About Us
We are an independent organisation dedicated to building the momentum and capability to scale reuse activities and business models in Aotearoa New Zealand.
When we launched in 2021, we had a specific focus on reusable packaging systems, but have since broadened what we look at to include a wider range of product life extension practices (e.g. repair and secondhand sale) and product types.
Our work continues to combine evidence-based research, advice, collaboration and facilitated workshops.
Our vision
Communities, policymakers and businesses across Aotearoa have the confidence to back reuse projects and initiatives in order to deliver social, environmental and community benefits. As a result, everyone has access to the things they need to live a good life, while natural resource extraction, product manufacture, and waste generation are all measurably reduced.
Our mission
Drawing on evidence-based research, we focus on understanding and telling the story of reuse, and on fostering collaboration, in order to help normalise and demystify reuse activities, practices and business models, and grow their strength and presence across the motu.
Social enterprise
Reuse Aotearoa is a Limited Liability social enterprise where profits are used to pursue the purpose. The beneficiaries are the wider social and environmental ecosystem of Aotearoa.
Our funding comes from project grants and research/consulting. Funds are redistributed back into the organisation to further our mission.
We have founders who are able to work in both a voluntary and paid-contracting basis as required.
Our team
Hannah Blumhardt
Founding Director & Lead Researcher
Dr Ella van Gool
Researcher
Our founders
Reuse Aotearoa was set-up by Kelly McClean, Kim Renshaw and Hannah Blumhardt. Kim and Kelly have since moved on from the organisation, but are honorary members of the Reuse Aotearoa whānau thanks to their instrumental role in shaping the organisation’s work and overall direction!
