Single-use plastic bags will be phased out of the country after mandatory new guidelines come into effect around the middle of next year.
"Government has carefully considered the full range of views put forward, and it's now time to take action as a step towards addressing plastic pollution," Associate Environment Minister Eugenie Sage said in a statement.
"Single-use plastic bags often end up polluting our precious coastal and marine environments and cause serious harm to marine mammals, sea-birds and other marine life."
The announcement comes after a five-week public consultation process, in which 92 per cent of respondents supported the move.
Ms Sage said many retailers and consumers have already stopped using single-use plastic bags, with new research also showing half of all New Zealanders are using reusable bags while shopping.
The phase out, applying to retailers, will have a six-month implementation period, in line with World Trade Organisation requirements.
Bags to be banned under the new regulations will include bags under 70 microns, with the exception of lightweight reusable bags made from synthetic fabric; and degradable plastic bags, which covers "oxo-degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic bags".
"Plastic waste is polluting our land, lakes and rivers, sea coast and oceans. Single-use plastic is a big part of the problem, with plastic bags among the most common items found in beach clean-ups in New Zealand."
The exact date for the ban to come into effect will be announced after regulations are considered by Cabinet next month.
SHARE ME