Poor air quality was a concern for approximately half the respondents of an Otago Regional Council (ORC) survey - particularly in areas like Queenstown Lakes.

Today (Wednesday March 19), ORC councillors will decide on its approach to air quality management at a meeting in Queenstown.

“Air quality is a vital issue for our region’s health and well-being and is an area where I think we can make a real difference,” ORC planning and transport general manager Anita Dawe said.

ORC policy and strategy staff have been working with the science team to assess what is happening under the current air plan rules and what could be achieved over the next 15 years.

Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from home heating remains the primary air quality challenge in Otago’s urban areas.

Estimates suggest that a combination of phasing out older burners, improving outdoor burning regulations, and educational initiatives to change burning habits could achieve up to a 49 percent reduction in fine particulate pollution, significantly improving air quality and public health, Anita said.

Three options will be presented to councillors, focusing on emissions from home heating and outdoor burning - where the greatest gains in air quality can be made.

They are to continue the current air quality management measures (which could achieve an 18 percent improvement in air quality but would not meet the National Environment Standards for Air Quality; take actions to meet standards, resulting in a 42 percent improvement in air quality; or decide to meet slightly higher World Health Organisation standards, resulting in a 49 percent improvement in air quality.

Home heating is a major contributor to poor air quality. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“The outcome will shape the development of the region’s Air Quality Strategy and a new Air Plan, ensuring a long-term, sustainable approach to improving air quality across Otago,” Anita said.

The ORC survey found majority support for phasing out high-emission burners and banning coal burning, while respondents favoured incentives and education over outright restrictions on home heating. 

Managing outdoor burning was more divisive, particularly among rural stakeholders.

Today’s meeting will take place at the Queenstown Lakes District Council chambers in Queenstown from 9am-5pm. Find the agenda (and YouTube livestream access) here.