Our friend Rod Oram died this week. Rod was not only one of this country’s leading business journalists. He was a passionate environmentalist and long-time supporter of the Sustainable Business Network. He was head judge of the Sustainable Business Awards, a former board member and host of numerous events. He worked alongside us for more than 20 years and I have so many memories of him. Here are a few.
Rod was a listener. I first chatted with Rod on a Leadership NZ course years ago when I was one of the attendees. He was talking about a bunch of leadership topics and got onto GDP as a measure of national progress. At the time I was particularly interested in wellbeing and happiness indicators as alternative measures to economic progress. We had a debate on it and I felt absolutely out of my depth attempting to debate with THE Rod Oram. However, I later discovered he listened intently and went away to look at it some more. He was like that. Always thinking, exploring ideas and bringing them into his work.
Rod was a performer. I have so many memories of Rod entertaining. From a weekend retreat in Taupō where Rod fashioned a hat from his handkerchief and read poems, to his fabulous arrival at our Awards in a tuktuk wearing a tutu, wig and earrings. Always creative, he loved the arts, music and having fun!
Rod was kind. I remember him coming to a meeting in our old office having been in a two day conference with the fossil fuel sector. He was sad, frustrated and disappointed. I said, “We need those old fossils to die”! He quickly and in a very Rod-like way said, “No, we just need them to retire”. Always respectful, even if he didn’t agree.
Rod was committed. He held on to the notion that Aotearoa New Zealand could lead, that our diversity brings strength and that we have the smarts to deliver. He was brave, articulate and willing to challenge to find the best solutions to our issues. Rather than attacking people, he challenged the plans he felt were wrong. He leaves a tremendous gap. It’s a challenge to us all now to step up, be braver, and share the data and science. Always a superb communicator.
Rod believed in family. It was obvious in the regular updates of his own about Lynn and Celeste that family was at the heart of everything. And he wanted that for us too. I remember standing with my kids Daisy and Ben, and our friend Denise, prior to a climate protest. We bumped into Rod and the two of us excitedly started to talk about the issues. However, we were suddenly interrupted by my toddler Ben, pulling as hard as he could on my arm to get me away from this man. I was trying to ignore Ben and apologised to Rod. Rod replied, “I don’t blame him. He wants his mum all to himself and so he should”. Always family-focused.
Rod was generous with his time and energy. Our team loved Rod for this. Fiona, Andy, James, Theresa, Lauren – we all loved him and had confidence in him. He attended many, many meetings as part of our board. He offered one-on-one support to me and our small network in the early days. He MC’d numerous SBN conferences, events and awards. He was a judge for our Sustainable Business Awards, including being the head judge in recent years. I will really miss his contribution. Always bringing his best and always supporting other organisations like ours.
And Rod was a cyclist. He used his cycling passion for his wellbeing, to raise awareness, and to fundraise. He and Lynn even had a tandem. (I can picture Rod laughing proudly about that!) A few years back, when toying with the idea of joining them on a fundraiser ride, I casually admitted I loved riding with loud music in my ears. It was an exhilarating out-of-body experience for me, a way to block out the world and just ride! I thought Rod would get that. But no. He told me it was dangerous and that I needed to be using all my senses to stay safe. I’ve never ridden with ear phones since.
But that is how it ends for Rod. I haven’t yet come to terms with Rod’s death. The only consolation is that he was on his bike doing what he loves in a city he loves.
He will be so missed.
