Forever chemicals detected in Lake Rotorua prompting calls for testing

Saturday 22 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 2 reports · updated Sat 22 Aug, 8:59am

In this story NZME

PFAS contamination has been identified in Lake Rotorua, reportedly originating from a former firefighting training site at Rotorua Airport. The Te Arawa Lakes Trust has presented findings that have raised concerns regarding the safety of fish and shellfish gathered from the lake.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldSat 22 Aug, 6:00am

   Forever chemicals found to be reaching Lake Rotorua, calls for urgent PFAS testing (opens in new tab)

2. StuffSat 22 Aug, 8:59am

   ‘We cannot say it’s safe’: Forever chemicals found in Lake Rotorua (opens in new tab)

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