Round's media career started in mid 1950s when he was working as an editor for Canta, the Canterbury University student newspaper.

[citation needed] Round was one of the few journalists selected to attend the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.

[citation needed] Round was one of the most distinguished journalists in New Zealand and he gained a reputation for being a successful "gung-ho" reporter from his work in war zones.

[2] In the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours, Round was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to journalism.

Police described his death as violent, reporting as follows: "Although I can't go into details at this stage the results would indicate a horrific attack on Derek, which took place in the living room of his home", detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby of Whanguanui CIB said.