Resources

In July 2022 the Ministry for the Environment Manatū Mō Te Taiao released a research study on the health effects and social costs of air pollution in New Zealand. Health and air pollution in New Zealand 2016 (HAPINZ 3.0) He rangi hauora he iwi is the result of three years’ work. 

Waka Kotahi has supported HAPINZ by:

• Co-funding through the National Land Transport Programme Sector Research Programme
• Co-leading the HAPINZ steering group made up of representatives from regional and central government
• Technical review and input into research direction
• Supply of information and data.  

The health effects of air pollution in New Zealand were first assessed in HAPINZ 1.0 for a base year of 2001. This work was later updated in HAPINZ 2.0 for a base year of 2006.  HAPINZ 3.0 represents the latest update and assesses the air pollution health effects experienced by New Zealanders for 2016. 

The body of evidence showing air pollution impact on human health has increased substantially. In New Zealand, air pollution harms are caused mainly by the type of transport we use and the fuel we burn to heat our homes. Motor vehicles are the largest contributor to air pollution health effects in New Zealand with domestic fires in second place. 

For further information / updates see the Ministry for the Environment webpage: https://environment.govt.nz/publications/health-and-air-pollution-in-new-zealand-2016-findings-and-implications(external link)

Contributing authors:

• Gerda Kuschel, Jayne Metcalfe and Surekha Sridhar (Emission Impossible Ltd)
• Perry Davy (GNS Science)
• Keith Hastings (Jacobs Ltd)
• Kylie Mason (Massey University)
• Tim Denne (Resource Economics Ltd)
• Alistair Woodward (University of Auckland)
• Simon Hales and June Atkinson (University of Otago)
• Jess Berentson-Shaw and Sharon Bell (The Workshop)