Celebrity Speakers is deeply saddened by the passing of the most wonderful gentleman and brilliant journalist on the 19th of March 2024. Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Rod touched the lives of many with his kindness, passion for the big issues, and unwavering care for everyone he encountered. His infectious humor, radiant smile, and hearty laugh brightened the days of many. We will forever cherish his enthusiasm for the causes he believed in and the impactful words he shared with the world. Rod, your legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire us.
Business journalist Rod Oram contributes weekly to Newsroom and Newstalk ZB. He is a public speaker on deep sustainability, business, economics, and innovation. Rod is a member of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, which brings together people from here and abroad who seek to contribute to global change from Aotearoa.
Rod’s climate journalism has been recognised in the Global 2022 Covering Climate Now Awards. He received an Honourable Mention in the commentary category, with the judges saying: “With humour, crisp writing, and thorough analysis, Oram guides the reader through the many players and agendas behind the climate pledges by corporations.”
In Citigroup’s annual global journalism awards, Rod was the winner in 2019 in the General Business category in the Australia and NZ region for his columns in Newsroom on Fonterra; and he was the NZ Journalist of the year.
In the New Zealand Shareholders’ Association Business Journalism Awards, Rod won the Business Commentary category in 2018 and 2020 for his Newsroom columns.
In 2016, Bridget Williams Books published Rod’s most recent book, Three Cities: Seeking Hope in the Anthropocene.
In 2020, Rod contributed a chapter to 100% Pure Future: New Zealand Tourism Renewed, another BWB Text.
In 2021, Rod contributed a chapter on land use, agriculture and food to Climate Aotearoa: What’s happening and what we can do about. This collection of essays was edited by Helen Clark, the former NZ Prime Minister and head of the United Nations Development Programme, and published by Allen & Unwin.
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Rod Oram | Promo Video
Rod Oram has 40 years’ experience as an international business journalist. He has worked for various publications in Europe and North America, including the Financial Times of London.Rod Oram | Climate Change
Rod Oram has 40 years’ experience as an international business journalist. He has worked for various publications in Europe and North America, including the Financial Times of London.Rod Oram | New Zealand's place in a changing world
Rod Oram has 40 years’ experience as an international business journalist. He has worked for various publications in Europe and North America, including the Financial Times of London.Rod Oram | Great opportunities for New Zealand
Rod Oram has 40 years’ experience as an international business journalist. He has worked for various publications in Europe and North America, including the Financial Times of London.Rod Oram | Food & Famine
Rod Oram has 40 years’ experience as an international business journalist. He has worked for various publications in Europe and North America, including the Financial Times of London.Rod Oram was great, he engaged the audience so quickly and presented them with information that they can utilise. The facts and figures he provided are exactly what our consultants need to b ... keep reading The New Zealand Home Loan Company Ltd
Excellent as always. Rod provides valuable insight to our network about the state of the local and global economies. It's great having him back each year as he’s able to build on and reflect on what he told us last year. Loved his entrance on the bike!
"Our network always enjoys Rod’s insight into their industry and the economic climate."
Took time to prepare and ensure the talk was right for our audience and aims. Was very flexible on the day when timings meant the talk had to be given in parts and shortened. Was very well received by the audience.
Rod is engaging, professional, friendly and very easy to work with. One of our panellists, Vic Crone (Chief Executive of Callaghan Innovation) had this to say about him: "I really enjoyed the conversation and as always could have kept discussing these important topics. And thanks Rod for excellent facilitation once again."
Rod crafted an engaging presentation that was specifically targeted to our audience. It was very clever and informative, and one of our staff said that it was his favourite one of the conference. He also took time to talk to our sponsors and delegates which was very much appreciated. He was an excellent choice for our conference, thank you.