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.

Having clean air is essential for the health of people and the environment. Northland Regional Council (council) has taken an active role in maintaining the air quality to meet with the National Environmental Standard for air quality (NESAQ). Air monitoring results conducted by the council has confirmed that northland’s air quality is good compared to many other regions in New Zealand and comply with the NESAQ.  However, human made pressures - such as burning and smoke nuisance, discharge from home heating devices, emissions from industries and vehicles need to be effectively managed to reduce air quality related health and environmental effects. With a focus on safeguarding public health and the environment, council employs a multifaceted approach that encompasses air quality monitoring, environmental incident investigation, compliance monitoring of discharge to air resource consents, and implementation of regulations. 

Northland Region has five gazetted airsheds: Whangārei, Kaitāia, Dargaville, Kerikeri and Marsden Point. Council currently monitors particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) in Whangārei airshed and PM₁₀ in Kaitāia and Dargaville airsheds. All three monitoring sites have meteorological stations installed. PM₁₀ has been monitored in Marsden Point airshed between 2013 and 2023.

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