This week Cromwell was said to have the worst air quality in Otago. NIWA have created animations of the towns air quality over winter 2021. It would be interesting to see data from neighbouring towns over this period and research into why it is so much worse here than elsewhere.

Statement from LAWA:
Cromwell has some of the worst air quality in Otago. Results indicate air quality does not meet the National Environmental Standard for PM10 in excess of 40 days each year.
Domestic heating combined with cold and calm weather during winter is a major cause of air quality degradation. Cromwell has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, with a resultant increase in wood burners.