The Thames suburb of Moanataiari is to receive $237,500 from the government to pay for more soil testing.

Previous soil testing revealed elevated levels of arsenic that is believed to be the remnant of the mine tailings, mine waste and clean fill used in the area in the 1960s.

Houses were then built on the land in the 1970s after it was reclaimed from the Firth of Thames.

Moanataiari residents were advised last week that soil testing of roadside verges had identified elevated levels of arsenic.

Environment Minister Nick Smith says there are 212 houses, a school and a childcare facility in the suburb.

'People need to know if the soil on their properties is contaminated or not, which is why the Environment Ministry has urgently approved an application from the Waikato Regional Council lodged last Wednesday for funding to test the soil.

'The Ministry for the Environment's Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund will pay 50 per cent of the cost to test individual properties.

'The remainder of the money needed will come equally from the Waikato Regional Council and Thames-Coromandel District Council.”

Soil from the Moanataiari School vegetable garden has now been replaced with uncontaminated soil.

Parking areas near the childcare centre have been sealed to reduce dust and soil piled up by residents has also been removed.

'I commend the local councils for acting quickly and taking steps to reduce residents' concerns.

'While we wait for the results from the testing of individual properties, residents should continue to take the advice provided by health officials.”