High concentrations of PM₁₀ are far more common in the South Island

Posted 2 years ago by Patrick Hipgrave Less than a minute to read

There is a clear divide between the two main islands of New Zealand, with higher than recommended concentrations of PM₁₀ being much more common in the South Island than in the North.

Key facts:

In 2020, 18 stations (out of 56 total) exceeded the latest WHO guidance for annual average PM₁₀ concentrations; 14 of these stations were in the South Island
In 2020, 15 monitoring stations exceeded the NESAQ limit for daily PM₁₀ concentrations, most of which (12 stations) were in the South Island
Between 2005 and 2020, 69% of all exceedances of the NESAQ daily limit occurred during winter and a further 19% in autumn.

Read more in our latest factsheet 'Particulate matter concentrations (PM₁₀): https://www.reports.esriuk.com/view-report/4e0791bef2e949929958f8f2c0181ece/NZ

Or view the PDF version here: https://ehinz.ac.nz/assets/Factsheets/Released_2022/PM10-concentrations_112022.pdf