Regulations for mandatory phase out of single-use plastic shopping bags to be in force from 1 July 2019. Associate Minister for the Environment, Eugenie Sage has today confirmed retailers will no longer be able to sell or give away single-use plastic shopping bags from 1 July 2019, after Cabinet agreed to the proposed regulations for a mandatory nationwide phase out of these bags. “Plastic shopping bags are a hazard for nature, particularly marine wildlife. They can also introduce harmful microplastics...

A new report out today shows that the Government is on the right track to tackle our waste problem, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage says. The Sustainable Business Network today released its report - New Zealand’s Plastic Packaging System 2018 An Initial Circular Economy Diagnosis. “SBN’s report is an excellent addition to the public discussion and growing awareness of New Zealand’s waste challenges,” Eugenie Sage said. “Work is already underway on a number of the recommendations the report identifies for...

Conservation and Associate Environment Minister, Eugenie Sage leaves today to attend events in the United Kingdom before travelling to Egypt for a key international biodiversity meeting. Eugenie Sage will spend two days in England during which she will meet Dr Thérèse Coffey, MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She will also give a speech on the Commonwealth Blue Charter and ocean acidification to the Royal Academy. For Armistice Day centenary commemorations...

New Zealand has joined an international pledge to cut plastic wastes from our economy and environment, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage announced today. “The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment sees the countries involved commit to a ‘circular economy’ approach to plastics, preventing them from becoming waste and ensuring they don’t end up in the environment,” Eugenie Sage said. Led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Global Commitment brings together governments, businesses and...

Auckland-based business Asona is getting $185,000 from the Waste Minimisation Fund to help develop a recycling system for acoustic ceiling panels, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage announced today. “The Government is committed to reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and to increasing recycling,” Eugenie Sage said. “New Zealand needs to transition towards a sustainable economy taking a circular economy approach. We need products which are designed to be reused indefinitely, made into something new or returned to nature,...

Submissions are rolling in from across New Zealand on the Government’s proposed phase-out of single-use plastic shopping bags, with more than 4,000 received so far. Now with just over a week of the consultation to go, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage is encouraging all Kiwis who want to have their say on this issue, to do so. “New Zealanders have called on the Government to take action on single-use plastic bags, and we’ve listened. Earlier this year I received a...

More than $3 million of funding will help divert 40,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste from landfills in Auckland every year. Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage today announced a Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) grant of $3.1 million to enable Auckland recycling firm Green Gorilla to divert the waste and allow materials to be reused. “Useful materials are ending up in landfill instead of being reused. Green Gorilla’s project gives businesses an alternative to simply dumping these materials,” Eugenie Sage...

  Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage has announced a programme of work to take action on New Zealand’s long-neglected waste problems. “Since taking on the waste portfolio I have heard loud and clear from New Zealanders that they find our country’s record on waste unacceptable and want action after nine years of neglect under National,” Eugenie Sage said. “This Government has listened to New Zealanders and started by consulting on our plan to phase out single use plastic bags. Now...

Local government leadership is crucial to turn around New Zealand’s approach to waste, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage says. Today at its AGM and conference Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) voted to support several proposals to tackle recycling and waste problems, including calling for strong Government leadership. “I welcome local government's support and leadership on the pressing issue of waste reduction.  Work is underway in the Ministry for the Environment in the areas identified by LGNZ,” Eugenie Sage said. “Since...

New information confirms work is needed to ensure there are good standards and clear information for consumers about biodegradable and compostable plastics, Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage says. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton published an online guide on biodegradable and compostable plastics yesterday. “It’s very hard for families and businesses to make choices that are good for the environment when some products don’t do what they say,” Eugenie Sage said. “This guide is a valuable resource for...