ORC’s Scientist, Air Quality Sarah Harrison says while Otago’s air quality has generally improved over the past 20 years, there is still more to do to meet the National Environmental Standard for Air Quality.

“Our monitoring and research show the main cause of Otago’s air pollution is from solid fuel burners used in home heating, but there are other sources including rural outdoor burning, industrial and vehicle emissions,” Ms Harrison says.

Between 29 July and 22 August, there will be 17 in-person sessions at 11 locations across Otago, plus two online sessions. Feedback can also be provided online anytime.

“We’re encouraging people from all around Otago to either come to a session or join us on-line to give their feedback on air quality,” she says.

She says the key pollutant in Otago, particulate matter, mostly comes from home heating emissions. 
“Air quality can be especially poor in parts of Otago because of the unique climate and landscape. We can have very cold winters and the geography and atmospheric conditions often act to trap pollution at ground level,” Ms Harrison says.

Given a warm home is vital during Otago’s cold winters, burning wood or coal is the most economical way to keep warm, but not all fuels and burners are created equal, causing variability of emissions.
“The types of fuels and burner technology people use have a huge influence on air quality, as do the way they are operated,” Ms Harrison says.

The other three main areas of concern are outdoor burning, vehicle emissions and industrial emissions. Odour, dust, and agricultural spraying are other air pollutants that may impact some Otago residents.

“If people are seeing or feeling the effect of any of these, we want to know about them, so we can better manage air quality and consider what education, alternatives or mitigations could be put in place, to support rules in any plans,” she says.

Community drop-in sessions and online feedback

Online sessions