---
title: "Member Spotlight: Andrea Svendsen"
description: Spotlighting Andrea Svendsen, WM New Zealand's communications and sustainability manager, discussing her passion for the waste industry and sustainable waste management in Aotearoa.
---

[News and media releases | WasteMINZ ](https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/news)

# [Member Spotlight: Andrea Svendsen](https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/news/member-spotlight-andrea-svendsen)

 Written by [WasteMINZ](https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/news/author/wasteminz) | 29 October 2025

In this member spotlight, we talk to  Andrea Svendsen, communications and sustainability manager at WM New Zealand. 

Andrea is a new Behaviour Change Sector Group Steering Committee member, and says the significance of the work and the people who do it is drew her to working in the waste industry. 

*"It’s a down-to-earth industry where you learn from each other and see the impact of your work every day. And it’s important work. **We all create waste, and we need safe, sustainable ways to manage it."*

  

**Tell us about your organisation**

We operate more than 80 sites across Aotearoa, supported by a team of around 2,000 people. Our focus is on recovering as many materials as possible so they can be reused, helping to build a circular economy for Aotearoa. For the waste that can’t yet be recovered, we manage it safely at our modern, engineered landfills, where landfill gas is captured and converted into renewable electricity.

 

**What attracted you to the waste industry, and what do you enjoy most about the industry?** ** ** 

What I love about the waste industry is the people. It’s one of the most diverse workforces I’ve ever been part of, people from every background, each with their own story, all playing a part in keeping the country running. You’ve got drivers, engineers, scientists, and customer service teams, everyone contributes something different, and it all matters. It’s a down-to-earth industry where you learn from each other and see the impact of your work every day. And it’s important work. We all create waste, and we need safe, sustainable ways to manage it. That’s what first drew me in, the significance of the work and the people who do it. 

** **What advice would you give to a young professional in waste space?** ** **   
**

People in the waste industry are very willing to share their knowledge. Talk to as many people as you can, ask questions, and keep building your understanding. The challenges around waste and the environment can feel overwhelming at times, but focus on what you can achieve. Do your best, lead by example, and others will notice and follow. 

**What are you reading or listening to right now?**

 My favourite podcast right now is *The Invisible 99%,* it takes you on some fascinating tangents into the world’s unseen architecture and design. I defy anyone not to be captivated by *The Towers of Silence*. I’m also reading J.K. Rowling’s latest *CB Strike* detective novel. She’s such a compelling storyteller it’s impossible not to get drawn in. 

**Describe your perfect day outside of work**

 My perfect day starts early with a walk and my two Jack Russell terriers, James and Lola, followed by a delicious oat-milk flat white from my local café, Delishimo. I’d spend the rest of the morning outside somewhere with my family, my husband Richard and three children. Lunch in the sun, dinner with friends, and if I can sneak in a nap or a few chapters of my latest book somewhere in between, that’s pretty close to perfect. 

 

[View full post](https://www.wasteminz.org.nz/news/member-spotlight-andrea-svendsen)

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