Abstract
This thesis critically evaluates the effectiveness of New Zealand’s waste minimisation policy framework centred on the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and subsequent national strategies (2010, 2023, and 2025) in achieving sustainable waste reduction and transitioning toward a circular economy. Against the backdrop of escalating global waste generation and international sustainability commitments, the study investigates New Zealand’s domestic performance, benchmarks it against other OECD countries, and incorporates qualitative insights from 18 industry professionals. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines policy analysis, quantitative benchmarking via a novel Waste Minimisation Matrix (WMM), and reflexive thematic analysis of stakeholder interviews. Findings reveal a persistent gap between policy intentions and outcomes, with New Zealand lagging in key areas such as data transparency, infrastructure investment, and regulatory enforcement. The WMM highlights systemic weaknesses and international best practices, while interviews underscore cultural, governance, and economic barriers to progress. The thesis concludes with evidence-based recommendations to strengthen policy coherence, implementation, and accountability, offering insights for both national reform and global waste governance discourse.