Abstract
Historically, foul odours were believed to cause illness and efforts to reduce their impact influenced urban design and public health laws. Research over the last 50 years has re-established odour pollution as causing adverse health effects as well as affecting community mental health.
Such incidents are common in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ); a search of news media identified 36 examples of communities in NZ experiencing significant odour problems between 2016 and 2025. In a case study from 2014, 13 people had symptoms severe enough to seek medical attention due to foul odours from a wastewater treatment plant.
Even though regional councils are the lead agency for managing odour under the Resource Management Act 1991, public health services have a role in advocating on behalf of communities affected by odour pollution.