Christchurch and Dunedin schools close for asbestos testing
Monday 17 November 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Kmart
Several schools in Christchurch and Dunedin have closed or partially closed for asbestos testing. This follows a recall of Kmart Magic Sand products after they tested positive for tremolite asbestos. The Ministry of Education has received queries from approximately 150 schools and 90 preschools regarding the contamination.
How they headlined it
-
The Press
Christchurch schools close for asbestos testing after play sand recalled (opens in new tab)
Also on The Post (opens in new tab)
-
RNZ
Schools close as more types of play sand test positive for asbestos (opens in new tab)
-
Otago Daily Times
Dunedin primary school closed for asbestos testing (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
Related stories
- Bay of Plenty schools close following asbestos-contaminated sand recall
- Schools and early learning centres contact ministry over asbestos sand recall
- Canterbury schools close following asbestos detection in Kmart sand products
- Ministry of Education supplied asbestos-tainted sand to schools
- Schools and centres contact Ministry after asbestos found in play sand