HowLegit

Your right of reply

HowLegit independently assesses public-facing claims made by organisations. If your company has been assessed, this page explains how the process works, what constitutes strong evidence, and how you can respond.

How the process works

HowLegit audits assess the messaging integrity of public-facing claims — the statements an organisation makes on its website, social media, reports, and marketing materials. We check whether those claims are substantiated, consistent, and fair.

Each claim is graded against a published methodology across three dimensions: Environmental, Social, and Commercial. The grades reflect the strength of the evidence behind the claim, not whether the organisation is "good" or "bad."

Assessment grades

PASSThe claim is substantiated by verifiable, publicly accessible evidence.
FLAGThe claim lacks sufficient evidence, uses vague language, or the evidence is incomplete. A FLAG is an invitation to provide more information.
FAILThe claim is contradicted by available evidence, materially misleading, or entirely unsubstantiated.

Before any assessment is published, every graded organisation is notified and given access to a secure workspace where they can review findings, upload evidence, and respond. The standard reply window is 14 days from notification. Replies remain welcome after publication under the same rules; the window affects timing, not your rights.

What constitutes good evidence

Strong evidence is specific, verifiable, and directly relevant to the claim being assessed. The goal is simple: can an independent reviewer confirm that what you said publicly is true?

Evidence that strengthens your position

Third-party certifications and audits
Independent verification from recognised bodies (ISO, B Corp, Toitu, CarboNZero, Fair Trade, etc.). The certificate itself, not just a reference to it.
Published data with methodology
Emissions figures, diversity statistics, waste diversion rates — with the baseline year, measurement methodology, and scope clearly stated.
Dated policies and commitments
Board-approved policies with publication dates, review cycles, and named accountability. A policy that exists internally but is not publicly accessible does not substantiate a public claim.
Supply chain documentation
Supplier codes of conduct, audit reports, traceability records, or Modern Slavery Statements with substantive risk assessment (not just boilerplate).
Regulatory filings and disclosures
Annual reports, stock exchange disclosures, Commerce Commission filings, or Official Information Act responses that verify specific claims.
Progress reports against stated targets
If you committed to a target (e.g., net-zero by 2050), evidence of interim milestones, annual progress, and the pathway to get there.

Evidence that does not help

Internal documents without public availability
If a policy exists but is not accessible to the audience reading your public claim, it does not substantiate that claim. Consider publishing it.
Aspirations without pathways
Saying "we are committed to sustainability" is not evidence. A published strategy with interim targets, a baseline, and a methodology is.
Awards without context
An award logo on your website is a claim in itself. What were the criteria? Who assessed you? When? Link to the programme details.
Outdated information
A 2019 sustainability report does not substantiate a 2026 claim. Evidence should be current and clearly dated.

The test we apply: Could an informed, sceptical reader verify this claim using the evidence provided, without needing to contact the company or take anything on trust? If yes, it is substantiated. If not, it is a gap.

Pathways for responding

A FLAG or FAIL is not a permanent mark. You have 14 days from notification to respond before the sector assessment is published, and responses received after publication are assessed under the same rules. There are several ways to respond, and the right approach depends on the finding.

1
Provide substantiating evidence

If you have evidence that supports your claim but it was not publicly available at the time of assessment, upload it through your workspace. This is the most common pathway. Once verified, a FLAG can become a PASS.

Example: Your website says "carbon neutral operations" but no certification was linked. You upload your Toitu CarboNZero certificate with the certification period and scope. The claim is now substantiated.

2
Update your public messaging

If a claim overstates your current position, updating the language is a legitimate and respected response. Precision is more credible than aspiration. We will reassess the updated claim.

Example: "100% renewable energy" becomes "72% of our electricity is from renewable sources, and we are working toward 100% by 2030." The updated claim is more defensible and likely to pass.

3
Remove the claim

If a claim cannot be substantiated and is not accurate, removing it is a valid response. A company that removes an indefensible claim is acting with integrity. The finding will be updated to reflect the removal.

Example: A product page claimed "zero emissions" for a hybrid vehicle. The claim is removed and replaced with accurate fuel-efficiency data. The finding is closed.

4
Provide context

Sometimes a claim is technically accurate but appears misleading without context. If the surrounding information qualifies the claim in a way the assessment did not capture, provide that context and we will review it.

"Emission-free driving" appears on a PHEV comparison page alongside ICE and HEV options, within a table that clearly shows it refers to the electric-only mode. The contextual framing substantiates the claim.

5
Disagree with the finding

If you believe a finding is factually incorrect or has been assessed unfairly, you can submit a formal disagreement through your workspace with supporting evidence. Every disagreement is reviewed by a senior auditor.

Example: A finding references a subsidiary that is not part of the audited entity. You provide Companies Office records showing the entities are separate. The finding is withdrawn.

What happens after you respond

1
You upload evidence or update your messaging

Use your secure workspace to respond to individual findings. You can upload documents, provide links, or add comments.

2
We review your response

A HowLegit auditor reviews the evidence you have provided against the original finding. We assess whether the evidence substantiates the claim as originally made.

3
Findings are updated

If the evidence is sufficient, the finding grade is updated (e.g., FLAG to PASS). If further information is needed, we will let you know what is missing.

4
Your public report reflects the changes

Updated grades are reflected on the HowLegit public register. The assessment always shows the most current, evidence-based position.

Our principles

Independence

HowLegit assessments are conducted independently. Grading is never influenced by commercial relationships. The HowLegit register is separate from Optomize advisory services.

Transparency

Every finding references specific claims and specific evidence. Nothing is graded in the abstract. You can see exactly what was assessed and why.

Fairness

The right of reply is built into every assessment. No report is published without giving the graded organisation the opportunity to respond with evidence.

Accuracy

We grade claims, not organisations. A FLAG means the evidence is insufficient, not that the company is acting in bad faith. We update findings when new evidence is provided.

Questions?

If you have questions about your assessment, the evidence process, or how to access your workspace, contact us at hello@howlegit.com.