Plastic pollution as waste colonialism in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

The international discourse around waste colonialism has highlighted the often imbalanced power dynamics evident in the transboundary movement of waste. While plastic pollution as a form of waste colonialism has been explored in some overseas contexts, its impact and resonance in Aotearoa (New Zealand) remains poorly understood. This study addresses this gap through interviews with several specialists in the fields of plastic pollution, zero waste, circular economic development, and Indigenous sovereignty. Taking a full life-cycle approach to understanding plastic pollution, this study explores the interconnections between plastics, power, and people to better understand how Aotearoa could holistically respond to the plastic pollution crisis. The study found that colonial governmental and economic systems have enabled a widespread disconnection between plastic consumption and its socio-ecological consequences. Plastic pollution as waste colonialism also perpetuates significant inequities for Aotearoa’s most disenfranchised communities, including Māori, Pasifika, and low-income households. This demonstrates the need for genuine representation of these communities in all relevant decision-making contexts and holistic, systemic transformation to address plastic pollution as waste colonialism.