Young Writers Invited to Submit for Rod Oram Memorial Essay Prize

A call for entries has been announced for the **Rod Oram Memorial Essay Prize 2026**, aimed at inspiring young writers to share their visions for a more equitable, sustainable, and compassionate world. The deadline for submissions is set for **March 27, 2026**, at **5 PM**.

The prize honors the legacy of **Rod Oram**, a respected journalist and environmental advocate whose insightful commentaries addressed critical issues in business, government, and society. Oram’s passing in **March 2024** has left a significant impact in **Aotearoa New Zealand**, where he was widely admired for his dedication to advancing human action for societal improvement.

In the spirit of Oram’s work, the essay contest invites participants aged 25 and under from New Zealand to respond to the question: **What must we do – and do now – to ensure that future generations live well in Aotearoa New Zealand?** Submissions should reflect an evidence-based argument, supported by current data on economics, society, and the environment. Writers are encouraged to propose innovative solutions to clearly identified challenges while engaging a broad readership.

Guidelines and Expectations

The essays must be no longer than **1,500 words** and should offer a distinctive perspective rooted in the context of Aotearoa, while also acknowledging global implications. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from Oram’s extensive body of work available on **Newsroom** and the various subjects he passionately explored, including business, innovation, climate change, and the concept of the ‘common wealth.’

Oram often posed the question, “How can 10 billion people live well on this planet?” and writers are urged to incorporate their own viewpoints, potentially infusing personal experiences into their essays. The winning submission will receive a prize of **$1,000** and will be published on **Newsroom.co.nz**, with additional works potentially selected for publication at the discretion of the editorial team.

Entrants must meet the following criteria:

– Be citizens or residents of New Zealand.
– Be under the age of **25** as of **March 27, 2026**.
– Submit entries via email to **[email protected]**.

Judging Panel

The essays will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, including **Vincent Heeringa**, a former publisher who collaborated with Oram for over 20 years; **Anna Fifield**, the Asia-Pacific editor for the **Washington Post** and a long-time friend of Oram; **Jonathan Milne**, managing editor of **Newsroom Pro**; and **Celeste Oram**, Rod’s daughter, who is also a composer and musician.

This initiative not only commemorates Rod Oram’s influential contributions but also seeks to empower the next generation of thinkers and writers. Participants are encouraged to express their commitment to change and their hopes for a better future through their essays.