Coloured sand recall: Six Hawke’s Bay schools impacted, classrooms begin to reopen after tests

Some coloured sand products have been recalled due to asbestos concerns, causing disruptions for local schools. Photo / NZME

Six schools in Hawke’s Bay have been disrupted by the recall of coloured sand products that may contain asbestos, the Ministry of Education has confirmed.

As a precaution, impacted schools in the region set up make-shift classrooms this week, including in libraries and halls, for students whose classrooms were deemed off-limits while samples were tested.

The recall of a handful of coloured sand products (all listed below), including from Kmart, has led to disruptions for schools across the country.

An asbestos removal company in Hawke’s Bay says it has been called to a handful of schools and early learning centres to remove the sand safely.

Samples undergo tests before schools are given the all-clear.

One laboratory shared this week that due to the “unprecedented influx of samples” there were delays in processing the samples and results.

As at midday Thursday, Ministry of Education hautū operations and integration Sean Teddy said “we are aware of six schools and no early learning services in Hawke’s Bay that are currently affected by the product recall”.

“None of these schools are closed.

“We have shared guidance with all schools and early learning services so they have the most up-to-date information and can act if the recalled products are found,” he said.

“For affected schools and early learning services, the crux of our guidance is that schools and early learning services should follow the advice of licensed asbestos professionals around the assessment of their situation and any removal or remediation that may be required.

“This will include advice on when they can return to normal.”

Hawke’s Bay Today contacted three impacted schools, but they declined to comment or did not respond.

It is understood one Napier school was given the all-clear late Thursday, with a negative asbestos test, and reopened its impacted classrooms on Friday after the week-long disruption.

Matt Tims, owner of Tims Construction, which offers asbestos removal services, said they had received calls from about six local schools and early childcare centres.

“We have gone in and collected the sand,” he said, of those jobs.

“Generally, it has all been in containers, so we have gone and picked the containers up and bagged them.”

He said they were awaiting expert advice on next steps, and the Ministry of Education and schools had taken good precautions.

On Wednesday, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council announced the temporary closure of its libraries in Waipawa and Waipukurau due to the use of the recalled coloured sand at both facilities.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), WorkSafe and the Ministry of Education websites have helpful information about what to do if impacted.

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)

Superdeal Craft Sand 380g