Introduction | kupu whakataki

This Plan directs the development of a stronger, more positive, circular economy that fosters the health of the environment and our community (Figure 1).

It has been well established that the current linear system for production and consumption negatively impacts the environment, is wasteful, inequitable, and vulnerable to unforeseen future changes^[1][2][3]. For this reason, New Zealand introduced the Waste Minimisation Act (WMA) in 2008. This legislation enables and requires the Dunedin City Council (DCC) to act in waste minimisation, and work to avoid harm to the environment. The DCC is similarly obliged to responsibly manage waste from a public health perspective.

The WMA requires territorial authorities to adopt a Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP), to direct how they will use waste levy funding received from the Ministry for Environment to achieve waste minimisation. This Plan gives the direction of DCC’s leadership and work with partners, local communities, businesses, neighbouring regions and other stakeholders. Waste is not something that can be addressed by local government alone. Our economic system involves many parts and sectors, and each part needs to adapt for waste minimisation to be achieved.

Everyone can participate in change towards less waste. The DCC aims to help ease the community through the process with wide-ranging actions laid out in this Plan. From helping households make best use of their kerbside recycling and rubbish bin collection system, to assisting the region’s construction and demolition industry both in waste diversion and in waste minimisation through thoughtful design.

This Plan is one part of a wider movement toward making waste reduction opportunities accessible to the community. It complements existing initiatives such as the work toward a safer tertiary area by Sophia Charter signatories and the city’s Zero Carbon Plan 2030 which aims to reduce carbon emissions. It’s community funding aspects support projects by local community groups and businesses. It upholds regional work for minimising waste through joint advocacy, developing consistency, shared resources, and gathering data to highlight key issues and provide for facts-based decision-making.

The ultimate outcome of minimising waste is the achievement of a circular system for producing and consuming, benefiting our health and well-being and that of the environment.

Footnote

1. Circle Economy Foundation (2023) ‘The Circularity Gap Report’, URL: https://www.circularity-gap.world/2023, accessed 18.06.2024.
2. International Panel for Climate Change (2023) ‘Climate Change 2023 Synthesis Report’, URL: IPCC_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf, accessed 18.06.2024.
3. Ministry for Environment (2022) ‘Ōhanga āmiomio – Circular economy’, URL: https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/waste/ohanga-amiomio-circular-economy, accessed 18.06.2024.

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