Te kounga hā ora i Tāmaki Makaurau
Air quality in Auckland
Current state of air quality in Auckland
The quality of our air is relatively pure. However, activities that release emissions can rapidly degrade its quality.
In summer, the main cause of air pollution in Auckland is transport.
In winter, the main cause is emissions from domestic fires. Wood smoke emits fine particles, an average of 11 tonnes a day, into the air. These particles are so tiny that they can be easily inhaled. They can lead to respiratory diseases and heart ailments.
For more information, see the
Our research and evaluation resources.
What we do to manage our air quality
We monitor air pollution levels to ensure particle emissions are within the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality, as well as, our own regional air quality targets.
For national and air quality targets, see the Auckland Unitary Plan: Chapter E14 Air quality (PDF 305KB).
We currently monitor air pollutants at fixed monitoring sites and mobile sites. For more information, see
Environment Auckland Data Portal.
We also manage a range of activities through consent conditions. For more information, see
Discharge of contaminants into the air.
Related topics
Outdoor fires | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/licences-regulations/outdoor-fires | Outdoor fires | Rules for outdoor fires, including pizza ovens, hāngi, umu and cooking fires, fireworks, bonfires, and sky lanterns. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | | |
Report pollution | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/what-you-can-do-for-environment/Pages/report-pollution.aspx | Report pollution | Call the pollution hotline for stormwater pollution and air pollution. The Pollution Response Team is available seven days a week. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Environment consultation | |
Discharge of contaminants into the air | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/air-quality-pollution-contamination/Pages/discharge-of-contaminants-into-the-air.aspx | Discharge of contaminants into the air | Some industry, business and farm activities discharge contaminants, odours and pollutants into the air. Find out if you need an air discharge consent. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Air quality
Pollution | |
Minimise smoke from your fireplace | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/air-quality-pollution-contamination/Pages/minimise-smoke-from-your-fireplace.aspx | Minimise smoke from your fireplace | Find out how to minimise smoke from your fireplace. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Air quality
Pollution | |
Report smoke and pollution from fires | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/licences-regulations/outdoor-fires/Pages/report-smoke-pollution-from-fires.aspx | Report smoke and pollution from fires | How to report smoke or pollution and what we can do about it. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Outdoor fires and fireworks | |
Install solid fuel heating | | https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/building-renovation-projects/heat-your-home/Pages/install-solid-fuel-heating.aspx | Install solid fuel heating | Find out how to apply for a consent to install solid fuel heating and who can carry out the installation. | | | | aspx | | | | | | | | | Building and consents | |
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