Professor of Human Geography Kelly Dombroski says the symposia responds to two of the biggest problems in contemporary economies.
“The first is the take-make-waste nature of much of our production and consumption — we need more circular economies that emphasise reduce, reuse and repair. But how do we measure the impact of our decisions around reducing waste and increasing circularity? Our first symposium brings people together to start working on that.
The second problem is our increasing inequality and the way that care work has been devalued. We have invited leading care scholars to come together with people and groups interested in care economies to spark new research and collaboration.”
The symposia are held at Te Rau Karamu Marae on Massey’s Pukeahu Wellington campus, the events will explore how circular and caring economies can drive more sustainable and equitable futures.
Measuring Circular Economies
The first symposium will focus on practical approaches to implementing, scaling and evaluating circular economy practices, particularly within Aotearoa’s food and fibre sectors.
Keynotes speakers include Matatihi Dr Jay Whitehead on measuring social impact, University of Technology Sydney Professor Abby Mellick Lopes on social design for circular economies and Western Sydney University Associate Professor Stephen Healy on economies of waste and reuse.
Industry representatives from Ahu Boutique, Reuse Aotearoa, UsedFULLY, Kowtow and others will share their experiences and challenges in measuring circularity. The day will conclude with a panel discussion on the future of circularity in Aotearoa and opportunities for building research–industry connections.
Thursday 16 October 2025
9am to 4.15pm
Te Rau Karamu Marae, Wellington
Register here
Caring Economies
The second symposium brings together researchers, community groups, advocates and policy makers to consider what it could mean to live in a caring economy.
Highlights include a keynote speech from Emeritus Professor Joan Tronto on Thinking with Care, with responses from Dr Joni Angeli-Gordon and Ellie Tapsell, along with workshops and panels led by Professor Kelly Dombroski, Georgia Craw, Deanna Haami, Swarnima Kriti, Dr Rebekah Graham, Dr Aisling Gallagher and Professor Katharine McKinnon.
Friday 17 October 2025
9am to 4.15pm
Te Rau Karamu Marae, Wellington
Register here
Both events are open to researchers, industry professionals and anyone interested in shaping more sustainable and caring futures.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive in time for the pōwhiri particularly if they have not previously been welcomed onto Te Rau Karamu Marae.
Related news
Research reframes circular economy as a tool for equity and community wellbeing
A newly published article by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Professor Kelly Dombroski and collaborators is challenging narrow interpretations of the circular economy — urging policymakers and practitioners to think beyond recycling and materials to focus on equity, care and community-led innovation.
