From our Chair: We're requesting a review of National Air Quality Standards
Earlier this week, I wrote to the Minister for the Environment, requesting a review of the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality as part of central government’s work programme on resource management.
The letter is as follows:
I write to you on behalf of the Canterbury Regional Council to request that you consider a timely review and update of the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality 2004 (NESAQ) as part of your significant work programme to reform the resource management system.
We recognise the ambitious scope and pace of Government’s work in this space and think this would support the outcomes Government is seeking.
Air quality remains a critical issue in Waitaha Canterbury and across Aotearoa New Zealand. The standards in the NESAQ should take account of the latest scientific evidence on the health impacts of exposure to particulate air pollution, which is now understood to cause harm at much lower concentrations than previously recognised. This includes a conclusive link between exposure to particulate matter and respiratory and cardiovascular disease, reduced life expectancy, and premature mortality.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) 2021 Air Quality Guidelines and the Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand (HAPINZ) 2022 study outline the cost of poor air quality.
HAPINZ 2022 estimates that air pollution contributes to more than 3,000 premature deaths each year in Aotearoa New Zealand, with an annual economic burden of approximately $15.6 billion. These findings reflect a material increase in the quantified health and economic costs compared to earlier estimates.
Despite this new evidence, the NESAQ continues to reflect our understanding of the health impacts of particulate matter as they were 20 years ago. Reviewing the NESAQ in light of the WHO 2021 Air Quality Guidelines and HAPINZ 2022 would bring Aotearoa New Zealand into line with international best practice, provide a clearer statutory framework, and strengthen the evidence base for prioritising investment in air quality improvements.
Canterbury Regional Council Chair Craig Pauling
It would also ensure that the right tools and levers are available to manage air pollutants fairly and effectively across all major sources, such as transport emissions and windblown dust from quarrying activity or dry land.
We also note that the Ambient Air Quality Guidelines are now out of date. We encourage consideration of their update alongside the NESAQ review, to ensure decision-making by councils is guided by current science.
Reviewing and appropriately updating the NESAQ and Ambient Air Quality Guidelines enables us to have the most up-to-date science and understanding of risk when we permit activities. Given Government’s focus on speeding up the development of housing and infrastructure, and unlocking economic growth, it is important that we also consider the potential air quality and health risks that this activity might contribute to.
Canterbury Regional Council stands ready to contribute to this process, sharing our expertise and regional insights to support the development of effective and workable solutions.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter. We look forward to your response.
Nāku noa, nā
Craig Pauling
Chair, Canterbury Regional Council
Further research and guidance on air quality
Read more about air quality guidelines and the recent HAPINZ study.