Greenhouse gas emissions by region (industry and household): Year ended 2019 

Regional greenhouse gas emissions statistics include regional emissions by industry, households, and emissions intensity (emissions in relation to regional GDP). They are based on consistent classifications and concepts used in economic statistics.

Key facts

Regional greenhouse gas emissions estimates for the year ended 2019 compared with the year ended 2018 show:

• Total regional emissions increased 2.1 percent (up 1,709 kilotonnes) to 81,737 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).
• Industry emissions increased 2.5 percent, largely due to increases in Waikato (up 1020 kilotonnes), Taranaki (up 218 kilotonnes), and Auckland (up 198 kilotonnes).
• Household emissions decreased 0.3 percent, largely due to decreases in Canterbury (down 47 kilotonnes), Auckland (down 43 kilotonnes), and Nelson (down 22 kilotonnes).
• Over the period 2007–2019, total regional CO₂-e emissions increased 1.8 percent.

Household emissions by region

Just over 90 percent of total household emissions come from transport. Heating and cooling contribute 7.0 percent, and ‘other’ (household emissions from, for example, inhalers, septic tanks, etc) contributes 2.8 percent to total household emissions.

The largest changes in regional household emissions in 2019 compared with 2018 were:

• Waikato, up 65 kilotonnes (6.0 percent)
• Canterbury, down 47 kilotonnes (4.1 percent)
• Auckland, down 43 kilotonnes (1.3 percent).

The Auckland region is home to 34 percent of the population, who emitted 3,311 kilotonnes (34 percent) of New Zealand’s household emissions in 2019. This was 1.3 percent down on the previous year.

Auckland households emitted 2.0 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e) per capita, equalling the national household emissions per capita average. From 2007–2019, Auckland’s household emissions increased 16 percent, slower than its population growth of 21 percent.

Households in the Tasman region emitted the most per capita, at 2.9 tonnes of CO_2-e per capita. Households in the Waikato region were the second largest emitters, at 2.4 tonnes of CO_2-e per capita. Households in the Marlborough region emitted the least at 1.6 tonnes of CO_2-e per capita.

The changes in household emissions were largely driven by transport emissions, which accounted for just over 90 percent of total household emissions for all regions in 2019. Nationally, household transport emissions declined slightly in 2019. The Auckland regional fuel tax, regional fuel price variation, and changes in household behaviour may have affected household transport emissions.

Total industry emissions

The largest changes in industry emissions in 2019 compared with 2018 were from:

• Waikato, up 1,020 kilotonnes (7.6 percent), driven by electricity, gas, water, and waste services
• Taranaki, up 218 kilotonnes (3.9 percent), driven by increases in manufacturing, up 217 kilotonnes, and agriculture, up 202 kilotonnes – increases were partially offset by decreases in electricity, gas, water, and waste services, down 132 kilotonnes, and mining down 69 kilotonnes
• Auckland, up 198 kilotonnes (2.6 percent), driven mainly by increases in manufacturing (94 kilotonnes) and agriculture (66 kilotonnes).

Emissions associated with electricity generation are allocated based on the region of the generating plant rather than the consumer location, in line with the production approach to measuring emissions and with the basis of measuring GDP.

Industry emissions by region

Agriculture

Agriculture accounted for 58 percent of total regional industry CO_2-e emissions and increased 0.6 percent in 2019.

• Waikato and Canterbury accounted for 20 percent and 18 percent respectively of agriculture industry emissions in 2019.
• Manawatū-Whanganui was the next largest contributor at 11 percent.
• Taranaki’s agriculture emissions increased the most, up 202 kilotonnes between 2018–2019.
• Canterbury had the largest fall in agriculture emissions, down 210 kilotonnes (2.7 percent). This was mainly due to a decline in livestock numbers in 2019.

Electricity, gas, water, and waste services

Electricity, gas, water, and waste services accounted for 11 percent of total regional industry emissions and increased 9.3 percent in 2019.

• Waikato, the largest contributor, accounted for 47 percent (3,780 kilotonnes) of electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry emissions in 2019.
• Taranaki and Auckland were the next main contributors, with 16 percent (1,272 kilotonnes) and 13 percent (1,048 kilotonnes) respectively.
• Over 60 percent of emissions in this industry came from electricity generation and gas supply. National emissions from electricity generation and gas supply increased 17 percent (745 kilotonnes) in 2019, which was largely in Waikato, where emissions increased by 827 kilotonnes. This was partially offset by a reduction of 120 kilotonnes in Taranaki.

Emissions from the electricity industry are directly associated with a decrease in hydroelectric generation and a corresponding increase in fossil fuels/thermal generation. This substitution is associated with less rain than usual in the North Island over this period.

Water physical stock account, year ended June 1995–2020 has more information on precipitation by region and volumes of water discharged by hydroelectricity.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing accounted for 17 percent of total regional industry emissions and increased 7.6 percent in 2019.

• Auckland and Northland accounted for 27 percent and 17 percent respectively of manufacturing industry emissions in 2019.
• All regions had an increase in manufacturing emissions in 2019 with Northland showing the largest increase, up 222 kilotonnes followed by Taranaki, up 217 kilotonnes.

Service industries

Services accounted for 8.4 percent of total regional industry emissions and increased 0.2 percent in 2019. Emissions from transport, postal, and warehousing accounted for 45 percent of total services emissions.

• Auckland accounted for 35 percent of services emissions in 2019, followed by Canterbury and Wellington at 14 percent and 11 percent respectively.
• Auckland service industry emissions increased 3 kilotonnes (0.2 percent) in 2019. This increase was largely due to increases in telecommunications, financial, rental, professional, administrative, arts, and other services (up 10 kilotonnes) and Government, defence, education, and health care (up 7 kilotonnes), and partially offset by decreases in transport, postal, and warehousing (down 14 kilotonnes).
• Over the same period, emissions in Canterbury decreased by 8 kilotonnes (0.9 percent), mainly due to a decrease in transport, postal, and warehousing (12 kilotonnes), and increased in Wellington by 9 kilotonnes (1.3 percent) due to nearly equal increases across telecommunications, financial, rental, professional, administrative, arts, and other services; Government and defence, education, and health care; and transport, postal, and warehousing (totalling 11 kilotonnes).
• The largest increase in services emissions was 12 kilotonnes (2.7 percent) in Bay of Plenty. This was mainly due to an increase in emissions from road, rail, water transport, and transport services of 10 kilotonnes.

Regional emissions by gas

In 2019 emissions from methane (in carbon dioxide equivalents) and carbon dioxide combined were 88 percent of total emissions. Carbon dioxide increased by 1,689 kilotonnes (4.8 percent) and methane increased by 73 kilotonnes (0.2 percent) from 2018 to 2019. 

Note: all gas types are expressed in comparable units of carbon dioxide equivalents. 

Auckland emitted the largest amount of carbon dioxide, 9,200 kilotonnes, followed by:

• Waikato, with 7,118 kilotonnes
• Canterbury, with 3,895 kilotonnes.

Waikato experienced the largest increase in carbon dioxide, up 965 kilotonnes on the previous year.

• The carbon dioxide emissions increase in Waikato was mainly due to electricity generation and gas supply.
• Further large increases were seen in the regions of Northland, up 220 kilotonnes, and Auckland, up 132 kilotonnes with increases in both regions due to increases in manufacturing.

Methane emissions increased in 9 of the 16 regions:

• Waikato emitted the largest amount of methane, 6,362 kilotonnes, followed by
  • Canterbury, with 5,958 kilotonnes and
  • Manawatū-Whanganui, with 3,859 kilotonnes.
• Taranaki had the largest increase, up 140 kilotonnes and was the sixth largest methane emitting region.
• Regions with high methane emissions are generally intensive farming areas.

Nitrous oxide emissions increase 0.4 percent to 8,361 kilotonnes in 2019.

• Waikato emitted the largest amount of nitrous oxide, 1,923 kilotonnes, followed by
  • Canterbury, with 1,552 kilotonnes and
  • Southland, with 1,043 kilotonnes.
• Taranaki had the largest increase in nitrous oxide emissions, up 41 kilotonnes.
• Canterbury had the largest decrease, down 92 kilotonnes.

Fluorinated gases (f-gases) are a family of man-made gases used in a range of industrial applications.

• Emissions from f-gases decreased 4.6 percent to 1,835 kilotonnes in 2019.
• Auckland emitted the largest amount of f-gases, 543 kilotonnes, followed by
  • Canterbury, with 237 kilotonnes, and
  • Waikato, with 201 kilotonnes.
• Auckland had the largest decrease in f-gases, down 32 kilotonnes and Southland had the largest increase, up 13 kilotonnes.

Emissions and regional economic activity

Note that the emissions and economic data in this section have different reference periods. Emissions statistics are in December years and regional GDP statistics are in March years.

In 2019, 253 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO_2-e) were produced for every million dollars of GDP. This ranged from a high of 905 kilotonnes in Southland to a low of 87 in Wellington.

Southland recorded the highest emissions intensity (emissions relative to GDP) for total greenhouse gas emissions but was fourth highest for carbon dioxide intensity.

In 2019, Southland produced 7.4 percent of total CO₂-e emissions and contributed 2.1 percent to national GDP. Southland’s economy is heavily dominated by agriculture (primarily dairy and sheep farming) and manufacturing. These two industries made up 32.1 percent of Southland’s GDP in the March 2019 year.

Like other regions dependent on agricultural and manufacturing industries, Southland’s economy can be impacted to a greater degree by fluctuations in commodity prices and this can have an effect on emissions intensity without a significant change in emissions.

In the year ended March 2020, Southland’s GDP increased 3.7 percent, which was below the national average of 5.4 percent. 

Wellington produced 4.3 percent of total CO₂-e emissions and 12 percent of national GDP.

Wellington’s largest industries are:

• professional, scientific, and technical services
• public administration and safety (mainly local and central government)
• financial and insurance services.

Together, these three industries made up 30.9 percent of the region’s GDP in the March 2019 year. In the year ended March 2020, Wellington’s GDP increased 5.8 percent, which was above the national average of 5.4 percent.

Emissions intensity, for CO₂-e, tends to increase across regions depending on the significance of agriculture to the regional economy.

Variability in carbon dioxide emissions intensity is less pronounced:

• West Coast recorded the highest carbon dioxide intensity due to the significance of mining in this region.
• Carbon dioxide intensity was at a similar level for Bay of Plenty, Tasman/Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Otago, Manawatū-Whanganui and Gisborne.
• The higher carbon dioxide intensities in Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Southland reflect localised emissions-intensive economic units and activities, such as manufacturing and electricity generation.

Emissions statistics are in December years and are available for the years ending December 2007–2019. Regional GDP statistics are in March years and are available at the total region level for the March 2000–2020 years, with an industry breakdown by region available for 2000–2019.

Due to industry data availability, regional GDP figures for the year ending March 2019 are used when describing the main contributing industries of a region’s economy. Regional GDP figures for the year ending March 2020 are used in the emissions intensity calculations and when discussing a region’s economic movement at the total level, as this has a greater overlap with the December 2019 emissions year.

Further information on the emissions produced by each region by industry, and gas type can be found in the accompanying downloadable tables in this release. The time series available for regional emissions covers the December years 2007–2019.

Regional gross domestic product: Year ended March 2020 has more information on the growth and composition of GDP for all regions.

Regional summaries

• Northland
• Auckland
• Waikato
• Bay of Plenty
• Gisborne
• Hawke’s Bay
• Taranaki
• Manawatū-Whanganui
• Wellington
• Tasman and Nelson
• Marlborough 
• West Coast
• Canterbury
• Otago 
• Southland

Northland

Northland’s emissions are mainly from agriculture and manufacturing, which together made up 82 percent (41 percent each) of Northland’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO_2-e).

In 2019, 57 percent of Northland’s emissions (2,776 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and a further 35 percent (1,706 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms, Northland’s largest industry was manufacturing, making up 11.1 percent of the region’s economy in 2019. 

• In 2019, Northland’s emissions increased by 2.3 percent (112 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 222 kilotonne increase in manufacturing emissions, partially offset by a 104 kilotonne decrease in agriculture.
• In 2020, Northland’s GDP increased 4.6 percent ($363 million) and its population by 2.0 percent (3,800 people).
• In 2019, 91 percent of Northland’s emissions were from industry and 9 percent from households. Northland had one of the highest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 597 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 26 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Northland’s emissions decreased by 707 kilotonnes (13 percent).

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s third highest emitting region in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e), but highest for carbon dioxide and fluorinated gases. Auckland’s emissions are mainly from manufacturing and the services industries, which make up 29 percent and 19 percent respectively of Auckland’s CO₂-e emissions.

In 2019, 82 percent of Auckland’s emissions (9,200 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and a further 11 percent (1,184 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms Auckland is New Zealand’s largest economic region, accounting for 37.9 percent of New Zealand’s GDP in 2020. The top three industries for 2019 were manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services; and financial and insurance services. These three industries contributed 28.7 percent of Auckland’s GDP in 2019.

• In 2019, Auckland’s emissions increased by 1.4 percent (154 kilotonnes) while nationally emissions increased 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 94 kilotonne increase in manufacturing emissions and a 66 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions, partially offset by a 43 kilotonne decrease in household emissions.
• In 2020, Auckland’s GDP increased 5.9 percent ($6,856 million) and its population by 1.6 percent (25,700 people).
• In 2019, 70 percent of Auckland’s emissions were from industry and 30 percent from households. Auckland had one of the lowest emissions intensities across regions, as it produced 91 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 6.7 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Auckland’s emissions decreased by 513 kilotonnes (4.4 percent).

Waikato

Waikato is New Zealand’s highest emitter of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e), methane, nitrous oxide, and second highest for carbon dioxide.

Waikato’s emissions are mainly from agriculture; and electricity generation and gas supply, which make up 75 percent (53 percent and 22 percent respectively) of Waikato’s emissions in CO₂-e.

In 2019, 46 percent of Waikato’s emissions (7,118 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and a further 41 percent (6,362 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms, Waikato is New Zealand’s fourth-largest region, making up 8.7 percent of New Zealand’s GDP in 2019.

Agriculture (mostly dairy cattle farming) is an important industry for Waikato and this feeds into manufacturing (dairy product manufacturing), the largest industry in Waikato. In 2019, agriculture and manufacturing made up 20 percent of Waikato’s GDP.

• In 2019, Waikato’s emissions increased by 7.5 percent (1,085 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by an 827 kilotonne increase in electricity generation and gas supply emissions and a 124 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions.
• In 2020, Waikato’s GDP increased 4.9 percent ($1,313 million) and its population by 2.0 percent (9,700 people).
• In 2019, 93 percent of Waikato’s emissions were from industry and 7 percent from households. Waikato had one of the highest emissions intensities across regions, as it produced 560 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 32 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Waikato’s emissions increased by 994 kilotonnes (6.8 percent).

Bay of Plenty

Bay of Plenty’s emissions are mainly from agriculture and the electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry, which make up 54 percent (44 percent and 10 percent respectively) of Bay of Plenty’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 49 percent of Bay of Plenty’s emissions (1,695 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and a further 39 percent (1,352 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms, Bay of Plenty’s top industries are owner-occupied property operation, manufacturing, and construction. Together these industries made up 24.3 percent of the region’s GDP in 2019.

• In 2019, Bay of Plenty’s emissions increased by 4.4 percent (147 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by an 85 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions and a 27 kilotonne increase in manufacturing emissions.
• In 2020, Bay of Plenty’s GDP increased 6.1 percent ($1,078 million) and its population by 2.3 percent (7,400 people).
• In 2019, 82 percent of Bay of Plenty’s emissions were from industry and 18 percent from households. Bay of Plenty had one of the lowest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 183 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 11 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Bay of Plenty’s emissions increased by 431 kilotonnes (14 percent).

Gisborne

Gisborne’s emissions are mainly from agriculture, which make up 80 percent of Gisborne’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 69 percent of Gisborne’s emissions (914 kilotonnes) were from methane and a further 18 percent (242 kilotonnes) from carbon dioxide.

In economic terms, Gisborne is a small economy that contributed 0.7 percent to New Zealand’s total GDP in 2019. Forestry, fishing, and mining; and agriculture are industries that are most prominent in Gisborne, contributing 21.5 percent of Gisborne’s GDP.

• In 2019, Gisborne’s emissions decreased by 3.5 percent (48 kilotonnes) while nationally emissions increased 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 30 kilotonne decrease in agriculture emissions and a 12 kilotonne decrease in forestry, fishing, and agricultural support services emissions.
• In 2020, Gisborne’s GDP increased 3.3 percent ($74 million) and its population by 1.2 percent (600 people). In 2019, 93 percent of Gisborne’s emissions were from industry and 7 percent from households.
• Gisborne had the fifth highest emissions intensities across regions, as it produced 575 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 26 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Gisborne’s emissions decreased by 190 kilotonnes (13 percent).

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay’s emissions are mainly from agriculture, which make up 72 percent of Hawke’s Bay’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 62 percent of Hawke’s Bay’s emissions (2,031 kilotonnes) were from methane and a further 25 percent (833 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide.

In economic terms, Hawke’s Bay’s largest industries are manufacturing and agriculture (including horticulture and fruit growing; grain, sheep, and beef farming; and dairy cattle farming). Together these industries contributed 23.2 percent of the region’s GDP in 2019.

• In 2019, Hawke’s Bay’s emissions increased by 1.2 percent (40 kilotonnes) while nationally emissions increased 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 46 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions, partially offset by a 12 kilotonne decrease in emissions from households.
• In 2020, Hawke’s Bay’s GDP increased 4.8 percent ($414 million) and its population by 1.6 percent (2,700 people).
• In 2019, 90 percent of Hawke’s Bay’s emissions were from industry and 10 percent from households. Hawke’s Bay had the ninth highest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 359 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 19 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Hawke’s Bay’s emissions decreased by 177 kilotonnes (5.1 percent).

Taranaki

Taranaki’s emissions are mainly from agriculture; manufacturing; and electricity, gas, water, and waste services industries, which make up 82 percent of Taranaki’s emissions (40, 22, and 21 percent respectively) in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 54 percent of Taranaki’s emissions (3,280 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and a further 37 percent (2,245 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms, Taranaki’s economy is centred around three industries:

• forestry, fishing, and mining (mining dominates)
• manufacturing
• agriculture (mainly dairy cattle farming).

These industries made up 42.3 percent of the region’s GDP in 2019.

• In 2019, Taranaki’s emissions increased by 4.0 percent (235 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 202 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions and a 217 kilotonne increase in manufacturing emissions, partially offset by a 119 kilotonne decrease in electricity generation and gas supply.
• In 2020, Taranaki’s GDP increased 5.1 percent ($459 million) and its population by 1.3 percent (1,600 people).
• In 2019, 96 percent of Taranaki’s emissions were from industry and 4 percent from households. Taranaki had one of the highest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 639 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 50 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Taranaki’s emissions decreased by 207 kilotonnes (3.3 percent).

Manawatū-Whanganui

Manawatū-Whanganui’s emissions are mainly from agriculture, which make up 75 percent of Manawatū-Whanganui’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 64 percent of Manawatū-Whanganui’s emissions (3,859 kilotonnes) were from methane and a further 23 percent (1,390 kilotonnes) from carbon dioxide.

In economic terms, Manawatū-Whanganui’s largest industries are manufacturing and agriculture, making up 18.4 percent of the region’s GDP in 2019, followed by public administration and safety (defence force activities), adding 7.5 percent to the region’s GDP. Several military bases operate in Manawatū-Whanganui.

• In 2019, Manawatū-Whanganui’s emissions decreased by 0.5 percent (28 kilotonnes) while nationally emissions increased 2.1 percent. This was driven by an 81 kilotonne decrease in agriculture emissions partially offset by a 38 kilotonne increase in manufacturing emissions.
• In 2020, Manawatū-Whanganui’s GDP increased 5.3 percent ($625 million) and its population by 1.2 percent (2,900 people).
• In 2019, 91 percent of Manawatū-Whanganui’s emissions were from industry and 9 percent from households. Manawatū-Whanganui’s emissions intensities were seventh across regions as it produced 489 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 24 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Manawatū-Whanganui’s emissions decreased by 37 kilotonnes (0.6 percent).

Wellington

Wellington’s emissions are mostly from agriculture, households, and services, which make up 33 percent, 28 percent, and 20 percent respectively of Wellington’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 56 percent of Wellington’s emissions (1,942 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and a further 34 percent (1,182 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms, Wellington’s largest industries are:

• professional, scientific, and technical services
• public administration and safety (mainly local and central government)
• financial and insurance services.

Together, these industries made up 30.9 percent of the region’s GDP in 2019. Wellington was New Zealand’s second largest region in 2020 contributing 12.5 percent ($40,272 million) to national GDP.

• In 2019, Wellington’s emissions increased by 2.6 percent (88 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 58 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions.
• In 2020, Wellington’s GDP increased 5.8 percent (2,213 million) and its population by 1.3 percent (6,700 people).
• In 2019, 72 percent of Wellington’s emissions were from industry and 28 percent from households. Wellington’s emissions intensities were the lowest across regions as it produced 87 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 6.6 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Wellington’s emissions decreased by 86 kilotonnes (2.4 percent).

Tasman and Nelson

The Tasman and Nelson region is New Zealand’s second lowest emitting region.

Tasman and Nelson’s emissions are mainly from agriculture, households, and manufacturing and together they made up 72 percent (38 percent, 21 percent, and 13 percent respectively) of Tasman and Nelson’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 57 percent of Tasman and Nelson’s emissions (685 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and 33 percent (394 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms, Tasman and Nelson’s important industries are manufacturing and owner-occupied property operation, together making up 20.8 percent of the region’s economy in 2019.

• In 2019, Tasman and Nelson’s emissions decreased by 5.1 percent (65 kilotonnes) while nationally emissions increased by 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 40 kilotonne decrease in household emissions and a 39 kilotonne decrease in agriculture emissions.
• In 2020, Tasman and Nelson’s GDP increased 6.1 percent ($343 million) and its population by 1.9 percent (2,000 people).
• In 2019, 79 percent of Tasman and Nelson’s emissions were from industry and 21 percent from households. Tasman and Nelson have one of the lowest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 202 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 11 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Tasman and Nelson’s emissions decreased by 26 kilotonnes (2.1 percent).

Greenhouse gas emissions by region (industry and household): Year ended 2019 (Excel file under the Download data heading) includes high level industry detail for Tasman and Nelson separated.

Marlborough

Marlborough is New Zealand’s lowest emitting region.

Marlborough’s emissions are mainly from agriculture and households and together they made up 72 percent (62 percent and 10 percent respectively) of Marlborough’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 51 percent of Marlborough’s emissions (387 kilotonnes) were from methane and a further 39 percent (293 kilotonnes) from carbon dioxide.

In economic terms, primary manufacturing is a key industry for the region, being the biggest contributor to Marlborough’s GDP every year since measurement began in 2000.

• In 2019, Marlborough’s emissions increased by 3.4 percent (25 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 37 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions, partially offset by a 11 kilotonne decrease in forestry, fishing, and agricultural support services.
• In 2020, Marlborough’s GDP increased 1.0 percent ($32 million) and its population by 1.4 percent (700 people).
• In 2019, 90 percent of Marlborough’s emissions were from industry and 10 percent from households. Marlborough emissions intensities are lower than the national average as it produced 230 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 15 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Marlborough’s emissions decreased by 16 kilotonnes (2.1 percent).

West Coast

West Coast is one of New Zealand’s lowest emitting regions.

West Coast’s emissions are mainly from agriculture and mining and together they made up 80 percent (49 percent and 32 percent respectively) of West Coast’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 50 percent of West Coast’s emissions (699 kilotonnes) were from carbon dioxide and a further 37 percent (511 kilotonnes) from methane.

In economic terms, West Coast is New Zealand’s smallest regional economy contributing 0.6 percent to national GDP in 2020. The region’s important industries include mining; forestry, and fishing; and manufacturing.

• In 2019, West Coast’s emissions increased by 3.1 percent (42 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 55 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions, partially offset by a 13 kilotonne decrease in mining.
• In 2019, West Coast’s GDP decreased 1.4 percent ($27 million) and its population by 0.3 percent (100 people).
• In 2019, 96 percent of West Coast’s emissions were from industry and 4 percent from households. West Coast had one of the highest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 759 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP (second highest) and 43 tonnes of emissions per person (third highest).
• Over the 2007–2019 period, West Coast’s emissions increased by 84 kilotonnes (6.4 percent).

Canterbury

Canterbury is New Zealand’s second highest emitting region.

Canterbury’s emissions are mainly from agriculture; manufacturing; and households, and together they made up 86 percent (66 percent, 10 percent, and 9 percent respectively) of Canterbury’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 51 percent of Canterbury’s emissions (5,958 kilotonnes) were from methane and a further 33 percent (3,895 kilotonnes) from carbon dioxide.

Manufacturing and construction, Canterbury’s two largest industries, contributed 19.5 percent to the region’s GDP in 2019.

In economic terms, Canterbury was New Zealand’s third largest region in 2020 contributing 12.4 percent ($39,961 million) to national GDP.

• In 2019, Canterbury’s emissions decreased by 1.5 percent (179 kilotonnes), while nationally emissions increased 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 210 kilotonne decrease in agriculture emissions, and a 47 kilotonne decrease in household emissions, partially offset by a 71 kilotonne increase in manufacturing.
• In 2020, Canterbury’s GDP increased 4.7 percent ($1,809 million) and its population by 1.5 percent (9,530 people).
• In 2019, 91 percent of Canterbury’s emissions were from industry and 9 percent from households. Canterbury’s emissions intensities are above the national average as it produced 291 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 18 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Canterbury’s emissions increased by 1,112 kilotonnes (11 percent).

Otago

Otago’s emissions are mainly from agriculture, which made up 74 percent of Otago’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 63 percent of Otago’s emissions (3,298 kilotonnes) were from methane and a further 23 percent (1,224 kilotonnes) from carbon dioxide.

In economic terms, Otago has a medium-sized economy with owner-occupied property operations; and construction making up 17.2 percent of the region’s economy in 2019.

• In 2019, Otago’s emissions increased by 2.6 percent (133 kilotonnes), which was higher than the national increase of 2.1 percent. This was driven by a 117 kilotonne increase in agriculture emissions.
• In 2020, Otago’s GDP increased 4.6 percent ($628 million) and its population by 2 percent (4,700 people).
• In 2019, 92 percent of Otago’s emissions were from industry and 8 percent from households. Otago’s emissions intensities are above the national average as it produced 370 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 22 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Otago’s emissions increased by 448 kilotonnes (9.3 percent).

Southland

Southland’s emissions are mainly from agriculture; and manufacturing, and together they made up 92 percent (72 percent and 20 percent respectively) of Southland’s emissions in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂-e).

In 2019, 52 percent of Southland’s emissions (3,164 kilotonnes) were from methane and a further 28 percent (1,723 kilotonnes) from carbon dioxide.

In economic terms, Southland’s largest industries are also agriculture (primarily dairy and sheep farming) and manufacturing, together making up 32.1 percent of the region’s economy in 2019.

The aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point is an important contributor to Southland’s manufacturing output and emissions.

• In 2019, Southland’s emissions decreased by 0.5 percent (30 kilotonnes), while nationally emissions increased 2.1 percent. This was driven by an 82 kilotonne decrease in agriculture emissions, partially offset by a 57 kilotonne increase in manufacturing.
• In 2020, Southland’s GDP increased 3.7 percent ($241 million) and its population by 1.0 percent (1,000).
• In 2019, 97 percent of Southland’s emissions were from industry and 3 percent from households. Southland had the highest emissions intensities across regions as it produced 905 tonnes of emissions per million dollars of GDP and 60 tonnes of emissions per person.
• Over the 2007–2019 period, Southland’s emissions increased by 354 kilotonnes (6.2 percent).

Definitions and metadata

Environmental-economic accounts: Sources and methods (third edition) presents the data sources and methods used for each of Stats NZ’s environmental-economic accounts, including Greenhouse gas emissions by region (industry and household): Year ended 2019.

About the data

Stats NZ is the official producer of New Zealand’s environmental-economic accounts.

The regional greenhouse gas emissions by industry and household account uses the national greenhouse gas emissions by industry and household account and a range of data sources to allocate emissions to region. This is primarily a top-down approach which maintains consistency with national-level estimates. However, several data sources used are based on unit record data. These are estimated at the NZSIOC level 4 industry level by the source process of the emission and aggregated for confidentiality purposes.

Industry and household greenhouse gas emissions estimates are available for 16 regions. Emissions are expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents, which are the emissions of greenhouse gases weighted by their 100-year global warming potential.

Scope

Stats NZ’s emissions series are compiled using the UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA).

Regional emissions estimates are based on the production approach to measuring emissions. Indirect emissions, such as from purchased electricity, are excluded.

The SEEA regional production-based emissions estimates are presented on an industry basis and utilise the residency principle to maintain comparability with economic statistics.

• The industry approach takes the process-based classification used in the inventory and allocates the emissions to industry to reflect the concept of economic production. This results in multiple processes being allocated to an industry (for example, emissions from a manufacturing industry may include emissions from both industrial processes and energy use, including vehicle use and heat production).
• At the national level, the residency principle means deducting emissions from non-residents operating on the domestic territory (for example, international tourists driving vehicles) and adding emissions from residents operating overseas (for example, international aviation or shipping). This adjustment leads to a difference in levels when compared with New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory. In the regional account, international aviation has not been allocated to regions.
• At the regional level, the residency principle means emissions from transportation that occur in regions which the emitter is not usually resident are allocated to their region of usual residence.

Industries

Industries are based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification 2006.

Data sources

These estimates use the following key releases as input data:

• Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): Year ended 2019 (published 8 July 2021)
• Regional gross domestic product: Year ended March 2020 (published 25 March 2021)

Additional data sources include: Annual Enterprise Survey, Agricultural Production Survey, Airways Corporation, Emissions Trading Scheme, Building Consents, Census, Household Economic Survey, Electricity Authority, mineral and coal production statistics, tourism expenditure data, fuel prices, waste statistics, vehicle fleet statistics, freight statistics, wood removals and processing statistics, and population statistics.

Revisions

Revisions to time series have been made due to revisions in input data from Stats NZ’s annual greenhouse gas emissions production account and the data sources used to allocate to region.

Revisions have also arisen due to the inclusion of additional data sources in this release to improve regional emissions allocations and to enable additional industry detail to be released.

Additional information

The regional emissions series is part of a suite of emissions statistics we produce, see.

• Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): March 2021 quarter
• Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): Year ended 2019
• Greenhouse gas emissions (consumption-based): Year ended 2017
• Approaches to measuring New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions

Media enquiries

Lennard Gui
021 285 9191
media@stats.govt.nz

Technical enquiries

Adam Tipper
04 931 4944 
info@stats.govt.nz

ISSN 2703-5964

Next releases

Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): June 2021 quarter will be released in October 2021.

Greenhouse gas emissions (consumption-based): Year ended 2019 will be released in December 2021.