Realising Aotearoa New Zealand’s Full Potential: What Will It Take?
A strategic white paper on Aotearoa New Zealand’s future circular economy, designed to be your decision-making tool in the boardroom, the minister’s office, and the council chamber.
The paper moves from the evidence, to a vision of everyday circular life, to the policy architecture that would make it real. Each part stands on its own, start wherever your decisions sit.
01
Why this? Why now?
Where value is being lost, why a circular economy is essential in an increasingly resource-constrained world, and the natural edge we can bring as Aotearoa New Zealand.
Chapters 1–4 · pages 20–63
02
Circular futures
The costs and complexities of life here today, then how circular principles and resource flows enrich our economy, environment and communities across how we live, how we eat and how we move.
Chapters 5–10 · pages 64–175
03
Making it a reality
A roadmap with three recommendations: coordinate action, shape a strategic framework, and embed circularity into legal settings to progress a stronger economy for us all.
Chapters 11–13 · pages 176–191
How this paper was made
Made with the same interconnectivity that our circular future demands.
This publication carries the experiences and expertise of practitioners, producers, manufacturers, community organisations, iwi and businesses across Aotearoa New Zealand. It is designed to be both authoritative and shared.
More than 100 practitioners, industry professionals and policy makers engaged between June and August 2026, through four webinars, a consultation period and feedback sessions.
Three workshops, 15 interviews and 50+ organisations across 15+ industries.
Three rounds of peer review, with seven independent reviewers.
220+ case studies, academic papers and reports; 240 articles, papers and publications referenced.
Independent circular behaviours research commissioned with Kantar, a first for New Zealand.
On the use of AI. This report was developed through a human-led process, supported by AI tools for research synthesis, structuring, drafting support and review of alternative framings. The evidence base, interpretation, writing, recommendations and final editorial decisions were led by the authors, and all AI-assisted material was subject to human review, fact-checking and editorial judgement before inclusion.
Peer review
Reviewed by experts.
A comprehensive and insightful document which sets out the case for a transformation in New Zealand: from contributing to a climate-wrecking take-make-dispose economy to a circular economy based on innovation and good governance, one which is inclusive and contributes to the wellbeing of every citizen.
Ken WebsterFormer Head of Innovation, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
The paper’s greatest strength is the way it shows Aotearoa New Zealand doesn’t lack examples, values, knowledge or capability. The missing piece is the connecting infrastructure: coordination, policy settings, procurement, measurement, investment pathways and institutional durability.
Jodie BricoutChair, Circular Australia
Unless New Zealanders can see, feel, and find their place within a more regenerative future, continuing on the current extractive and costly path remains too easy. Circular by Nature is a powerful articulation of evidence and vision that makes redirection possible.
Bree AsmusStrategy Director, Hula Design
Read it
Circular by Nature: Realising Aotearoa New Zealand’s Full Potential.
What will it take? Over 100 pages of evidence, vision and a practical roadmap, free to read, share and cite.
Nash, L., Walmsley-Bartlett, S., & McClean, K. (2026). Circular by Nature: Realising Aotearoa New Zealand’s full potential, what will it take? Circular by Nature.
Made with
Funding from the Clare Foundation, enabling the white paper’s development, launch and engagement.
Consumer research by Kantar, circular behaviours in New Zealand.
Design, illustration and creative direction by Hula.
Print production by Dave Black. A mix of recycled and virgin stock; 100% recyclable.
Hosted for launch by the University of Auckland Business School with the CEBUS research beacon.