Our story began in 1894, when Bryant Cartage started trading in Auckland. At the time, New Zealand’s population was just 715,000, and imports totalled close to £7 million. The company operated as wood and coal merchants, bulk haulage contractors, and general carriers, using barges and sailing vessels for coastal and river transport and horse-drawn carts on land.
Bryant Cartage quickly gained a reputation for reliability and hard work. The company grew steadily, and in 1935 it embraced a new venture: waste collection and disposal. This marked the beginning of our journey in the waste management industry.
By 1935, the business had grown significantly and was renamed AW Bryant Limited. The company’s focus shifted towards waste services, laying the foundation for what we know today as WM New Zealand. In the decades that followed, AW Bryant Limited acquired several smaller waste businesses, cementing its reputation as a trusted provider.
In 1985, these operations united under a new name: Waste Management NZ Limited. This milestone marked the beginning of a new era for the company, focused on leading New Zealand’s waste industry.
With decades of accumulated knowledge, Waste Management NZ Limited rapidly became the largest waste management company in New Zealand by 1990. In 1993, we opened the Redvale Landfill & Energy Park, which set a new standard for modern landfilling with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Three years later, in 1996, we entered into a joint venture with Living Earth to process organic waste into high-quality compost. Today, Living Earth is New Zealand’s largest compost producer, playing a key role in the circular economy.
In 2014, Waste Management NZ Limited was acquired by Beijing Capital Group. This period saw the launch of our first Sustainability Strategy in 2018, reinforcing our commitment to minimising waste and protecting the environment.
In 2022, we entered an exciting new chapter when the company was acquired by Igneo Infrastructure Partners. Igneo is a global leader in infrastructure investment, with a strong focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
In 2024, we refreshed our brand to become WM New Zealand, reflecting our transformation into a modern, sustainable business. This year also marked a significant milestone, with our electric truck fleet achieving 2 million kilometres travelled.
Today, WM New Zealand remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and supporting Aotearoa’s journey towards a circular economy.
Bryant Cartage begins trading in Auckland.
Waste collection and disposal services introduced.
Waste Management NZ Limited is formed.
Redvale Landfill & Energy Park opens.
Living Earth joint venture launched to create compost.
Acquired by Beijing Capital Group.
First Sustainability Strategy launched.
A global leader in infrastructure investment.
