Contact Us

16 Jul

Farewell for Now – 2025 Progress, and an Exciting New Chapter

As I wrap up my final days before heading off on maternity leave, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what a huge and exciting year it’s been for environmental work within the plastics industry – and to thank all of you for your support, enthusiasm, and collaboration throughout. It’s been an absolute privilege to work alongside such committed individuals, and I’m incredibly proud of the momentum we’ve built together.

Operation Clean Sweep NZ – Growing Stronger

Our refreshed Operation Clean Sweep NZ programme is well and truly up and running, and it’s been fantastic to see the response. We already have 10 sites booked in for either third-party audits or self-assessments under the new programme – a clear sign that the industry is stepping up to demonstrate its commitment to preventing plastic loss.

We’re continuing to encourage companies to complete their Site Details Forms so we can schedule audits or self-assessments to ensure certifications stay current. While I’m away, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for anything OCS-related – your queries will be directed to the right person to keep things moving smoothly.

Clean Up Week – Bigger and Better in 2025

We’ve had a brilliant response to our call-out for Clean Up Week 2025, with six clean-up events already confirmed across the country. The willingness of members to rally their teams and clean up local environments is a powerful statement: we’re not just talking about environmental leadership, we’re living it.

The support from Keep New Zealand Beautiful and local business associations has been a real boost, and I know the team is keen to keep this momentum going in my absence. If you are interested in running a clean-up in your area, or if you can contribute resources like gloves, bags, or even a prize for our Weirdest Find competition, please get in touch via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

EPS Product Stewardship – A Sector Ready to Lead

We’ve also made strong progress in the EPS space. Although the changes to the Waste Minimisation Fund altered our original plans, the EPS Sector Group has made it clear there is still real appetite for progress. The group has identified two exciting focus areas:

  • Using product stewardship as a tool for supporting effective on-site management of EPS waste on construction sites
  • Exploring onshore reprocessing options, which could create meaningful pathways for EPS recovery in Aotearoa

While I’m disappointed to miss the next stage of this mahi, I’m very much looking forward to seeing how it evolves. Work on this project is likely to pick up again in September, following Rachel’s return from the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. For now, urgent enquiries can go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Environment Committee – Still Full Steam Ahead

The Environment Committee has wrapped up the year with a strong line-up of Lunch n Learn sessions and content planned for the bi-monthly newsletter. Here's what’s coming up:

Our awesome comms guru Kelly will be sending out reminders in the lead-up to each session, so keep an eye on your inbox!

This year has felt like a real turning point – not just for the programmes I’ve been involved with, but for the tone of the environmental conversation within our industry. There’s a growing energy, a real sense of shared purpose, and a willingness to take action. That’s something worth celebrating.

So for now, it’s goodbye from me – I’ll be swapping stormwater drains for nappy changes and afternoon naps! Thank you again for all the collaboration and kōrero over the past year. I’ll be sure to share baby pics when our little one arrives, and I’m very much looking forward to rejoining you in this important mahi in 2026.

Ngā mihi nui,
Katy

Katy Constance
Environmental Affairs Manager
Plastics New Zealand