Northland region

Air Quality

Northland enjoys a high standard of air quality, thanks to the south-westerly winds, a relatively dispersed population, few heavy industries and low vehicle density.

Northland is surrounded by ocean and encompasses a relatively small industrial base, low traffic and dispersed rural population that is away from main centres. The main issues affecting air quality in Northland are smoke from home heating during winter months, backyard burning, and dust from vehicles travelling on unsealed roads, or activities such as earthworks.

Northland Regional Council currently monitors particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) in Whangārei airshed and PM₁₀ in Marsden Point airshed. Previously, PM₁₀ has been monitored in Kaitāia, Kerikeri, Dargaville airsheds, Kaikohe and Kawakawa townships using a mobile monitor.

The main purpose of air quality monitoring is to assess whether the region’s air complies with the National Environmental Standards for air quality (NESAQ) and to assess whether the air we breathe is clean to ensure public health and amenity values are maintained. Air quality monitoring has identified that at times concentrations of pollutants such as PM₁₀ and PM_2.5have approached or exceeded the NESAQ.

Regional Summary

PM₁₀and PM_2.5at towns in this region

The most significant air pollutant in New Zealand are small airborne particles in our air (known as particulate matter). Particulate pollutants are of most concern in New Zealand because of their high concentrations in some of our towns. Exposure to high levels of airborne particle pollutants has the potential to cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues. View a factsheet on why air quality is important here.

PM monitoring history at towns in this region

Annual average
Highest daily average
Exceedance

Showing:

PM₁₀

What is this showing me?

The graph enables you to view the annual average and highest daily average concentrations of PM₁₀ and number of exceedance days for the year selected. The results are compared to the relevant air quality standard or guideline (denoted by the red horizontal line). See this factsheet for more information about the PM₁₀ measurements, and the standards and guidelines used to report on.

Values above the standard or guideline shown can be a cause for concern as short- or long-term exposure to high PM₁₀ can have health impacts. See this factsheet about why air quality is important and factors that influence air quality.

The trends in the table below indicate whether the PM₁₀ concentrations have been improving, showing no measurable change, or declining over the 10-years prior to the year selected. (For towns that have more than one monitoring site, a representative site is shown).

Data table PM₁₀

Towns	10-year Trend	annual average (µg/m³)	Highest daily average (µg/m³)	2nd highest daily average (µg/m³)	Number of exceedances

PM_2.5

What is this showing me?

The graph enables you to view the annual average and highest daily average concentrations of PM_2.5 and number of exceedance days for the year selected. The results are compared to the World Health Organization guidelines (denoted by the red horizontal line). See this factsheet for more information about the PM_2.5 measurements, and the standards and guidelines used to report on.

Values above the guidelines can be a cause for concern as short- and long-term exposure to high PM_2.5 values can have health impacts. See this factsheet about why air quality is important and factors that influence air quality.

Any trends in the table below indicate whether the PM_2.5 concentrations have been improving, showing no measurable change, or declining over the 10-years prior to the year selected. (For towns that have more than one monitoring site, a representative site is shown).

Data table PM_2.5

Towns	10-year Trend	annual average (µg/m³)	Highest daily average (µg/m³)	2nd highest daily average (µg/m³)	Number of exceedances

Towns 3

Towns in the Northland region

Select the town you'd like to see information on by clicking the buttons below or navigate using the map.

Kaitāia

1 Site

Inactive

Ruakaka

1 Site

Inactive

Whangārei

1 Site