YRE rules

Competition rules & judging

The  Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) New Zealand Competition is open to students aged 11-25 years who’ve registered with us individually or through their school to participate in the Young Reporters for the Environment Litter Less Programme.

Students may work individually or in a group of up to three people and may submit a piece in each of the three categories – article, photograph and video.

Submission for the YRE New Zealand Competition can be entered online at here

There are six sub-categories in the YRE New Zealand Competition:

Article

Single reportage photo

  • The purpose of the single reportage photo is to tell a story through a photo that truthfully and accurately captures the reality of a situation, event or issue. The photo should be candid, i.e. not be posed, or manipulated. An environmental lens or perspective is required.

Environmental campaign photo

  • The purpose of the environmental campaign photo is to raise awareness of an issue, promote certain values, and/or inspire positive action through a photo. The photo can be staged, and the subject can be posed with the intention of sending a message to the viewers. An environmental lens or perspective is required.

Photo story (3-5 photos)

  • The purpose of a photo story (3-5 photos) is to tell a story through a series of photos to help the viewer better understand environmental issues, events or phenomena. Like photo reportage, a photo story aims to tell a truthful and accurate story through a series of candid photos.

Reportage video

  • Reportage videos are similar to mini-documentaries. They’re based on news, events, history, facts etc., and use elements of direct observation, research, interviews and documentation.

Campaign video

  • Campaign videos aim to raise awareness of an issue, promote certain values, and/or inspire positive action through live images. The campaign story can be staged with the intention of sending a message to the viewers.

Not meeting the YRE New Zealand Competition’s acceptance criteria will result in lower scores in the final competition. 

Submission requirements

All submissions must be focused on a real and current local environmental issue related to litter, waste and/or environmental pollution and include the following information:

Name of author(s).

Age of author(s) on day of submission in the YRE New Zealand Competition.

Name of registered school or group.

Fulfil the Format & Structure and the Dissemination criteria for its category. See specific category guidelines below.

Be in written and/or spoken English or must have English subtitles where used. This is a requirement for the international competition.

Present possible and constructive solutions supported by credible sources e.g. local stakeholders, experts, academic research, etc.

Include a credit role, footnotes or a bibliography with the sources of images, video footage, music and information not created by students. Also ensure you have permission to use any images, video footage and music.

Identify and provide a brief explanation of how the submission is related to one or more Sustainable Development Goals. Submissions can focus on any of the Sustainable Development Goals, but an environmental lens is always required.

Judges may assign a score of 0-5 based on how well the submission meets the five criteria within each entry category listed below. Points are: 5 = excellent, 4 = very well, 3 = well, 2 = fairly well, 1 = qualifies and 0 = does not qualify.

Participants are strongly encouraged to meet as many of the criteria as possible to submit quality work and improve their chances of winning.

In addition, the Jury is at liberty to NOT award in the case of too few submissions and to give more than one award in the case of exceptional entries in one or more age categories. The Jury may also give points for any journalistic and environmental features of a submission based on their professional backgrounds.

Article

No more than 1,000 words (after translation into English).

Must include a title of no more than 140 characters.

Must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.

Must include 1-3 images (photos, illustrations, diagrams, etc.), each with captions of no more than 20 words. Sources for all images must be given.

Must include an introduction, body (supporting paragraphs) and conclusion and answer the questions of who, what, where, why, when, and how.

Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources.

Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.

Sources used in the article must be cited using footnotes and a ‘references’ list. This includes citing the original author/source of any images (photos, illustrations, diagrams, etc.) used in article. Remember: Even when citing sources, remember that this is not an academic essay, but a newspaper article. One of its characteristic features is the statements of competent persons, and therefore we recommend that you go to the persons in person or contact them by e-mail or telephone and get information directly from them. It will increase not only the dynamics of the article, but also its credibility.

Article should be balanced and fair in terms of representing different sides of an argument before suggesting possible solutions.

Article should explore the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.

The article should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.

The article should include relevant, feasible and constructive solutions to environmental issues presented in the article.

The article is original in content and/or scope. The author has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has approached a topic in a different and/or creative way.

The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research and interviews (either in-person or over the phone) outside of their school grounds.

Participants are required to share their work through a minimum of three (3) different channels. A total of five (5) points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels:

Personal sphere = 1 point

School community = 1 point

Keep New Zealand Beautiful = 1 point

National media (newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 points

Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the article.

Single reportage photo

A single photo must be submitted in jpeg or png format with a resolution of no less than 150-300 DPI.

Must have a title of no more than 140 characters.

Must have a description of no more than 100 words and a caption of no more than 20 words OR only a description of maximum 120 words in total.

The description and caption should explain the environmental link and/or solutions to the issue presented in the photograph.

Must be technically and artistically of good quality. This includes composition, lighting, color, sharpness, and subject.

The photo is a fair and truthful representation of reality and the subject and/or scene has not been significantly manipulated or altered. Editorial alterations to photos (e.g. colour, contrast, definition, shadows, highlights, cropping, levelling, etc.) are permissible, as long as these alterations do NOT alter the reality of the subject or object of the photo.

Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.

Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources.

Sources used in the description and/or caption must be cited using footnotes and a ‘references’ list. Remember: Even when citing sources, remember that this is not an academic essay, but a newspaper article. One of its characteristic features is the statements of competent persons, and therefore we recommend that you go to the persons in person or contact them by e-mail or telephone and get information directly from them. It will increase not only the dynamics of the article, but also its credibility.

The photo should address the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.

The photo and/or description/caption should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.

The description and/or caption should include relevant and feasible solutions to environmental issues presented in the photo.

The photo is original in subject and/or scope. The photographer has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has depicted a topic in a different and/or creative way.

The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research for the photograph outside of their school grounds.

Participants are required to share their work through a minimum of three (3) different channels. A total of five (5) points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels:

Personal sphere = 1 point

School community = 1 point

Keep New Zealand Beautiful = 1 point

National media (newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 points

Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the photo.

Environmental campaign photo

A single photo must be submitted in jpeg or png format with a resolution of no less than 150-300 DPI.

Must have a title of no more than 140 characters.

Description (optional) of no more than 100 words.

The description should explain the environmental link and/or solutions to the issue presented in the photo.

Must be technically and artistically of good quality. This includes composition, lighting, colour, sharpness, and subject.

Editorial alterations to the photo (e.g. colour, contrast, definition, shadows, highlights, cropping, levelling, etc.) are permissible, as long as these alterations do NOT alter the reality of the subject or object of the photo.

Minimal photoshopping is permissible, however the original photo should be the original work of the student.

Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.

Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources.

Sources used in the description and/or caption must be cited using footnotes and a ‘references’ list. Remember: Even when citing sources, remember that this is not an academic essay, but a newspaper article. One of its characteristic features is the statements of competent persons, and therefore we recommend that you go to the persons in person or contact them by e-mail or telephone and get information directly from them. It will increase not only the dynamics of the article, but also its credibility.

Photo should address the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.

The photo and/or description should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.

The description should include relevant and feasible solutions to environmental issues identified in photo.

The photo is original in subject and/or scope. The photographer has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has depicted a topic in a different and/or creative way.

The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research for the photograph outside of their school grounds.

Participants are required to share their work through a minimum of three (3) different channels. A total of five (5) points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels:

Personal sphere = 1 point

School community = 1 point

Keep New Zealand Beautiful = 1 point

National media (newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 points

Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the photo.

Photo story (3-5 photos)

A maximum of three (3) to five (5) photos must be submitted in jpeg or png format with a resolution of no less than 150-300 DPI.

Must have a title of no more than 140 characters.

Must have a description of no more than 100 words. Each photo must have a caption of no more than 20 words.

The description and captions should explain the environmental link and/or solutions to the issue shown in the photos.

Must be technically and artistically of good quality. This includes composition, lighting, colour, sharpness, and subject.

 

The photo is a fair and truthful representation of reality and the subject and/or scene has not been manipulated or altered. Editorial alterations to photos (e.g. colour, contrast, definition, shadows, highlights, cropping, levelling, etc.) are permissible, as long as these alterations do NOT alter the reality of the subject or object of the photo.

Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.

Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources.

Sources used in the description and/or caption must be cited using footnotes and a ‘references’ list. Remember: Even when citing sources, remember that this is not an academic essay, but a newspaper article. One of its characteristic features is the statements of competent persons, and therefore we recommend that you go to the persons in person or contact them by e-mail or telephone and get information directly from them. It will increase not only the dynamics of the article, but also its credibility.

Photos should address the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.

The photos and/or description/captions should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.

The description and/or captions should include relevant and feasible solutions to environmental issues presented in the photos.

The photos are original in subject and/or scope. The photographer has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has depicted a topic in a different and/or creative way.

The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research for the photo story outside of their school grounds.

Participants are required to share their work through a minimum of three (3) different channels. A total of five (5) points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels:

Personal Sphere = 1 Point

School community = 1 point

Keep New Zealand Beautiful = 1 point

National media (newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 points

Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the photos.

Reportage video

Video must be no longer than three (3) minutes. This does NOT include credit roll.

Must have a title of no more than 140 characters.

Must be submitted to the competition in a file format supported on YouTube.

Must be technically and artistically of good quality. This includes composition, lighting, color, sharpness, and subject.

Recommended to have an introduction and conclusion, use a documentary or reporter/interview style and answer the questions of who, what, where, when, why and how. Music is not recommended.

Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources.

Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.

Sources used in the video must be cited either in a credit roll at the end of the video or with a separate ‘references’ list.

It is recommended that approximately 70% of the final video should be made up of students’ own original images, video footage and audio. If additional images (photos, illustrations, diagrams, etc.), video footage or audio is used, the original author/source must be cited and you must have permission to use the material.

The video is a fair and truthful representation of reality and the subject(s) and/or scene(s) have not been manipulated or altered.

Video should address the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.

The video should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.

The video should identify relevant and feasible solutions to the environmental issue(s) depicted in the video.

The video is original in subject and/or scope. The student has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has depicted a topic in a different and/or creative way.

The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research and interviews (either in-person or over the phone) outside of their school grounds.

Participants are required to share their work through a minimum of three (3) different channels. A total of five (5) points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels:

Personal sphere = 1 point

School community = 1 point

Keep New Zealand Beautiful = 1 point

National media (newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 point

Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the video.

Campaign video

Video must be no longer than three (3) minutes. This does NOT include credit roll.

Must have a title of no more than 140 characters.

Must be submitted to the competition in a file format supported on YouTube.

Must be technically and artistically of good quality. This includes composition, lighting, color, sharpness, and subject.

Recommended to have an introduction and conclusion and use a promotional campaign or public service announcement (PSA) style.

Facts, statistics, and scientific information must be supported by credible sources.

Any quotes used must be from real and credible sources.

Sources used in the video must be cited either in a credit roll at the end of the video or with a separate ‘references’ list.

It is recommended that approximately 70% of the final video should be made up of students’ own original images, video footage and audio. If additional images (photographs, illustrations, diagrams, etc.), video footage or audio is used, the original author/source must be cited and you must have permission to use the material.

Video should address the historical, economic, social, and/or political implications of the chosen topic through an environmental lens.

The video should show the link between local and global events, issues and/or phenomena.

The video should identify relevant and feasible solutions to the environmental issue(s) depicted in the video OR raise awareness about an environmental issue(s), promote certain lifestyle and/or positive actions.

The video is original in subject and/or scope. The student has picked a challenging and/or creative topic or has depicted a topic in a different and/or creative way.

The participant has engaged in fieldwork and conducted research on the chosen topic outside of their school grounds.

Participants are required to share their work through a minimum of three (3) different channels. A total of five (5) points may be awarded for dissemination through the following channels:

PPersonal sphere = 1 point

School community = 1 point

Keep New Zealand Beautiful = 1 point

National media (newspaper, TV, radio) = 2 points

Evidence of dissemination must be submitted with the video.

Declaration of consent for processing of personal information and use of video/photo/article submitted

When signing up to this competition, you agree that we can process your personal data provided in this submission form and given to us during the competition. We process the data so that we can register your participation, judge the submission, save what you have submitted and publish your submission if you are chosen as a winner. Necessary permission, e.g., for photographing children faces are the responsibility of the author and must, therefore, be sought. All submissions will be saved in our archives and used by Keep New Zealand Beautiful and the FEE network to promote the winners and the programme.

You always have the option to withdraw your consent and your submission to the competition.

The Data Controllers are:

Keep New Zealand Beautiful, PO Box 58-932, Botany, Auckland, New Zealand, 0800 TIDY KIWI (0800 843 954), education@knzb.org.nz

Foundation for Environmental Education, Scandiagade 13, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark, +45 70 22 24 27 info@fee.global

Important

Please ensure all entries follow legal requirements for copyright.  For more information regarding copyright please click here. For full terms and conditions of the YRE New Zealand Competition please click here.