Calling all young writers!

To honour our great friend and esteemed colleague, Rod Oram, we are calling for essays from young people campaigning for a more equitable, sustainable and compassionate world.

Rod Oram was a revered journalist and environmentalist, known for his rigorously researched and passionate commentaries on business, government and wider society – and what can be improved through human action. His death in March 2024 leaves an enormous hole in Aotearoa New Zealand.

We’re seeking to hear from young writers who can pick up Rod’s mantle, the essence of which is captured in this passage from his first Newsroom column:

“We see the deep damage we’re inflicting around the world. Ecosystems are suffering, societies are shattering, politics are polarising and economies are failing to deliver what we need. Conventional ways create the problems. We need different ways to enable us to achieve deep ecological, social, economic and cultural sustainability.”

Do you share that determination for change? That hope for a better world? We want to hear from you!

We are inviting submissions from New Zealanders under 25 years old, across all disciplines, to answer the question:

What must we do – and do now – to ensure that future generations live well in Aotearoa New Zealand? 

The essay must consist of:

• An evidence-based argument, grounded in up-to-date data on economics, society, and the environment;
• Solutions and ideas for solving well-identified problems;
• A compelling writing style that engages a broad readership;
• A distinctive Aotearoa perspective, set in a global context.

Writers might draw inspiration from Rod’s body of work on Newsroom and from the books he read – and the issues he was passionate about: business, innovation, the environment, climate change, and the true meaning of the ‘common wealth’. Rod’s constant enquiry was ‘how can 10 billion people live well on this planet?’

That said, we expect the essays to be original and reflect your point of view. Feel free to make it personal – Rod did.

The winning essay will receive $1000 in prize money and will be published at Newsroom.co.nz. Other essays may also be published at Newsroom’s discretion.

Eligibility: New Zealand citizens or residents under the age of 25 as at April 5, 2025

Deadline: March 14, 2025

Word limit: 1,500 words

Submit to: rod-oram-award@newsroom.co.nz

Judges are: 

• Vincent Heeringa, former publisher who worked with Rod for more than 20 years with publications such as Unlimited, Idealog and Good.
• Anna Fifield, Asia-Pacific editor for the Washington Post, friend of Rod’s for 25 years.
• Jonathan Milne, the managing editor of Newsroom Pro, worked with Rod at the Sunday Star-Times and at Newsroom.
• Celeste Oram, composer and musician, and Rod and Lynn’s daughter.