Change the rules
Build the framework
New Zealanders are looking to the government, big business and brands to step up and take more responsibility for setting up and funding the systems we need to reduce waste, pollution and emissions.
There is a big gap between New Zealanders’ expectations and what government and business are delivering at the moment.
The government makes the laws, creates the incentives and sets the standards that shape our economy and protect our environment. It sets the rules or ‘regulatory framework’ for waste, pollution and emissions reduction.
Work on this has ground to halt over the last three years causing investment and innovation to dry up. The Infrastructure Commission cited policy and spending ‘Flip Flops’ by successive governments as a critical barrier for every sector.
The government needs to update the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 as soon as possible to create a stable platform for decision making and to oblige companies to take responsibility for setting up and funding reuse, repair and recycling systems to manage the impacts of the products and packaging they put onto the market.
Work on this has ground to halt over the last three years causing investment and innovation to dry up. The Infrastructure Commission cited policy and spending ‘Flip Flops’ by successive governments as a critical barrier for every sector.
The government needs to update the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 as soon as possible to create a stable platform for decision making and to oblige companies to take responsibility for setting up and funding reuse, repair and recycling systems to manage the impacts of the products and packaging they put onto the market.
Global
New Zealand is falling behind other countries. Europe is tackling packaging waste. Many other small countries have set up container deposit return schemes. We have a weak negotiating position on the global plastic treaty. We are struggling to meet the expectations of international trade deals and visitors around circular systems.
Global
There is a huge opportunity for New Zealand to learn from what is already being done in other countries where zero waste and circular systems are becoming the norm. The original Waste Minimisation Act was passed with multi-party support. Most New Zealanders want to reduce waste and pollution. The Government needs to make it a priority.
Global
Councils play a critical role in local waste minimisation and management systems. They are facing some real challenges with rising costs for waste and recycling services and tight budgets. Their 2026 Local Government Waste Policy Manifesto makes it very clear that government needs to take action to increase producer responsibility and liability for things they put onto the market.
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