How Metlifecare and All Heart NZ are Leading the Way to a Circular Economy

In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. This ethos drives Metlifecare, a prominent retirement village operator, as it pioneers a circular economy initiative with the charitable trust All Heart NZ. Together, they are redefining how waste management from refurbishment projects can uplift communities and drive positive environmental change.

Let’s dive deeper into this remarkable initiative and the benefits it’s bringing to both people and the planet.

Transforming Waste into Opportunity

When Metlifecare’s retirement villages undergo refurbishments, valuable items such as kitchens, bathrooms, curtains, and carpets are typically discarded. Rather than sending these materials to landfill, Metlifecare, with the expertise of All Heart NZ, has established a sustainable waste recovery system. This collaboration diverts usable resources from waste streams, giving them a second life where they are needed most.

Madelyn Pyne, Metlifecare’s Sustainability Specialist, explains:

“We spent several months working with All Heart NZ, a charitable trust that partners with organisations to redirect and repurpose redundant and unwanted items.”

How it works:

  • Collection: All Heart NZ’s freight teams retrieve unwanted items from Auckland villages.
  • Redistribution: These goods are either sent to one of six All Heart NZ stores across New Zealand or directly donated to communities in need.
  • Impact: Entire kitchens and bathrooms are not only kept out of landfills but also support projects and people facing immediate needs.

Beyond Waste Reduction: Creating Jobs and Driving Innovation

The circular economy isn’t just about waste reduction. It is about creating economic value in ways that benefit society. By shifting from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular system, Metlifecare and All Heart NZ have unlocked new opportunities:

  • Upcycling Innovation: Repurposing carpets, curtains, and fixtures fosters creativity and introduces innovative solutions to the market.
  • Job Creation: Every item collected and processed generates work—supporting logistics, retail, and refurbishment jobs, often for individuals who need employment the most.
  • Community Empowerment: Redirecting resources where they are needed builds stronger, more resilient communities.


This initiative shows that partnerships for good can address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable growth.

Why the Circular Economy is Crucial for the Future

The concept of the circular economy addresses some of the world’s most pressing issues, from resource depletion to waste management. Key benefits include:

  • Reducing Environmental Impact: By reclaiming materials and keeping them in circulation, this model cuts down on landfill use and reduces carbon footprints.
  • Boosting Local Economies: Communities benefit directly from redistributed goods and job creation.
  • Promoting a Sustainable Mindset: Partnerships like this inspire businesses and individuals to rethink their relationship with waste and sustainability.

A Greener Tomorrow with Metlifecare and All Heart NZ

This partnership exemplifies what’s possible when businesses embrace sustainability at their core. Metlifecare and All Heart NZ are setting a high bar—moving beyond traditional waste management into a holistic approach that benefits communities and the environment alike.

Through collaboration and innovation, they are not just reducing waste—they are building a model of sustainability that others can follow. Together, they’re proving that a circular economy isn’t just an ideal—it’s a reality we can create today.

Join the Movement

This inspiring initiative is a call to action. Whether you’re an individual or an organisation, consider how you can embrace sustainable practices. It could be through partnerships, donations, or simply rethinking how you manage resources.

Metlifecare’s journey shows that small steps can lead to big change. Let’s work together to build a greener, more sustainable future. 🌍

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