This section provides information on air quality in New Zealand. It details initiatives to improve air quality including the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality and provides information on specific air pollutants. It also includes information on regional air quality in managed airsheds and on authorised wood burners.
Air
About air quality
New Zealand has relatively good air quality. However air pollution can affect our health and the enjoyment of our environment. This section has information on air quality in New Zealand and how it is managed.
National Environmental Standards for Air Quality
The National Environmental Standards for Air Quality are regulations made under the Resource Management Act 1991 which aim to set a guaranteed minimum level of health protection for all New Zealanders.
Ambient air quality guidelines
Information on the Ambient Air Quality Guidelines.
Home heating and authorised wood burners
Provides a list of authorised wood burners that meet the performance requirements of the national wood burner standard. Pellet burners that have been tested and found to meet the standard for wood burners in the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality are included in the list. There is also information for the public and councils on wood burner installation requirements and best practice wood burner use.
Monitoring and reporting
Information on the monitoring of air quality and access to the latest national and regional air quality data.
Specific air pollutants
Information on some of the main pollutants that affect our health and environment.
Resources
Guidance to help councils meet their obligations to manage air quality.
Cabinet papers and related material search
Search Cabinet papers about air and their associated minutes, regulatory impact statements, and briefing notes that have been approved for release.
Publication search
Search all air publications on our website.