Air
To protect people's health and the environment we need to keep the air clean and free from pollution. Otago Regional Council regularly monitors the air quality within Otago, and identifies air quality problems and issues. The main source of air pollution in this region is solid fuel burning for heating.
Air monitoring - The ORC monitors air quality using permanent and portable samplers at various sites around the region.
Clean Heat Clean Air - The ORC Clean Heat Warm Home Assistance programme helps eligible homeowners pay for the cost of purchasing and installing insulation and ORC approved clean heating appliances such as heat pumps, pellet burners, flued gas and woodburners.The programme applies in the the Airzone one towns - Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell and Arrowtown and Milton. This brochure includes further information and an application form.
Solid fuel heating - burners used to heat buildings are the major source of pollution in Otago. Read about regulations for installing solid fuel burners currently and in future, which burners comply, and frequently asked questions about solid fuel heating.
Other air pollution sources - read about other factors dirtying our air including outdoor burning, motor vehicles, agrichemical spray drift, industrial and commercial sources, and odours.
Airzone newsletter
This newsletter contains information to help people to take steps within their household to reduce Central Otago's winter air pollution problems.
Airzone newsletter
Reporting air pollution
To report incidences of air pollution in Otago phone 0800 800 033.
Email your question about burning
Read more about the Pollution Hotline