The Government spends NZD$51.5 billion every year on buying goods and services. That’s 20% of our GDP. It’s a hugely powerful lever for transitioning New Zealand to a low-emissions, circular economy and ensuring a thriving environment for future generations.
The government recently consulted the public on its newly proposed Procurement Rules, and Eco Choice Aotearoa saw this as a unique opportunity to advocate for the explicit inclusion of specific and tangible sustainable practices.
Aside from holding two events (a live panel discussion, and a webinar specifically for ecolabel partners), Eco Choice also worked on a submission on the proposed rules.
In our submission, we outlined the importance of Sustainable Public Procurement as a powerful, non-regulatory tool in encouraging responsible business practices and ensuring public money is spent wisely.
We also championed the inclusion of independent ecolabels (such as Eco Choice) in providing clear, reliable information on the environmental performance of products and services, simplifying green purchasing and enabling procurers to make informed choices.
If the proposed new Government Procurement rules are truly meant to achieve greater value for money, sustainability isn’t a nicety – it’s fiscally responsible and economically strategic.
Ngā mihi nui to the businesses who supported our submission:
- Wattyl (A part of Hempel)
- NZ Panels
- Laminex New Zealand
- Winstone Wallboards
- saveBOARD
- Critical
- Daikin New Zealand
- Sustainable Business Network
- TCO Development
Our advocacy on Sustainable Public Procurement doesn’t end here. We are continuing to campaign externally, and meet with representatives from Government to ensure responsible Kiwi businesses are rewarded for their commitment to a thriving environment for future generations.
You can find Eco Choice Aotearoa’s full submission here.
