Date/Time
Date(s) - Thu 16 October
9:00 - 16:15
Location
Te Rau Karamū Marae, Massey University Wellington Campus, 5 Hayward Terrace, Wellington 6021
By Massey University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
A pivotal event dedicated to exploring the measurement and impact of circular economies.
About this event
Many food and fibre industries are already acting to move their production and waste toward circularity, but challenges remain. One challenge is the measuring the impact of any circular economy investments into change. This symposium will bring together industry representatives and researchers in the areas of food and fibre in Aotearoa New Zealand to share successes, barriers and research needs in the area of measuring the impact of circular economies. The event will include:
livestreamed keynote speakers on social impact measurement, social design for circular economies, and economies of waste and re-use;
in-person industry talks in-person only.
This symposium will provide a unique opportunity to explore practical approaches for implementing and evaluating circular economy practices—and to connect with others passionate about driving systemic change towards sustainability. Be part of the conversation on how we can measure and scale the transition to a more sustainable, circular future.
The symposium will feature an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers and panelists, including:
Dr Jay Whitehead, leader in social impact measurement in Aotearoa, Matatihi
Professor Abby Mellick Lopes , researcher in social design for circular economies, University Technology Sydney
Associate Professor Stephen Healy, researcher in diverse economies of waste and reuse, Western Sydney University
… and a range of innovative leaders in food fibre circularity across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Keynote speakers include:
Jay Whitehead
Dr Jay Whitehead (Kāti Mamoe, Kāi Tahu) is an economist specialising in social cost-benefit analysis, decision science, and impact measurement. His work reveals the hidden value of people, communities, and the environment. By translating these benefits into the language of decision-makers, Jay helps organisations attract investment, secure funding, and build strong cases for environmental and social initiatives. He has worked across government, the private sector, and universities, and now leads Matatihi, an economic research company dedicated to intergenerational wellbeing.
Craig Anderson
Craig is a specialist in biogeochemistry and environmental science at the Bioeconomy Science Institute in Canterbury. He has a specific interest in how microbial life attains and recycles resources and how this knowledge can be applied to the human civilisational ‘superorganism’.
Hannah Blumhardt
Hannah Blumhardt is a zero waste practitioner and researcher with a focus on source reduction strategies to the waste crisis, including waste prevention and reuse. She is the Lead Researcher at Reuse Aotearoa, an independent organisation dedicated to researching and facilitating collaboration towards reuse activities and business models in New Zealand; and has contributed as an independent researcher to Āmiomio Aotearoa, a multi-partner research project into the circular economy led by the University of Waikato.
Tessa Bradley
Kowtow Clothing is a New Zealand-based fashion brand known for its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Founded in 2006, Kowtow exclusively uses organic, Fairtrade certified cotton and prioritises circular design principles to minimise environmental impact. As the Head of Product & Sustainability at Kowtow, Tessa plays a crucial role in ensuring responsible sourcing, ethical labour practices, and innovative sustainability initiatives across the brand’s global supply chain. Tessa’s work helps Kowtow maintain its reputation as a leader in sustainable fashion, driving positive change in the industry.
Bernadette Casey
Bernadette Casey is Co-founder and Chief Executive of UsedFULLY, a textile cleantech company driving circular economy innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand. A leading textile specialist and sustainability advisor, she has mapped national textile flows, co-designed circular systems, and co-authored key policy recommendations for government. Bernadette sits on the WasteMINZ Product Stewardship Group and has presented internationally on measuring circularity in fashion. Her award-winning work has been exhibited globally alongside iconic designers and recognised by HRH King Charles. She is an Edmund Hillary Fellow and a passionate advocate for systemic change in fashion and textiles.
Professor Kelly Dombroski
Professor Kelly Dombroski is a Professor in Geography at Massey University. She is recognised nationally and internationally for her research on care and community economies. She was awarded a Rutherford Discovery Fellowship for her project Transitioning to Caring Economies through Transformative Community Investments. Her work seeks to reinvigorate the role of academics in wellbeing-led economic transformation.
Registration
In person $45
Online $10
Register