Central Hawke’s Bay libraries close after use of recalled magic sand

Kmart NZ Magic Sands products are being recalled after asbestos was detected. They are the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set, at left, and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets. Photo / Screengrab via Kmart recall notice

The use of recalled coloured sand has been identified at Central Hawke’s Bay District libraries in Waipawa and Waipukurau.

Its use took place in school holiday programmes from January 2024 to October 2024 at both facilities and may have been used in after-school activities.

The CHB District Council said as a precautionary measure, the Waipawa Library and Te Huinga Wai (Waipukurau Library) have been closed due to this discovery.

“We’re working through talking to the schools and known attendees at these school holiday programmes about this.

The council did not have a time or day the libraries would reopen.

“Our Waste Team says if you have the recalled coloured sand, place it in a sealed clear container and then place in a clear plastic bag. Tape the bag shut.

“Then book a time with the Waste Team for free disposal on 06 857 8060.”

The Ministry of Education released an updated WorkSafe advisory on Tuesday evening, stating that until further notice, all products identified by the Ministry of Business and Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in their recall advisory must be presumed to contain asbestos.

“This advice also applies if you have the identified product on site, even if you cannot confirm if it is from the same batch that’s being recalled [for example, you don’t have access to the original packaging to check the product’s batch number].”

Asbestos exposure can cause serious long-term health issues. For health-related concerns, contact Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora or visit Health NZ asbestos guidance.

Affected products under recall notice:

• EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) – previously recalled
• Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) – previously recalled
• 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set (Batch no: 42975724)
• Blue Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304364)
• Green Magic Sand (Batch no: 432919650)
• Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371)

Helplines

HealthLine - 0800 611 116

WorkSafe - 0800 030 040

Product Safety - 0508 426 678

Ministry of Education - 0800 323 323