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WasteMINZ + ALGA Announce Finalists For 2026 Awards For Excellence
The future of waste minimisation, resource recovery, and contaminated land and groundwater management is in outstanding hands, say WasteMINZ and the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA), as the finalists for the 2026 WasteMINZ + ALGA Awards for Excellence are officially announced.
Both organisations agreed that the calibre of this year’s finalists reflects an industry that is delivering real, measurable impact across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
“What stood out was how many of these initiatives are now influencing practice beyond individual projects - from product stewardship schemes and applied research through to largescale deconstruction, soil recovery, and communityled innovation,” said Nic Quilty, WasteMINZ Chief Executive Officer.
“These projects and people reflect a sector that is confident, capable, and leading meaningful change at scale.”
ALGA Chief Executive Officer Matt Potter said: “The judges were genuinely inspired by the depth and quality of outcomes being delivered. We received nominations demonstrating best practice remediation, safe reuse of contaminated soils and materials, and strong application of science and evidence to reduce environmental and human health risk.”
The WasteMINZ + ALGA Awards for Excellence recognise outstanding projects, advocacy, innovation and leadership across waste minimisation, circular economy development, resource recovery, contaminated land and groundwater management. Finalists span local government, research institutions, industry, community organisations and consulting, reflecting the scale and diversity of work underway across the sector.
“These awards are about more than recognition,” Nic said.
“They showcase what’s possible when expertise, evidence and purpose come together. Every finalist should be incredibly proud of their contribution to our industry and, ultimately, to protecting the environment for generations to come.”
Winners will be announced at the WasteMINZ + ALGA Awards for Excellence ceremony in Wellington in May.
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