Building a Circular Economy: Bridging Indigenous Wisdom and Circular Principles
 
Building a circular economy is not just an ideal—it's an urgent necessity for ensuring sustainability in our modern world. The concept revolves around creating a closed-loop system where resources are reused, recycled, and repurposed, minimising waste and reducing the consumption of finite resources. Our interest in establishing a circular economy is rooted in the understanding that our current linear economy, reliant on extraction, production, and disposal, is unsustainable and detrimental to our planet. 
 
At the heart of a circular economy is a commitment to rethinking our consumption patterns and product lifecycle. This means designing products with their end-of-life in mind—encouraging repairability, recyclability, and the use of sustainable materials. An essential part of this transformation involves leaning into our indigenous wisdom, which offers profound insights into sustainable living and resource management. Indigenous communities have long practised principles that align closely with circularity, emphasising respect for nature, community stewardship, and sustainable use of resources. 

In the context of the four big systems that require global attention—energy, transport, built communities, and food—we are focusing on 'kai' as a vital component for sustainable community development. By prioritising innovative and regenerative practices, we aim to strengthen local food systems, enhance community resilience, and actively contribute to the health of te Taiao.
 
By embracing these indigenous perspectives, we can enhance our understanding of ecological balance and sustainability. Indigenous wisdom teaches us to see the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of maintaining harmony with the environment. This knowledge can guide us in creating systems that are not only efficient but also respectful of the earth and its resources.