Toxic foam: Regional council doesn't trust NZDF tests

A regional council is going to do its own tests on fire fighting foam in Manawatu because it doesn't trust those being done by the Defence Force. Horizons Regional Council that oversees firefighting foam risk spots in Manawatu is going to get its own tests done rather than rely on NZDF. This follows officials confirming an RNZ News report that Defence has not been using a new test that detects far more of the harmful, hidden foam chemicals in the water and soil than standard testing can. At the same time, locals who live around the Ohakea airbase near Bulls are pushing for easier access to blood tests. Manawatu District Mayor Helen Worboys told reporter Phil Pennington she's asked officials to ensure all local GPs know people might want blood tests. Horizons Regional Council covers the wider area, including Ohakea and Palmerston North airport where stocks of the banned foam have been discovered. It's chair Bruce Gordon discusses the plans with us.