Why We Embrace a Circular Economy

Circular Economy: A Regenerative Pathway Within Our Te Taiao Strategy
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The concept of circularity is not new to Indigenous communities nor at odds with regenerative approaches to economic development. For us, the driving force is the urgent reality that our current linear economy take, make, dispose harms Te Taiao and threatens the wellbeing of future generations.
 
The emergence of Circular Economy theory provided us with a global language for the knowledge that Indigenous peoples and local communities have long held. It offers a suite of resources, practical tools, and system solutions to address some of the greatest challenges humanity faces today, as local communities and global partners for regenerative change. 
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At Rautāpatu, embracing circular economy principles is inseparable from our kaupapa Māori values of mana, mauri, kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, our inter-connectedness, and collective responsibility. These foundations guide us to act in harmony with Te Taiao, honour all living systems, and support systemic regeneration and innovation. To wānanga these concepts and reflect on Circularity we hosted He Kāhui Mano in 2024 A Tribal Summit. With over 100 participants from all over Aotearoa NZ we explored what a Taiao-centric, regenerative and circular economy could look like and how we can activate and support community-led change.
 
Everyone agreed, we must confront the current economic system head-on, as its dominant drivers are a root cause of much of the destruction facing Te Taiao — including pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. Without addressing these underlying systemic challenges, meaningful and lasting change is impossible.
 
The ongoing cost of “business as usual” falls disproportionately on Te Taiao, or 'the Commons' that sustains us all. Producers, manufacturers, and supply chains frequently avoid bearing the true environmental and social costs of the commodities they create, which leads to unfair burdens on the natural systems, communities and our future generations.
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Circular Economy as a Pathway in Our Te Taiao Strategy
 
Our Te Taiao Strategy is the foundation for our mahi, to which Circular Economy is an integral pathway. It plays a central role in manifesting our vision by:
 

1. Providing a systems solution and alternative; that designs out waste, keeps resources circulating at their highest value, and actively restores natural systems
    

2. Embedding regenerative practices that revitalise the mana and mauri to Te Taiao (includes humanity & environmental elements, biodiversity, water, & soil health)
    

3. Prioritising kai sovereignty and kai resilience- fostering sustainable, agro-ecological food systems that empower whanau, hapū, and iwi and reconnect communities with one another and their whenua/land; and
    

4. Supporting circular enterprise and building an ecosystem focused on collaboration, innovation, low emissions, zero waste, and resource sharing.

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The Four Big Systems To Focus On
 
Our circular economy pathway addresses the four interconnected systems that underpin ecological, social, cultural, and economic wellbeing:
 

1. Energy: Supporting renewable and regenerative energy systems that replenish natural capital rather than extract it
    

2. Transport: Innovating low-impact, community-centred transport models that reduce emissions and enhance social connections
    

3. Built Environment: Designing homes and infrastructure with circular materials and adaptable reuse, reflecting cultural values and promoting wellbeing; and 
   
   Our primary focus is on:  

4. Kai (Food Systems): Strengthening indigenous food sovereignty through resilient, nutritious, and sustainable kai supply chains rooted in agro-ecological practices.

 
Guiding Frameworks and Tools
 
In addition to Kaupapa Māori frameworks, we have drawn on the indigenous framework conceptualised by Teina Boassa Dean et al. Teina, presented at He Kāhui Mano on the Indigenous Doughnut, and an explanation can be found here:
An-indigenous-maori-view-of-doughnut-economics
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Teina explains how Mātauranga Māori, if unlocked, can be a useful tool to help tackle some of the planet's biggest challenges. This interview was recorded at the first ever circular economy Pacific Summit in New Zealand.
 
We also draw from internationally recognised theoretical, system leaders who provide open access tools & resources. Check them out:
 
Doughnut Economic Action Lab (DEAL): This is a great launch pad to support anyone looking to learn more about Doughnut Economics. You will find exploratory workshops to activities, lesson plans, methodologies, and ways to turn ideas into transformative action. 
 
Ellen MacArthur Foundation: Is a global leader and non-profit organisation that creates evidence-based original research on the benefits of a circular economy, and how it can contribute to solving global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. They support organisations and individuals with formal learning opportunities through our circular economy courses and create resources for teachers and academics. Check out the Butterfly Diagram below. 
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