Air Quality

Air quality in the West Coast region is generally good however over the cold winter months emissions from domestic heating increase and can cause a reduction in air quality.

Air quality in the West Coast region is generally good however over the cold winter months emissions from domestic heating increase and can cause a reduction in air quality. Following some investigative monitoring in the early 2000's a permanent air quality monitoring site was established in the town of Reefton. The majority of larger towns on the West Coast are situated close to the coast and therefore benefit from a greater degree of air circulation which helps to distribute particulate matter such as PM10. Reefton is an inland town which has climatic, geographic and anthropogenic factors contributing to poor air quality during winter. For further information regarding air quality on the West Coast please contact the West Coast Regional Council.

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.

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.

PM2.5 data has recently been added to the LAWA website. Results of this monitoring will not currently show on this regional summary page however data can be viewed on the Reefton site page.

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 1

Towns in the West Coast region

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

Reefton

1 Site