That’s the finding of Auckland Council’s latest State of the Environment report, providing a snapshot of the health of Tāmaki Makaurau’s air, land, freshwater and marine ecosystems.

The report produced every few years highlights encouraging progress in some areas since the last assessment in 2021, alongside persistent pressures driven by population growth, urban development and climate change.

Key improvements

Air quality remains generally good across the region, with vehicle-related pollution continuing to decline. Between 2016 and 2023, Auckland’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by around 9.5 per cent.

Indigenous forest and scrubland cover has grown by more than 5,500 hectares since 2018, now making up 27 per cent of the region.

Native plant and bird populations are increasing in some areas where pest animals have been effectively controlled, and indigenous vegetation dominates the landscape.

Coastal water quality has improved at many coastal sites and estuary mouths, and marine sediment contamination has remained stable despite urban growth.

Where are we not improving

Lake water quality is generally declining from already poor conditions, with high nutrients, low clarity and invasive species continuing to take a toll.

Stream and river health remain under pressure, particularly in rural and urban catchments, with widespread nutrient, faecal and metal contamination.

Subtidal reefs and estuaries are showing ecological decline due to stressors like sedimentation and made worse by climate-related pressures such as marine heatwaves and extreme rainfall.

Auckland continues to lose highly productive soils, with more than 2.6 per cent lost to urban development in the last five years.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, said the results highlight both progress and urgency.

“This report shows that where we invest and act, we are making a difference whether that’s cleaner air, more native birds in pest-free areas and our local neighbourhoods, or forest regeneration across the region.

“But it also makes it clear that the pressures of growth, land use change and climate change are not going away.

“Aucklanders expect us to act boldly, and we will continue to push for stronger protections, smarter planning and faster climate action. If we want a healthy environment for future generations, the time to accelerate our efforts is now.

“I must acknowledge that the good results are a team effort between council staff and contractors, mana whenua, government agencies, environmental organisations, thousands of volunteers and the wider community and it will take all of us to tackle the issues going forward.”

Auckland Council Lead Environmental Scientist Dr Megan Carbines said the findings reflect the complexity of environmental change.

“The data tells a mixed story. We’re seeing real gains in some areas, like expanding indigenous forest and improved coastal water quality in places. At the same time, freshwater quality, estuarine health and soil conditions are showing long-term declines.

“Environmental change is often slow and cumulative. Monitoring over decades is vital to help us understand whether interventions are working and where we need to focus future efforts.”

Auckland Council’s General Manager, Engineering, Assets and Technical Advisory Paul Klinac, said the findings reinforce how this work impacts every Aucklander.

“The health of our environment underpins the health of our people, our communities and our economy. This monitoring gives us evidence we need to make the best decisions for Auckland’s future. Whether it’s investing in cleaner waterways, protecting our coasts, or adapting to climate change, this work is about making sure Tāmaki Makaurau remains a place where future generations can thrive.”

The report also places 2025 in a longer historical context. Since the first State of the Environment report in 1999, Auckland’s population has grown by more than 600,000. Many of the same environmental issues identified then – air pollution, wetland loss, soil degradation and risks to rivers and harbours – remain challenges today.

Despite these pressures, the report shows that focused efforts, such as predator control, stormwater management and targeted rates for water quality and the natural environment, are yielding tangible results.

Looking ahead

The findings of the report will inform Auckland Council’s environmental programmes, investment priorities and climate response. The council is also working with mana whenua, community groups and central government on regional and national initiatives to protect biodiversity, restore freshwater and strengthen climate resilience.

“This report is both a report card and a roadmap,” Councillor Hills said.

“It shows us where we’re getting results, where we’re falling behind, and where Aucklanders need us to focus next. We know what’s at stake, the natural environment that makes our region so special, and we are determined to protect it.”

The full State of the Environment report and technical assessments are available on Knowledge Auckland.