About Us
The Fiona Kidman Essay Competition was founded by four students who aimed to create a competition suitable for four catagories - philosophy, sociology, archaeology, and history of science. This competition aims to encourage more young writers from Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to provide a platform for emerging voices across Oceania to share their unique perspectives and academic creativity.
Fiona Kidman
Fiona Kidman is a renowned New Zealand author celebrated for her contributions to literature, having created multiple works of novels, short stories, poetry and non-fiction. Born in 1940, Kidman has earned respect for her exploration of social and historical ideas, often focusing on the lives of women and human connections. Her notable works include the novels "The Book of Secrets" and "The Captive Wife", both of which showcases her writing skill and deep empathy for her characters. Over her career, Kidman has recieved numerous awards, including the prestigious New Zealand Post Book Award and the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement. As a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Fiona Kidman continues to be an influential voice in New Zealand literature, deeply inspiring many readers and writers.
Judges
Timothy O'Leary
​Timothy O’Leary is a philosopher who has worked and studied in Ireland, Paris, Hong Kong, and Australia.
His research is in the area of contemporary European philosophy, including the work of Michel Foucault and Jacques Rancière. He has published 2 monographs, co-edited 3 volumes, guest-edited 2 Journal Special Issues, and published many journal articles and book chapters on topics including the work of Michel Foucault, the relations between ethics and aesthetics, the ethical dimensions of literature, and philosophical approaches to happiness.
Ricardo Mayo
Ricardo is a professor from the university of Princeton.
