Āmiomio Aotearoa Circular Economy Framework

This document is a technical report that synthesizes the findings of the Āmiomio Aotearoa project, which aimed to facilitate New Zealand's transition to a circular economy. The project, funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, involved researchers from various institutions and spanned five years from 2020 to 2025. The report outlines the concept of a circular economy, which seeks to keep resources in circulation, reduce waste, and regenerate natural systems. It discusses the integration of Māori and European concepts of sustainability and wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of cultural perspectives in achieving strong circularity. The report also presents various approaches to balance human and nonhuman entities, including pricing systems for natural capital and legal personhood for ecosystems. Additionally, it highlights the need for legislative support and policy reforms to advance circularity in New Zealand, documenting the historical context of waste management legislation and proposing key next steps for implementation.