The Warm Home Clean Air (WHCA) project started in 2004 following the introduction of the National Environmental Standard on Air Quality (NES). The NES required that emissions of the contaminant PM₁₀ (particles in the air less than 10 microns in diameter) should be 50 micrograms per cubic meter per day (midnight to midnight) with allowable breaches one per year by 2020.

The Problem with PM₁₀

The tiny particles PM₁₀ (solid, liquid or gas) can penetrate the lungs causing major health effects such as heart attacks, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and most seriously impact elderly people, children and diabetics. Minor health effects include nose and throat inflammation, worsening allergies and infections. These health effects in turn impact the quality of one’s life and interfere with the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the South Waikato.

Current PM₁₀ Emissions

Currently, Putaruru is better off in terms of air quality than Tokoroa, but it is still important for the town to reduce their PM₁₀ emissions.

In 2011, Tokoroa breached the NES 15 times and is not on track to meet the 2016 three exceedences only goal. Waikato Regional Council believes Tokoroa to be one of the worst in the Waikato in terms of air quality. Based on 2007 monitoring results from WRC, Tokoroa needs a 43% reduction in PM₁₀ emissions to fully comply with the NES by 2020.

The PM₁₀ issue is not isolated to Tokoroa and the South Waikato, although according to WRC Tokoroa is typically the worst in the Waikato. Taupo, Te Kuiti, and Christchurch are just some of the other places in New Zealand that are not currently complying with the NES.

The graph shows that Tokoroa only exceeds daily allowances in winter months when domestic heating is used frequently. A large number of homes in the South Waikato use wood burners to heat their homes, and PM₁₀ emissions are a result of the smoke that these wood burners, especially older models produce.

Do I Qualify for the Warm Homes Project?

Answer this short questionnaire to find out if you qualify.

Contact Us

• Send an email to the Warm Homes Co-ordinator
• Or phone (07) 885 0711