Kmart NZ Magic Sands products are being recalled after asbestos was detected. They are the the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set, at left, and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets. Photo / Screengrab via Kmart recall notice
Kmart NZ Magic Sands products are being recalled after asbestos was detected. They are the the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set, at left, and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets. Photo / Screengrab via Kmart recall notice
Dannevirke South School has partially reopened after asbestos concerns from magic sand in the administration area.
Principal Caroline Transom said on Tuesday that some classrooms remained closed based on advice from an asbestos assessor.
A total of four schools in Tararua reported potential contamination, with the Ministry of Educationadvising parents to contact Healthline with concerns.
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].”
Dannevirke South School students returned to school on Tuesday, although some to different classrooms.
The school had kept parents and the community updated via social media since Sunday, sharing that the “unexpected situation” arose after it was identified that magic sand products had been used in the admin area.
“Because the affected sand was used in our admin area, which houses our main alarm system, we are unable to safely access the space to turn the alarm off or to enter the buildings.
Caroline Transom said students were doing well despite the disruption.
“Until the area has been fully assessed and cleared by an asbestos specialist, no students, staff, or community members are able to enter any of the school buildings,” the school wrote at the time.
Transom said the school followed the Ministry of Education’s advice to close on Monday as a precaution.
“We are grateful for the clear guidance that supported us to make the safest decision for our students and staff.
Following assessment, the school was reopened to students and staff.
Transom said on Tuesday that any remaining space closures are based on the advice of our independent asbestos assessor, who has identified a small number of rooms to remain closed until final results are returned.
“While some classes are learning in alternative spaces, the atmosphere across the school is calm, positive, and focused.
“Our tamariki have settled in beautifully, are enjoying their new environments, and are having a great day of learning.
Transom said they will continue to follow the guidance of the assessor and keep the community fully informed.
Ministry of Education hautū (leader) of operations and integration Sean Teddy, said four schools in the greater Dannevirke area (Dannevirke, Norsewood, Pahiatua) reported they may have the brands of sand on-site that are affected by the product recall.
Teddy said decisions on school closures were made by school boards and should be based on the advice of licensed asbestos professionals.
“We appreciate that the presence of asbestos in products that are used by children will cause worry for parents and caregivers and recommend they contact Healthline with any health concerns they may have.”
Tararua District Council posted to social media and advised anyone who had purchased any of the contaminated products to stop using the sand immediately, keep children away from the products, and to not vacuum the sand.
The council said the best way to dispose of the products was to place the sand in a sealed container, double bag with thick plastic, seal with tape and clearly label it “asbestos-contaminated material”.
“Asbestos-contaminated sand must be handled by a registered asbestos removalist.
“Tararua District Council transfer stations cannot accept asbestos materials.”
The council said the closest place to dispose of asbestos materials was at the Central Hawkes Bay Landfill.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
