Niue, known as ‘the Rock’, is the world’s largest raised coral atoll, rich in culture and natural beauty. Yet, along with its picturesque landscape, Niue also faces unique challenges in managing solid and hazardous waste, calling for an opportunity to provide practical and sustainable solutions to better manage refuse.
Whilst Niue has made strides in waste minimisation and recycling efforts, this atoll faces the growing challenge of legacy waste and hazardous materials, with vacant homes, asbestos, disaster waste, solar panels, and e-waste, as removing materials from the island incurs high costs and lengthy removal times.
Tonkin + Taylor was engaged to develop Niue’s National Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Strategy with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Niuean Government’s Department of Environment (DOE). This strategy spans over five years, with considerations for the islands environmental, economic, and cultural context.
The goal of this strategy was crystal clear—on a small island where “everyone wears multiple hats,” waste management must be a shared effort. Collaboration and inclusivity were key to ensure accountability and delivery of real, tangible outcomes.
Developing this strategy meant understanding the island’s infrastructure firsthand—visiting dumpsites, waste stockpiles, hazardous waste areas, the new Resource Recovery Centre, and, undertaking in-country workshops with Village Councils, not-for-profit organisations, business representatives and government stakeholders.
Via this process, Tonkin + Taylor built strong local connections, turning this strategy into more than just a plan—it’s a community-driven and owned initiative. By working alongside residents and local community groups, we ensure that waste management isn’t just implemented but actively embraced and supported by the people it serves.
The Niue National Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Strategy was presented at National Cabinet in early 2025 for adoption.
