Schools and centres contact Ministry after asbestos found in play sand
Tuesday 18 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Kmart, Creatistics, Educational Colours
Several hundred schools and childhood centres have contacted the Ministry of Education following the discovery of asbestos in various coloured play sands. Some Otago schools and early learning services have closed as a result. Parents have expressed confusion regarding guidance on how to manage potentially contaminated sand kept in their homes.
How they headlined it
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RNZ
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Otago Daily Times
Parents left confused over contaminated sand advice (opens in new tab)
More on Asbestos in children's coloured sand recalls
- Ombudsman complaint lodged over asbestos-contaminated play sand
- Kmart recalls sensory sand sets due to asbestos risk
- Safety concerns rise over toy recalls and asbestos contamination
- Kmart cancels recall for three magic sand products
- Schools and childcare centres responsible for asbestos sand clean-up costs
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