Don't worry, the green dust gathering on your car is just pollen

Auckland residents may have noticed green dust gathering on their cars or outdoor tables, but not to worry, it's just pollen, Auckland Council says.

For the past five days, Papatoetoe resident Shalesh Lal has noticed a green dusting covering his three cars parked outside his home on Kimpton Rd.

"I called my mate who stays in Manukau Heights and he said he had the same problem."

Lal was especially worried as he has a young child.

"I have a baby at home... it could be hazardous."

Concerned, he called the Auckland Council who sent pollution investigators out to his home yesterday.

"They told me it's pollen."

"We asked her to take a sample and test it but she said no need to as she was pretty sure it was pollen and then they left."

Auckland Council manager compliance Steve Pearce confirmed pollution investigators visited Lal's home yesterday.

"The dust he is referring to is pollen which is particularly prevalent as we approach spring.

"Every spring we receive a large number of queries from residents, typically relating to a yellow or green dust.

"The pollen is generally from pine trees and is common around parts of the Auckland region at this time of year," he said.

Earlier today, Metservice said with warmer temperatures, pollen season had arrived.

Pollen expert Dr David Fountain told Metservice it was mostly from pine and some hazelnut trees.

He expected it to spread across the country over the next few weeks.