It is a callout to all younger writers!
To honour our nice pal and esteemed colleague, Rod Oram, we’re calling for essays from younger individuals campaigning for a extra equitable, sustainable and compassionate world. The cut-off date for entries is March 27, 2026, at 5pm.
Rod Oram was a revered journalist and environmentalist, recognized for his rigorously researched and passionate commentaries on enterprise, authorities and wider society – and what may be improved by human motion. His dying in March 2024 leaves an infinite gap in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We’re looking for to listen to from younger writers who can choose up Rod’s mantle, the essence of which is captured on this passage from his first Newsroom column:
“We see the deep injury we’re inflicting all over the world. Ecosystems are struggling, societies are shattering, politics are polarising and economies are failing to ship what we’d like. Typical methods create the issues. We’d like other ways to allow us to attain deep ecological, social, financial and cultural sustainability.”
Do you share that dedication for change? That hope for a greater world? We wish to hear from you!
The essay
We’re inviting submissions from New Zealanders below 25 years outdated, throughout all disciplines, to reply the query:
What should we do – and do now – to make sure that future generations dwell effectively in Aotearoa New Zealand?
The essay should include:
An evidence-based argument, grounded in up-to-date knowledge on economics, society, and the atmosphere;
Options and concepts for fixing well-identified issues;
A compelling writing model that engages a broad readership;
A particular Aotearoa perspective, set in a world context.
Writers may draw inspiration from Rod’s physique of labor on Newsroom and from the books he learn – and the problems he was captivated with: enterprise, innovation, the atmosphere, local weather change, and the true which means of the ‘widespread wealth’. Rod’s fixed enquiry was ‘how can 10 billion individuals dwell effectively on this planet?’
That stated, we anticipate the essays to be authentic and replicate your standpoint. Be happy to make it private – Rod did.
The successful essay will obtain $1000 in prize cash and shall be printed at Newsroom.co.nz. Different essays might also be printed at Newsroom’s discretion.
Eligibility: New Zealand residents or residents below the age of 25 as at March 27, 2026
Deadline: March 27, 2026
Phrase restrict: 1500 phrases
Undergo: rod-oram-award@newsroom.co.nz
Judges are:
Vincent Heeringa, former writer who labored with Rod for greater than 20 years with publications reminiscent of Limitless, Idealog and Good.
Anna Fifield, Asia-Pacific editor for the Washington Put up, a pal of Rod’s for 25 years.
Jonathan Milne, the managing editor of Newsroom Professional, who labored with Rod on the Sunday Star-Occasions and at Newsroom.
Celeste Oram, composer and musician, and Rod and Lynn’s daughter.
