Story: Public health

Investigating Auckland air quality

In 2010 the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) launched the largest scientific investigation of air quality ever conducted in New Zealand. Scientists were looking at the long-term effects of motorways and wood smoke on air quality in Ōtāhuhu, Auckland. This area was chosen because it was close to a motorway and typical of many New Zealand neighbourhoods in its grid layout and low housing density. The research was expected to clarify the effects of transport emissions and wood smoke on human health. In this video clip NIWA scientist Ian Longely explains how the research was conducted.

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NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Public health - Environmental health', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/31367/investigating-auckland-air-quality (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 7 Jul 2019 with assistance from Richard Edwards