| [Skip to Content] | ||
|
|
National Radiation Laboratory |
|
Related Information
Exposure survey of Vodafone cellsites
In this section:
The NRL has been commissioned by Vodafone to measure exposures to radiofrequency fields in areas around a proportion of their cellsites. At the beginning of the programme, measurements were made at up to 50 sites per year. Currently, with a database of over 200 sites, measurements are made at a further 10 sites per year.
The choice of sites to measure, and the time at which the measurements are made, are chosen by the NRL completely independently of Vodafone. In line with Treasury guidelines, as a government department the NRL recovers actual and reasonable costs from Vodafone for carrying out this work.
The sites have been selected so as to obtain a geographical spread of sites, and a mixture of large and small sites, in urban and rural areas. Currently this programme concentrates on sites in residential or city areas, as results from monitoring this type of site are more likely to be of interest to the public. Further information on the methodology is presented here.
Results are presented in a table, which is updated as the sites are chosen and tested.
Methodology for Vodafone exposure
survey
In this section:
Site selection
Selection of sites to be tested has been entirely at the discretion of the NRL. In general, the approach taken was to ensure:
-
A good geographic spread of sites
-
A range of types of sites (central city/urban/suburban, rural)
-
Coverage of sites known to be of community interest
The overall intention is to obtain a spread of sites with regard to these three criteria. A greater weighting is given to monitoring sites which are in residential or city areas, as results from monitoring this type of site are more likely to be of interest to the public. Some weighting has also been given to sites which the NRL staff are aware have been of particular community interest.
Although most sites tested will be in the main population centres, sites in smaller towns and cities will also be tested as the work progresses.
Back to top of Methodology section:
Measuring equipment
Broadband electric field strength meters, were used to carry out the measurements in these surveys. These instruments measure total exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields across a wide range of frequencies, including those from cellsites, mobile radios, and TV and radio transmitters. The advantage of this approach is that the exposure recorded is that from all sources in an area, not just the site being measured. Hence, for example, if a cellsite from the Telecom network is located close to a Vodafone site, the instrument measures the total exposure from both sites. However, the contribution from individual sources cannot be identified.
Back to top of Methodology section:
Measurement
procedures
At each site tested, the person carrying out the survey walks around the area in the vicinity of the Vodafone transmitters and records the signal strength on the meter. In most cases, the measurements are made in areas which are reasonably accessible to the public. If it appears likely that exposures on private land may be greater than those on publicly accessible land, then efforts are made to get access to that land. The intention is to measure the greatest exposure at the time the survey is carried out, and also gain an idea of “typical” exposures in the area around the site. (The effects of changes in transmitter power on exposures are discussed in the results page.)
Back to top of Methodology section:
Dish antennas
Some sites are equipped with dish antennas to provide a communication link to other parts of the Vodafone network. Transmissions from these antennas are always at low power, typically less than one ten-thousandth the power used by a microwave oven, for example. Emissions from the dish antennas are focussed in a tight beam, which has to be aimed away from the ground, buildings, trees or other obstructions in order for the link to work.
Calculations show that emissions from these dish antennas make a negligible contribution to exposures from cellsites, and this has been confirmed by measurements at numerous sites. For this reason, exposures from dish antennas have not been measured in this survey.
Exposures around Vodafone cellsites
Presentation of results
Results are presented in a table below. For each site, the following information is recorded:
| Name of site | Cellsite name. |
| Date measured | Measurement date. |
| Type of site | For example, whether the antennas are on a pole or a building, whether the site serves a large region or a smaller site covering a more restricted area, whether it is rural, urban/suburban, or CBD. |
| Maximum exposure measured during survey | Maximum exposure measured at any point. |
| Typical exposure around the site | Upper limit for most exposures in the area immediately around the site (say up to 50-100 metres from the site). |
| Additional comments | For example, whether there are other transmitters nearby. |
Towards the end of May each year, this information will also be available in a report.
Reports published:
Summary of results: to March 2004 (PDF 201 kB)
Summary of results: April 2004 to March 2005 (PDF - 222 kB)
Summary of results: April 2005 to March 2006 (PDF - 270 kB)
Summary of results: April 2006 to March 2007 (PDF - 212 kB)
Summary of results: April 2007 to March 2008 (PDF - 151 kB)
Summary of results: April 2008 to March 2009 (PDF - 134 kB)
The exposure measurements are a snapshot of the exposures at the time the measurement survey was carried out. Exposures vary over the day as more or less calls pass through the site. All Vodafone sites transmit a fixed minimum standby power, even if no calls are passing through it. Depending on the configuration of the site, the maximum output power may be two to four times the minimum for sites using only GSM technology, or up to ten times the minimum for sites using UMTS (3G) technology. (UMTS technology operating at 2100 MHz was introduced at some sites in the main cities from about mid-2006, and operating at around 900 MHz from about mid-2008 in other areas.)
A worst-case estimate of exposures around a site (assuming that the equipment is not changed) is obtained by assuming that the site was operating at the minimum standby power when the exposure measurements were made, and multiplying the measured exposure by four or ten as appropriate. Unless the site really was operating at the minimum standby power at the time of measurement, this approach overestimates the maximum possible exposure.
Further information on the measurement methodology is available here.
Table of results
| Name of the site | Date measured | Type of site | Maximum exposure measured during survey* | Typical exposure around the site | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *The number in brackets gives the maximum exposure presented as a percentage of the limit for public exposures recommended in New Zealand Standard NZS 2772.1:1999. | |||||
| Notes | |||||
| 1 Telecom site nearby. | 2 Site shared with Telecom. | ||||
| 3 Miscellaneous antennas onsite. | 4 Site shared with Telecom and others. | ||||
| 5 Large broadcast facility. | 6 Antenna position is unusually elevated. | ||||
| 7 Elevated parking lot to the southeast. | 8 Telecom site nearby as well as many other mobile services. Max at site 77 µW/cm2. | ||||
| 9 Single measurement made at point of nearest public access. | 10 Microwave dishes only. | ||||
| 11 Shared tower. | 12 Maximum probably affected by overhead transmission lines | ||||
| 13 AM mast nearby. | 14 Telecom sites nearby and others. | ||||
| Alexandra - Springvale | 20-Jan-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.76 µW/cm2 (0.17%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | |
| Arthur's Pass | 21-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Ashburton | 19-Jan-2004 | Industrial, tower | 0.48 µW/cm2 (0.11%) | <0.35 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Albany South and Albany South 1800 | 24-May-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.96 µW/cm2 (0.21%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Alcheme (College Hill) | 24-Feb-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 0.95 µW/cm2 (0.21%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland Airport | 12-Oct-2005 | Industrial, monopole | 0.56 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Avondale | 08-May-2006 | Urban, monopole | 1.17 µW/cm2 (0.26%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Barry's Point | 30-Mar-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.8 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Belmont | 23-Feb-2006 | Urban, monopole | 3.73 µW/cm2 (0.83%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Birkdale | 08-Mar-2004 | Urban, roof top | 2.2 µW/cm2 (0.49%) | <1.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Blind Institute Microcell | 30-Mar-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 5.4 µW/cm2 (1.20%) | <2.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Blockhouse Bay | 02-Mar-2006 | Urban, roof top | 1.17 µW/cm2 (0.26%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Broadway South Capacity | 08-Mar-2006 | Lamp post | 2.08 µW/cm2 (0.46%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Campbells Bay | 21-Jan-2005 | Urban, tower | 2.1 µW/cm2 (0.47%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Carlton Gore Road | 08-Mar-2006 | Lamp post | 1.28 µW/cm2 (0.28%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Dressmart Relocate | 29-Nov-2005 | Urban, monopole | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Eastern Beach | 14-Oct-2005 | Residential, light pole | 1.79 µW/cm2 (0.40%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Ellerslie | 04-Feb-2004 | Urban, side of building | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Ellice Road | 23-Feb-2006 | Urban, roof top | 2.63 µW/cm2 (0.58%) | <3.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Glenfield Road | 03-Feb-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 4.5 µW/cm2 (1.00%) | <2.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Glen Innes | 20-Oct-2004 | Urban, tower | 1.7 µW/cm2 (0.38%) | <0.25 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Grange Road | 15-Feb-2005 | Urban, roof top | 1.8 µW/cm2 (0.40%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Greenwoods Corner | 18-Feb-2005 | Urban, roof top | 2.1 µW/cm2 (0.47%) | <1.5 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Half Moon Bay | 18-Mar-2004 | Urban, lamp post | 2.4 µW/cm2 (0.53%) | <2.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Hauraki Corner | 03-Feb-2006 | Urban, roof top | 7.17 µW/cm2 (1.59%) | <3.0 µW/cm2 | 2 |
| Auckland - Hillsborough Road | 27-Feb-2006 | Urban, roof top | 1.17 µW/cm2 (0.27%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Hobson Bay | 04-Mar-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 3.1 µW/cm2 (0.69%) | <2.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Ihumatao | 16-Sep-2004 | Industrial, tower | 0.77 µW/cm2 (0.17%) | <0.27 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Jervois Road | 03-Feb-2004 | Urban, lamp post | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Manly | 22-Feb-2006 | Urban, roof top | 3.63 µW/cm2 (0.81%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Manurewa | 03-Feb-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.8 µW/cm2 (0.18%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Massey West | 09-Mar-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 3.83 µW/cm2 (0.84%) | <3.5 µW/cm2 | 2 |
| Auckland - McLaren Park | 09-Mar-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 1.2 µW/cm2 (0.27%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Milford | 05-Mar-2004 | City, roof top | 1.4 µW/cm2 (0.31%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Mission Bay | 03-Feb-2004 | Urban, roof top | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.06%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Mountain Road | 08-Feb-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 5.4 µW/cm2 (1.20%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Mount Smart Shops | 04-Nov-2008 | Urban, monopole | 0.91 µW/cm2 (0.20%) | <0.14 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Nelson Nicholas microcell | 01-Mar-2006 | Microcell | 6.9 µW/cm2 (1.53%) | <4.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - New Lynn | 18-Mar-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.7 µW/cm2 (0.16%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Nurses Home Capacity | 13-May-2004 | Urban, lamp post | 0.9 µW/cm2 (0.20%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Onehunga East | 24-Apr-2007 | Urban, silo | 0.17 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Orakei Creek Relocate | 13-Oct-2008 | Urban, monopole | 1.53 µW/cm2 (0.34%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | 14 |
| Auckland - Orewa | 17-Mar-2004 | Rural, tower | 7.5 µW/cm2 (1.67%) | <2.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Otahuhu Central | 30-Mar-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.7 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.35 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Papakura | 17-Jan-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 0.56 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Papakura/Red Hill | 17-Jan-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Penrose Industrial | 09-Aug-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Pitt Street microcell | 01-Mar-2006 | Microcell | 1.3 µW/cm2 (0.29%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - Portage Road | 18-Feb-2005 | Industrial, tower | 0.4 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - R'n'R Sports | 10-Nov-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.77 µW/cm2 (0.18%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Sandringham | 22-Sep-2006 | Urban, roof top | 1.0 µW/cm2 (0.22%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Silverdale | 22-Feb-2006 | Urban, roof top | 1.06 µW/cm2 (0.24%) | <0.7 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Te Atatu Central | 09-Mar-2006 | Lamp post | 2.55 µW/cm2 (0.57%) | <2.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - The Strand | 04-Mar-2004 | City, side of building | 2.2 µW/cm2 (0.49%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - West Harbour | 24-Mar-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.96 µW/cm2 (0.21%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Auckland - West Harbour | 08-Mar-2005 | Urban, tower | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Auckland - Westmere | 24-Feb-2005 | Urban, roof top | 8.3 µW/cm2 (1.84%) | <5.0 µW/cm2 | 2 |
| Auckland - West Tamaki Road | 29-Jan-2009 | Urban, lamp post | 0.12 µW/cm2 (0.03%) | <0.08 µW/cm2 | |
| Blenheim Central | 23-Feb-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.10 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.02 µW/cm2 | |
| Cambridge | 11-Aug-2005 | Industrial, monopole | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Christchurch - Aranui | 12-Jan-2006 | Urban, monopole | 0.21 µW/cm2 (0.05%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Bealey Ave East | 12-Jan-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.46 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.07 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Beckenham | 11-Apr-2003 | Urban, lamp post | 0.68 µW/cm2 (0.15%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Bishopdale | 11-Jan-2007 | Urban, tower | 1.23 µW/cm2 (0.27%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Bromley | 09-Jan-2007 | Industrial, tower | 1.26 µW/cm2 (0.28%) | <0.04 µW/cm2 | 11 12 |
| Christchurch - Bryndwr | 11-Jan-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.08 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.07 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Burnside | 11-Jan-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.36 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <0.27 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Burwood | 31-Jan-2008 | Urban, monopole | 0.97 µW/cm2 (0.22%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Cashel Mall West | 14-Mar-2006 | Microcell | 0.03 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.03 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Centaurus Road | 31-Mar-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Ferrymead | 31-Mar-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 0.45 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Hagley Ave | 14-Apr-2004 | City, tower | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Hansens Park | 31-Jan-2008 | Urban, monopole | 0.18 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.13 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Heathcote Valley | 20-Feb-2006 | Residential, roof top | 4.18 µW/cm2 (0.93%) | <2 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Hillmorton | 14-Mar-2006 | Urban, lamp post | 0.15 µW/cm2 (0.03%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Manchester & Lichfield Sts Cnr | 14-Mar-2006 | Microcell | 0.04 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.03 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - McCormacks Bay | 20-Feb-2006 | Urban, monopole | 1.74 µW/cm2 (0.34%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | 2 |
| Christchurch - Mona Vale | 22-Nov-2003 | Urban, lamp post | 0.89 µW/cm2 (0.20%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Opawa | 09-Jan-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.39 µW/cm2 (0.09%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Pioneer | 14-Mar-2006 | Urban, lamp post | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Princess Margaret Hospital | 31-Mar-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Redwood | 31-Jan-2008 | Urban, monopole | 0.88 µW/cm2 (0.20%) | <0.86 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - South Shore | 09-Jan-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.77 µW/cm2 (0.17%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Strowan | 11-Jan-2007 | Urban, monopole | 1.30 µW/cm2 (0.29%) | <0.60 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Warrington | 20-Nov-2003 | Urban, lamp post | 0.90 µW/cm2 (0.20%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Christchurch - Westmorland | 31-Mar-2005 | Urban, lamp post | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Westmorland | 14-Mar-2006 | Urban, lamp post | 0.31 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Christchurch - Wigram | 17-Mar-2006 | Rural, monopole | 0.7 µW/cm2 (0.16%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Clarence | 23-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 1.06 µW/cm2 (0.24%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Cromwell | 20-Jan-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.06 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.03 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Dargaville - Dargaville | 16-May-2006 | Rural, monopole | 0.1 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.07 µW/cm2 | |
| Dunedin - Forth Street | 26-Oct-2006 | Urban, tower | 1.7 µW/cm2 (0.38%) | <0.7 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Dunedin - Kaikorai Valley | 20-Jan-2004 | Urban/rural, tower | 2.0 µW/cm2 (0.44%) | <1.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Dunedin - London Street | 20-Jan-2004 | Urban, roof top | 0.95 µW/cm2 (0.21%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Dunedin - North Dunedin | 26-Oct-2006 | Urban, building | 2.1 µW/cm2 (0.47%) | <0.7 µW/cm2 | |
| Dunedin - Octagon | 20-Jan-2004 | City, roof top | 0.29 µW/cm2 (0.06%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Fairlie | 21-Jan-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.15 µW/cm2 (0.03%) | <0.12 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Flaxmere | 15-Jan-2007 | Industrial, tower | 0.07 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.06 µW/cm2 | |
| Gisborne | 12-Apr-2004 | Urban, roof top | 0.45 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Greymouth Hospital | 21-Feb-2005 | Urban, tower | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.08 µW/cm2 | |
| Greymouth, MacKay St | 21-Feb-2005 | Urban, roof top | 1.66 µW/cm2 (0.37%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Hamilton - Central City | 30-Jan-2004 | City, roof top | 0.7 µW/cm2 (0.16%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Hamilton - Chartwell Square | 30-Jan-2004 | Urban, side of structure | 0.5 µW/cm2 (0.11%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Hamilton - Dinsdale South | 15-Jul-2004 | Industrial, tower | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.17 µW/cm2 | |
| Hamilton - Flagstaff | 21-Aug-2006 | Urban, monopole | 0.83 µW/cm2 (0.18%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Hamilton - Pukete | 21-Sep-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 2.5 µW/cm2 (0.56%) | <0.45 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Hamilton - Te Rapa | 21-Aug-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.30 µW/cm2 | |
| Hamilton - Te Rapa North | 22-Mar-2005 | Urban, tower | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.25 µW/cm2 | |
| Hamilton - Whitiora | 30-Nov-2005 | Urban, monopole | 1.53 µW/cm2 (0.34%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Hastings - Clive | 16-Jul-2008 | Rural, monopole | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.13 µW/cm2 | |
| Hastings - Flaxmere | 16-Apr-2004 | Industrial, tower | 0.27 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Hastings - Hastings North | 13-Jul-2006 | Urban, monopole | 0.17 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Hastings - Hastings South | 13-Jul-2006 | Rural/urban, monopole | 0.23 µW/cm2 (0.05%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Havelock North B | 15-Apr-2004 | Rural, roof top | 0.22 µW/cm2 (0.05%) | <0.15 µW/cm2 | 3 |
| Havelock North - Matua Peak | 15-Jan-2007 | Roof top | 0.51 µW/cm2 (0.11%) | <0.27 µW/cm2 | |
| Hawera | 03-Aug-2005 | Urban, tower | 0.04 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.04 µW/cm2 | |
| Hokitika | 21-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 0.17 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Invercargill - Esk Street | 27-Feb-2004 | City, roof top | 0.12 µW/cm2 (0.03%) | <0.04 µW/cm2 | |
| Kaikoura Peninsula | 23-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.15 µW/cm2 | 4 |
| Kaiteriteri | 28-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 2.67 µW/cm2 (0.59%) | <1.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Kaukapakapa | 01-Jun-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.17 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Kerikeri - Kerikeri Centre | 17-May-2006 | Urban, roof top | 1.17 µW/cm2 (0.26%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Kerikeri - Kerikeri Inlet | 17-May-2006 | Rural, monopole | 4.68 µW/cm2 (1.00%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Lake Karapiro | 22-Mar-2005 | Rural, tower | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.35 µW/cm2 | |
| Levin - Central | 04-Aug-2005 | Urban, monopole | 0.06 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.04 µW/cm2 | |
| Lower Hutt - Waterloo | 14-Aug-2003 | Urban, roof top | 1.02 µW/cm2 (0.23%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Manukau - East Tamaki North | 13-Mar-2007 | Urban, tower | 0.28 µW/cm2 (0.06%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Manukau - Mangere Bridge | 13-Nov-2008 | Urban, lamp post | 0.07 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.06 µW/cm2 | |
| Manukau - Manukau East | 16-Nov-2006 | Urban, monopole | 0.96 µW/cm2 (0.21%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Manukau - Manurewa East | 07-Mar-2007 | Urban, tower | 1.4 µW/cm2 (0.31%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Manukau - Otara | 16-Nov-2006 | Urban, roof top | 4.6 µW/cm2 (1.0%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Martinborough - Martinborough | 17-Apr-2006 | Rural, monopole | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Masterton - Masterton | 17-Apr-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 0.72 µW/cm2 (0.16%) | <0.56 µW/cm2 | |
| Masterton - Masterton Straights | 17-Apr-2006 | Urban, monopole | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Milton | 20-Jan-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.69 µW/cm2 (0.15%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Motueka, Mt Campbell | 22-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 21.49 µW/cm2 (4.77%) | <5.0 µW/cm2 | 5 |
| Murchison | 22-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Mt Maunganui - Arataki | 28-Sep-2005 | Industrial, monopole | 0.77 µW/cm2 (0.17%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| National Park - Ruapehu | 19-Oct-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.96 µW/cm2 (0.21%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | |
| Napier | 16-Apr-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.04 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.03 µW/cm2 | 6 |
| Napier, Onekawa | 13-Jul-2006 | Industrial, monopole | 0.77 µW/cm2 (0.17%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Napier, Onekawa | 17-Jul-2008 | Urban, monopole | 0.95 µW/cm2 (0.20%) | <0.25 µW/cm2 | |
| Nelson, Airport | 22-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 0.04 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.01 µW/cm2 | |
| Nelson - Central | 22-Feb-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.21 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Nelson - Central | 28-Feb-2007 | Urban, roof top | 0.39 µW/cm2 (0.09%) | <0.27 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Nelson - Port | 27-Feb-2007 | Industrial, monopole | 0.16 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Nelson - Tahunanui | 27-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.13 µW/cm2 (0.03%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| New Plymouth | 03-Aug-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.09 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.08 µW/cm2 | |
| New Plymouth - Bell Block | 03-Aug-2005 | Industrial | 0.07 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.05 µW/cm2 | |
| New Plymouth - Devon | 20-Sep-2004 | Industrial, tower | 3.1 µW/cm2 (0.69%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | 7 |
| Ngarawahia | 23-Mar-2005 | Rural, tower | 1.2 µW/cm2 (0.27%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Northland - Snells Beach | 10-Mar-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.13 µW/cm2 (0.03%) | <0.07 µW/cm2 | |
| North Shore City - Devonport | 20-Nov-2006 | Urban, tower | 2.5 µW/cm2 (0.56%) | <2.0 µW/cm2 | 2 |
| North Shore City - Forrest Hill | 05-May-2008 | Urban, lamp post | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| North Shore City - Little Shoal Bay | 18-Jul-2007 | Urban, roof top | 2.05 µW/cm2 (0.46%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| North Shore City - Sunset Road Hub | 02-May-2007 | Urban, tower | 0.27 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.06 µW/cm2 | 10 |
| Oamaru | 19-Jan-2004 | Rural, tower | 36 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <5.0 µW/cm2 | 8 |
| Palmerston North | 04-Aug-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.06 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.05 µW/cm2 | |
| Palmerston North - Central | 04-Aug-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.06 µW/cm2 (0.01%) | <0.05 µW/cm2 | |
| Palmerston North - Central City | 10-Feb-2004 | City, roof top | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Palmerston North - Kelvin Grove | 16-Feb-2004 | Urban/industrial, tower | 0.7 µW/cm2 (0.15%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Palmerston North - Kelvin Grove | 04-Aug-2005 | Urban, monopole | 0.28 µW/cm2 (0.06%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Palmerston North - Takaro | 28-Sep-2006 | Rural, monopole | 0.86 µW/cm2 (0.19%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Paraparaumu | 04-Aug-2005 | Rural, monopole | 0.57 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | 4 |
| Paraparaumu - Paraparaumu | 02-Jul-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Paremata | 21-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 8.08 µW/cm2 (1.79%) | <2.0 µW/cm2 | 3 |
| Picton, Kahikitia Hill | 23-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 2.08 µW/cm2 (0.46%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Porirua - Elsdon | 21-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.97 µW/cm2 (0.22%) | <0.97 µW/cm2 | |
| Pukerua Bay | 21-Feb-2007 | Rural, wooden poles | 8.17 µW/cm2 (1.82%) | <1.9 µW/cm2 | 3 |
| Reefton | 21-Feb-2005 | Rural, tower | 1.66 µW/cm2 (0.37%) | <1.66 µW/cm2 | |
| Richmond | 27-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.09 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.07 µW/cm2 | |
| Rotorua - Central City | 29-Jan-2004 | City, roof top | 0.5 µW/cm2 (0.11%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Stratford | 21-Sep-2004 | Industrial, tower | 0.27 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.15 µW/cm2 | |
| Stratford | 03-Aug-2005 | Rural/residential | 0.01 µW/cm2 (0.002%) | <0.01 µW/cm2 | 9 |
| Tairua - Tairua/Pauanui | 10-Apr-2007 | Rural, monopole | <0.08 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.08 µW/cm2 | |
| Taupo | 29-Jan-2004 | Urban, tower | 2.4 µW/cm2 (0.53%) | <1.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Tauranga Bridge | 12-Jul-2004 | Industrial, tower | 0.17 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.09 µW/cm2 | |
| Tauranga Bridge | 28-Sep-2005 | Industrial, monopole | 0.96 µW/cm2 (0.22%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Tauranga - Ngatai Rd | 12-Jul-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.86 µW/cm2 (0.19%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Tawa | 21-Feb-2007 | Urban, roof top | 0.35 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <0.10 µW/cm2 | |
| Te Awamutu - Te Awamutu | 02-Aug-2007 | Urban, water tank | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Timaru | 19-Jan-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.87 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | |
| Titahi Bay | 21-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 5.37 µW/cm2 (1.19%) | <3.3 µW/cm2 | 13 |
| Upper Hutt | 04-Aug-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.09 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.07 µW/cm2 | |
| Waiheke Island - Matiatia | 05-Mar-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.15 µW/cm2 (0.14%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Waiheke Island - Onetangi | 03-Mar-2007 | Rural, tower | 5.4 µW/cm2 (1.2%) | <4.0 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Waitakere - Sunnyvale | 09-Mar-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.64 µW/cm2 (0.14%) | <0.5 µW/cm2 | |
| Waitakere - Wolverton | 26-Mar-2008 | Urban, monopole | 0.74 µW/cm2 (0.16%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Waitangirua | 21-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.60 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.60 µW/cm2 | |
| Waitara | 19-Sep-2004 | Rural, tower | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.10%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Waiuku | 16-Nov-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Wanganui | 03-Aug-2005 | Urban, roof top | 0.08 µW/cm2 (0.02%) | <0.08 µW/cm2 | |
| Wanganui - Castlecliff | 03-Aug-2005 | Urban, monopole | 0.22 µW/cm2 (0.05%) | <0.05 µW/cm2 | |
| Wanganui - Castlecliff | 26-Sep-2006 | Urban, monopole | 0.6 µW/cm2 (0.13%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Warkworth - Warkworth | 11-Jun-2007 | Rural, water tank | 9.23 µW/cm2 (2.1%) | <3.0 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Wellington - 285 Tinakori Road | 02-Jul-2008 | Urban, roof top | 0.4 µW/cm2 (0.09%) | <0.07 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Cambourne | 20-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 16.98 µW/cm2 (3.8%) | <4.2 µW/cm2 | 14 |
| Wellington - Churton park | 21-Feb-2007 | Urban, monopole | 0.18 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Courtenay Place | 10-Feb-2004 | City, lamp post | 0.56 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Khandallah | 04-Aug-2005 | Urban, monopole | 2.26 µW/cm2 (0.50%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | 5 |
| Wellington - Lyall Bay | 05-Aug-2005 | Industrial, monopole | 0.28 µW/cm2 (0.06%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Mirimar North | 05-Aug-2005 | Industrial, monopole | 0.81 µW/cm2 (0.18%) | <0.8 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Wellington - Molesworth Street | 10-Feb-2004 | City, roof top | 0.16 µW/cm2 (0.04%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Molesworth | 03-Jul-2007 | Urban, roof top | 0.38 µW/cm2 (0.08%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Seatoun | 05-Aug-2005 | Urban, monopole | 0.86 µW/cm2 (0.19%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Seatoun South | 10-Feb-2004 | Urban, lamp post | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | |
| Wellington - Wadestown | 10-Feb-2004 | Urban, side of building | 4.4 µW/cm2 (0.98%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Whakatane | 30-Apr-2008 | Urban, roof top | 0.28 µW/cm2 (0.06%) | <0.1 µW/cm2 | |
| Whakatane Central | 13-Jul-2004 | Urban, tower | 0.86 µW/cm2 (0.19%) | <0.6 µW/cm2 | |
| Whakatane Central | 29-Sep-2005 | Urban, monopole | 0.89 µW/cm2 (0.20%) | <0.4 µW/cm2 | |
| Whangamata - Whangamata | 13-Apr-2007 | Urban, omnidirectional | 1.52 µW/cm2 (0.34%) | <1.0 µW/cm2 | |
| Whangarei | 10-Mar-2004 | City, roof top | 0.52 µW/cm2 (0.12%) | <0.3 µW/cm2 | |
| Whangarei Central | 10-Mar-2004 | City, roof top | 0.32 µW/cm2 (0.07%) | <0.2 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Whangarei - Kamo | 11-Jun-2007 | Rural, monopole | 11.6 µW/cm2 (2.6%) | <10 µW/cm2 | 1 |
| Whangarei - Whangarei Bypass | 02-Dec-2008 | Urban, monopole | 1.82 µW/cm2 (0.40%) | <0.36 µW/cm2 | 1 |
Exposure Standards
In April 1999, New Zealand adopted NZS 2772.1:1999 Radiofrequency Fields Part 1: Maximum exposure levels – 3 kHz to 300 GHz. The limits in this Standard, and the basis on which they are derived, are similar to those in many other international and national standards. The Standard sets out limits for exposure to the RF radiation produced by all types of radio transmitters, for people exposed occupationally and for the general public. The limits are based on a careful review of the research into the health effects of exposure to RF radiation, and include wide margins for safety. Reference levels for the general public are stricter than for occupational exposures, and are set at levels more than 50 times lower than the recognised threshold for established effects.
The Standard sets basic restrictions on the amount of RF power absorbed in the body. As RF power absorption is difficult to measure, the Standard also prescribes reference levels in terms of the more easily measured electric and magnetic field strengths, and power flux density. Compliance with the reference levels ensures compliance with the basic restrictions, and in most applications can be effectively regarded as “exposure limits” (although this term is not used as such in the Standard).
Most Vodafone sites operate at frequencies around 900 MHz, at which the reference level for the public is 450 µW/cm2. Some sites also operate at 1800 MHz and (in larger cities) at 2100 MHz, at which the reference levels are 900 µW/cm2 and 1000 µW/cm2 respectively. The most restrictive limit of 450 µW/cm2 applying to Vodafone equipment has been used in the table to determine the maximum measured exposure as a percentage of the Standard. This ensures a conservative evaluation, and means that the exposure level as a percentage of the Standard will be overestimated should the site actually have transmitters operating at 1800 or 2100 MHz.
The most restrictive reference level at any frequency is 200 µW/cm2.
A copy of the Standard can be obtained from Standards New Zealand.