New Zealand recovers less waste for reuse compared to many other countries. This is mainly because the country does not have enough local facilities to process waste efficiently, which limits the ability to extract more value from waste and increases dependence on landfills.
To address this issue, New Zealand’s Waste Minimisation Fund and Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfill Fund are driving sustainability through seed funding, partnerships, and kaitiakitanga.
The Ministry for the Environment recently published three new case studies developed by Pragmatica that explore the impact of two critical environmental funding streams: the Waste Minimisation Fund – Te Pūtea Whakamauru Para, and the Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfill Fund – Tahua mō ngā Pae Hawa me ngā Ruapara. These funds play a vital role in shaping New Zealand’s approach to waste reduction, recycling, and land remediation.
Our report takes a deep dive into how well these funds are delivering on their core purposes:
creating value through infrastructure investments
reducing waste and boosting recycling and reuse
remediating contaminated sites and safeguarding vulnerable landfills.
Key themes emerging from the case studies
The case studies reveal several important insights about what drives success in waste minimisation and environmental stewardship:
Seed funding unlocks change: Initial investment acts as a catalyst, enabling organisations to take bold steps that would otherwise be out of reach. This early support often sparks innovation and accelerates progress.
Progress comes from many complementary actions: There is no single solution to complex environmental challenges. Success depends on a combination of initiatives – from infrastructure upgrades to education programmes – working together to create lasting impact.
Relationships drive results: Collaboration between government, industry, iwi, and community groups is essential. Strong partnerships ensure projects are grounded in local knowledge and values, and that benefits are widely shared.
Enabling stewardship and kaitiakitanga: The funds empower communities to care for their environment in ways that reflect the principles of kaitiakitanga. This stewardship approach strengthens cultural connections and environmental outcomes.
The Waste Levy works best when paired with education: Financial incentives alone are not enough. Education and awareness campaigns help people understand why change matters and how they can contribute, making levy mechanisms far more effective.
Why this matters
Reducing waste, improving recycling, and remediating contaminated sites are critical steps towards a more sustainable future. These funds are not just about infrastructure – they are about enabling systemic change, fostering collaboration, and embedding stewardship into the way we care for our land and resources.
To read the full report and explore the case studies in detail, visit here
or for the executive summary visit here
