Extract:

Summary

Most monitoring sites have recorded slightly higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM_2.5) compared to the previous year. As in the previous year, the highest concentrations of both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were recorded at Queen Street site. The ongoing construction activities in the city centre (e.g., the city rail link project) is a primary factor.

As expected, the city centre sites have recorded the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations. The Queen Street city centre site recorded higher levels of NO₂ in March and April, in contrast to the levels observed in the first two months of the year. This marks a deviation from the short-term downward trend in NO₂ levels that have been observed at the city centre sites since January 2020. The exact cause for this shift is unclear and requires further investigation.

There has been an increase in sulphur dioxide (SO₂) levels at the two monitoring stations, and the reason for this is unclear. Further studies are needed to determine the cause of this increase.

It is important to note that air quality at a monitoring site can vary from year to year due to weather and other influences. For a trend analysis of change, please see Table 2 and Auckland air quality report, October 2021. ...

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Read the frequently asked questions about the air quality monitoring in the Auckland region.

For more information or questions, please send inquiries to: environmentaldata@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

This edition includes a focus on the Pakuranga air quality monitoring site.

Auckland Council, May 2023

Previous reports

April

March

2022 reports (selected)

October

November

December