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.
PM10 is the main concern for air quality on the West Coast especially over the winter months when solid fuel burning for domestic heating increases. PM10 is currently monitored at one site in Reefton where, over winter, there can be exceedances of the National Environmental Standard for PM10.
PM monitoring history at towns in this region
Guideline |
Concentration |
% of guideline |
What is this showing me?
Towns | 10-year Trend | annual average (µg/m³) | Highest daily average (µg/m³) | 2nd highest daily average (µg/m³) | Number of exceedances |
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