Air Quality

Some of the most striking images of lockdown around the world have been the blue skies of cities ordinarily choking in smog. From New Delhi to Los Angeles, Beijing to Paris, the changes were so remarkable they were visible from space.
NIWA scientists have set up air quality sensors every 100 metres across Arrowtown in what is believed to be the world’s densest air monitoring network.
Animations showing wind conditions and air quality over 24-hour periods across study towns during winter 2021 and 2020.
Seven weeks of lockdown has provided evidence of how pollution can vanish overnight with benefits for the environment and individuals, says NIWA air quality scientist Dr Ian Longley.

Changes in NZ air quality during COVID-19 level 3 restrictions.

Air quality update for Friday 15th May 2020. End of level 3 restrictions.

NIWA scientists are seeking help to sniff out smoke in a bid to help improve air quality in New Zealand.
Traffic pollution measurements in Auckland since Level 4 restrictions were eased on Tuesday have shown levels soaring even higher than those before lockdown, NIWA air quality scientists say.
Changes in NZ air quality due to COVID-19 level 4 lockdown. Air quality update 7 for Tuesday 28 April 2020. End of level 4 restrictions.
Changes in NZ air quality due to COVID-19 level 4 lockdown Update 6 – fourth full week of level 4 restrictions for Thursday 23rd April 2020
A blob of smoke from the Australian bushfires is continuing to circle the globe almost four months after it formed.
Pollution levels in our main cities are continuing to fall as a result of the nationwide lockdown, says NIWA.
In week 3 levels of oxides of nitrogen (or NOx, representing mainly vehicle exhaust pollutants) in our major cities fell even further, with reductions of 83 – 91 % relative to normal at most sites.
The large reductions in traffic pollution in our major cities seen during week 1 of lockdown have been maintained during week 2.
NIWA scientists say air quality has dramatically improved in Auckland since the COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown was instigated.
Researchers at NIWA’s Lauder atmospheric research station in Central Otago have measured prolonged carbon monoxide concentrations well above normal levels.
The first month of data from NIWA’s air quality monitoring project in Arrowtown reveals that air quality has already breached the national standard eight times this winter, including six times in the week from 19 to 26 June – in fact every time the air temperature dropped below freezing.
NIWA worked with Year 8 students at Arrowtown School to analyse, visualise and communicate air quality data.
Read a summary of results and download our full report on 2019 outdoor air quality.
Arrowtown may be known for its picturesque autumn scenery, but in winter this tiny Central Otago town has a problem.
The latest state of the environment report released today provides New Zealanders with clear evidence that our climate, freshwater and marine systems are changing, says NIWA.
A newly formed partnership between Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ and NIWA aims to provide the latest air quality research to over 700,000 people living with respiratory conditions in New Zealand.
If you think science and art have nothing in common, think again. At environmental science institute NIWA, it’s all about one inspiring the other.
As temperatures drop over winter months, many Kiwis turn to their fireplaces to heat their homes. However, most of us are not fully aware of the immense impact that wood burning can have on people and the environment.

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