Overview
Circular by Nature is an independent, strategic platform that exists to lift ambition and coordinate circular economy action in Aotearoa New Zealand, addressing the gaps in awareness and understanding of what it will take to shift from a linear to a circular economy. It operates as a collective of independent practitioners focused on applied systems thinking, evidence-led thought leadership, and inclusive, actionable strategies for communities, sectors, and government.
Mission and focus areas
Our kaupapa is to make the circular economy tangible and actionable. Circular by Nature aims to inspire, educate and enable decision-makers across communities to transition away from take-make-waste resource use reliant on fossil fuels, and replace it with circular business models, practices and policies. The focus is on ensuring New Zealanders can manage resources within planetary boundaries to reduce waste, lower costs, and reduce emissions. Key focus areas include applied systems thinking for resilient outcomes, grounding insights in robust data, and ensuring work is non-partisan and investable across local and central government.
Structure and governance
Circular by Nature is a collective of three independent practitioners and co-founders: Kelly McClean, Louise Nash, and Samantha Walmsley-Bartlett. The three founders share the work, the platform, and its direction equally. The organisation works with a variety of strategic and creative partners, including the Clare Foundation, Kantar, the University of Auckland, and the Gift Collective, which serves as its charitable fundholder. It is supported by a peer review panel of international and local experts in circular innovation, economics, and Māori management.
Programs and offerings
Circular by Nature offers a strategic white paper on the future circular economy of Aotearoa New Zealand, designed as a decision-making tool for boards, ministers, and councils. The platform provides evidence-led research, tools, and recommendations to help organisations shift to strong circularity. Its work includes promoting circular design, advocating for the circulation of capital, and making resource flows visible through data. It also emphasizes the active application of mātauranga Māori and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi within the transition to a circular economy.
