Young Writers Invited to Compete for Rod Oram Memorial Essay Prize

A call for entries has been announced for the Rod Oram Memorial Essay Prize 2026, inviting young writers in Aotearoa New Zealand to submit essays focused on creating a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate future. The deadline for submissions is March 27, 2026, at 17:00 NZST.

The prize honors the legacy of Rod Oram, a prominent journalist and environmentalist who passed away in March 2024. Oram was well-known for his insightful and passionate commentary on business, government, and societal issues. His work emphasized the need for transformative human action to address pressing global challenges.

In his first column for Newsroom, he eloquently stated:

“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.”

This essay competition seeks to inspire young voices to continue Oram’s mission. Participants must be under the age of 25 and are encouraged to explore the question: What must we do – and do now – to ensure that future generations live well in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Essays should be grounded in current data related to economics, society, and the environment. Writers are expected to propose solutions for identified problems while presenting their arguments in an engaging manner that resonates with a broad audience. A unique perspective rooted in Aotearoa is essential, but essays should also connect with global contexts.

Candidates are encouraged to draw upon Oram’s extensive body of work and the issues he championed throughout his career, which included topics such as business innovation, climate change, and the concept of ‘common wealth.’ Oram often pondered the question of how 10 billion people can thrive on the planet.

The winning entry will receive a prize of $1,000 and will be published on Newsroom.co.nz. Additional essays may be selected for publication at the discretion of the Newsroom editorial team.

Submissions must adhere to a 1,500-word limit and can be sent to [email protected]. The judging panel consists of notable figures in journalism and the arts, including Vincent Heeringa, former publisher and long-time colleague of Oram; Anna Fifield, Asia-Pacific editor for the Washington Post; Jonathan Milne, managing editor at Newsroom Pro; and Celeste Oram, a composer and the daughter of Rod Oram.

This initiative represents an opportunity for young writers to contribute to critical discourse on sustainability and equity, continuing the impactful legacy of Rod Oram in shaping a better future.