Particulate matter 10 micrometres or less in diameter (PM10) in the air comprises solid particles and liquid droplets from both natural and human-made sources. PM10 can be emitted from the combustion of fuels, such as wood and coal (eg from home heating and industry), and petrol and diesel (from vehicles). Natural sources of PM10 include sea salt, dust,...

"Freshwater plant and animal pests can have significant negative impacts on ecosystem health by reducing indigenous biodiversity through predation and competition, and destabilising aquatic habitats. Freshwater plant pests can cause economic losses through blocking water intakes for hydroelectricity generation, impeded drainage or irrigation. In addition,...

The location and extent of Type 2 marine protected areas in the territorial sea.

New Zealand waters have at least 117 species of chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and other cartilaginous fish species). They are particularly vulnerable to overfishing because they are long-lived, mature slowly, and have a low reproductive rate. Chondrichthyans are important for healthy ocean ecosystems, and reporting their commercial catch and bycatch...

Maps horticultural peat mining areas from 1990 to 2015, peat type and quantity, and post-mining activities.

Extreme weather events are weather events that are rare or even statistically unlikely. In New Zealand, such events can be dangerous and costly, both socially and monetarily. They can cause damage that affects productivity and leads to millions of dollars in insurance claims. This dataset relates to the "Insurance losses for extreme weather events"...

The Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) describes the long-term oscillation of the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific climate oscillation causes climate fluctuations that can influence New Zealand’s climate. For example, it can affect the strength and frequency of El Niño and La Niña events. In New Zealand, the positive phase of the IPO is linked to stronger...

"The rates of death (mortality) of indigenous tree species vary across New Zealand. Changes in the state of the environment (such as from browsing pests, large-scale weather events, or climate change) may change the rates of mortality of particular tree species. This in turn may alter forest processes. Repeated surveys of the distribution of mortality...

"Water clarity is a measure of underwater visibility in rivers and streams and can vary due to differences in land use, climate, elevation, and geology. Water clarity can be reduced by the presence of fine particles like silt, mud or organic material in the water. This affects the habitat and feeding of aquatic life like fish and aquatic birds. Water...

Coastal hydrosystems describe coastal features that span a gradient from near coast freshwater lakes/wetlands (lacustrine/palustrine environments) to marine. The term 'coastal hydrosystem' avoids the common error of referring to all such features as estuaries, mislabelling the numerous types that are non-estuarine and have different behavioural...

Rare ecosystems are ecosystems that either naturally cover very small areas or have very little of their original extent remaining. The extent to which they are threatened with extinction informs their conservation priority. Column headings: no_ecosys = number of rare ecosystems This dataset relates to the "Rare ecosystems" measure on the Environmental...

Growing degree days (GDD) is the measure of how much warmth is available for plant and insect growth during a growing season. GDD information helps horticulturists and farmers predict plant growth and stock development. The GDD value changes in response to climate variations, such as El Niño. Long-term changes in GDD are a measure of changing climate...

"The rates of death (mortality) of indigenous tree species vary across New Zealand. Changes in the state of the environment (such as from browsing pests, large-scale weather events, or climate change) may change the rates of mortality of particular tree species. This in turn may alter forest processes. Repeated surveys of the distribution of mortality...

"The rates of death (mortality) of indigenous tree species vary across New Zealand. Changes in the state of the environment (such as from browsing pests, large-scale weather events, or climate change) may change the rates of mortality of particular tree species. This in turn may alter forest processes. Repeated surveys of the distribution of mortality...

Rural areas as defined by Statistics New Zealand. Average is unweighted average across North Island rural areas. Note: There is no rural monitoring in the South Island. PM10 concentrations are given in micrograms per cubic metre of air, Source: Regional councils of Bay of Plenty, Waikato; Auckland Council

River water quality water is valued for many reasons including ecological function and habitat, recreational value, its role in supporting people and industry, and its cultural significance. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for plant growth, however too much can lead to ‘nuisance’ growths of river algae and aquatic plants, degrading...

"Fine sediment is the collective term for inorganic particles deposited on the streambed less than 2mm in size. Urban development and agriculture and forestry around waterways can increase the amount of sediment entering river systems. Sedimentation can clog space between pebbles that are used by aquatic insects and fish, alter food sources, and remove...

"Fine sediment is the collective term for inorganic particles deposited on the streambed less than 2mm in size. Urban development and agriculture and forestry around waterways can increase the amount of sediment entering river systems. Sedimentation can clog space between pebbles that are used by aquatic insects and fish, alter food sources, and remove...

Lightning is the discharge of electricity from thunderstorms. Ground strikes can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and injure or kill people and livestock. Lightning is often associated with other severe weather events, such as strong wind gusts. Thunderstorms may increase in frequency and intensity with climate change. This dataset...

"Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant and animal life. Phosphorus can vary due to differences in land use, climate, elevation, and geology. Total phosphorus (TP) includes all concentrations in a sample, whether dissolved, in solid form or bound to sediment in the river. Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) is the portion which is dissolved and can...