State of the environment
Introduction |
Update 2007/2008 |
Update 2006/2007 |
Update 2005/2006 |
Update 2004/2005 |
Our Changing Environment 2004/2005 |
Update 2003 |
Our Changing Environment 2002
Our Changing Environment 2002
Every three years, Auckland City conducts a comprehensive study on the city's
environment and publishes the findings in a report called Our Changing
Environment. The report covers:
- the council's environmental policies and targets
- the council's systems for managing the environment
- the city's current environmental state and trends
- recommendations for future management of the environment
- the suitability and effectiveness of the council’s district plan
- the council's resource consent compliance.
Environmental monitoring is a requirement under the Resource Management Act
1991 and enables Auckland City to keep an environmental 'score card' so that we
can take care of our city effectively.
Summary of Our Changing Environment
2002
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The left hand side indicates that we are starting out. In this situation
sufficient information is unavailable or progress is still beginning. |
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The middle indicates that progress is being made but that effort is
still required if we want to see further improvements. |
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The right hand side indicates that we are meeting or making strong
progress towards meeting our desired environmental outcomes and
objectives. |
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The
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Air quality
The amount of sulphur dioxide and lead in our air is continuing to decrease
thanks in part to unleaded petrol policies and the adoption of best practice by
industry. There is concern, however, over the number of exceedences of carbon
monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, the main components of vehicle emissions, near
the city's major roads.
Download air quality section of Our
Changing Environment 2002 (305k)
Water resources
Drinking water continues to be of a high standard. Sampling at the city's
beaches since 1999 shows that there has been a reduction in the number of
exceedences of health-based guidelines. However more information is required
before we can accurately assess whether or not there is an overall improvement
in beach water quality.
Download
the water resources section of Our Changing Environment 2002
(530k)
Natural hazards
Since the introduction of the 2000 Civil Defence Emergency Management Bill,
Auckland City, through the Regional Civil Defence emergency management group,
has worked hard to identify and manage the risks that natural hazards pose to
the city.
Download
the natural hazards section of Our Changing Environment 2002
(319k)
Solid waste
Total waste to landfill in the region has continued to rise, however the amount
of solid and hazardous waste which is recycled or collected under the regional
"hazmobile" initiative has increased. It is expected that the
implementation of key actions in the city’s waste minimisation plans, such as
the replacement of 240 litre bins with 120 litre bins, will start to display
positive trends in waste management in the city.
Download the solid
waste section of Our Changing Environment 2002 (387k)
Hazardous substances
The number of hazardous substance spills which occur within the city
has increased since the last State of the Environment Report in 1998. The
collection and disposal of hazardous waste is also on the increase.
Download
the hazardous substances section of Our Changing Environment 2002
(244k)
Contaminated land
The number of contaminated and 'at risk sites' within the city has
increased. However this rise may be due to the fact that contamination or the
risk from contamination has always been present but until now has never been
identified as such. Work on the remediation and overall management of closed
landfills continues to improve.
Download the contaminated
land section of Our Changing Environment 2002 (607k)
Noise
Appropriate and meaningful data relating to the level of ambient noise
in the city is still difficult to obtain. Noise complaints have continued to
increase.
Download the noise section of Our Changing
Environment 2002 (238k)
Growth and amenity
The development and growth of a city directly affects land use patterns, the
quality of the surrounding air and water, and the management of hazardous
substances and solid waste.
Auckland City's population is forecast to continue to grow during the next 50
years. Unless it is managed properly, demographic changes and the city's
development could have major implications for the future of infrastructure and
the recreational facilities required by future generations.
Download the growth and amenity section of Our Changing
Environment 2002 (1716k)
Heritage protection
The zero-based reviews to accurately assess and record heritage assets
within the city have provided a range of information which will further enhance
the council’s ability to effectively manage and protect heritage assets in the
city.
Download
the heritage protection section of Our Changing Environment 2002
(280k)
Climate change
Although climate change has global ramifications its impact will be at a the
local level. The council is still gathering and assessing what information be
required to meet this challenge.
Download the climate change section of Our
Changing Environment 2002 (877k)
Transportation
Transportation continues to be one of the key issues for both Auckland
City and the region as a whole. Road congestion and travel times remain high,
however during the past two years passenger transportation patronage appers to
be increasing.
Download the transportation section of Our
Changing Environment 2002 (293k)
Energy
The introduction of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000
and the 2001 energy crisis has raised awareness of energy related issues.
Auckland City, however, still lacks sufficient information on the amount and
type of energy consumed in the city.
Download
the energy section of Our Changing Environment 2002 (370k)
If you would like to purchase a copy of Our
Changing Environment 2002, please contact
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