals and the pros and cons of numerals. What’s recommended, and are there exceptions to the rule?

Featured TC: Kiwibank's Mel Johnston

Mel Johnston is an Instructional Designer at Kiwibank, where she is using her 11 years of techcomm experience to develop a course on unsecured lending products. She talks to Tim Grey

Promote TechCommNZ with the Member Logo Challenge and WIN

We introduced the new TechCommNZ logo in May 2015, and to celebrate a year of our exciting new brand, we're giving all our current financial members the chance to win prizes with our Member Logo Challenge.