Report reveals New Zealand's air is 'cleaner'

A report released by Environment Canterbury has revealed that the air quality in Christchurch has improved and more people are using the bus system, which has been enhanced in recent years.

However, the Regional Environmental Report 2001-2008 also concluded that land intensification has caused significant damage within Canterbury.

Dr Bryan Jenkins, Canterbury's chief executive, commented: "The report clearly shows that intensification of land use in Canterbury has had a significant impact on the state of the region's environment over the last decade."

He added that the framework of the report is designed to "increase the understanding of the relationship between human and natural processes" and that the results will help authorities focus their efforts in certain areas over the coming years.

In other air quality news, the European Parliament plans to take the UK to court as it claims that country has flouted European Union pollution laws.