Decrease in pollution
Seasonally adjusted greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions created by industries and households decreased by 0.2 per cent over the March 2026 quarter, reports Stats NZ.
Industry emissions, excluding households, fell by 0.3 per cent or 51 kilotonnes. Over the same period, gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.8 per cent.
“Driven by a decline in mining activity, GHG emissions decreased by 42kt over the March 2026 quarter,” says Stuart Pitts. environment statistics spokesperson. “This is the fourth consecutive quarter of reduced emissions.
“While GHG from industries have been falling, New Zealand’s GDP has continued to rise, resulting in a lower emissions intensity.”
Transport, postal and warehousing emissions increased by 0.9 per cent and 15kt of carbon-dioxide equivalent during the March quarter when compared to December quarter.
Total household emissions increased 0.8 per cent and 15kt. This was largely driven by emissions from transport, which were up 0.6 per cent and by 11kt.
