Schools and early learning centres across New Zealand have been closing as concern grows over asbestos contaminated coloured sand used in classrooms and play areas.

The Ministry of Education has confirmed it is working with dozens of sites after Australian authorities found asbestos in batches of coloured sand imported from China and used in education settings.

Operations and Integration Sean Teddy said that as of 1.00PM today, officials had been in contact with 167 schools and 95 early learning services.

“Sixteen schools and seven early learning services have informed us they are temporarily closed or planning to close to address possible contamination. Four of these schools and one early learning service are in Canterbury,” Teddy said.

He said any school or early learning service that holds the affected products should follow WorkSafe guidance for managing the risk of asbestos.

WorkSafe was informed on 6 November 2025 that coloured sand used in Australian educational facilities had been found to contain two types of asbestos, tremolite and chrysotile.

The sand is allegedly imported from China and is used in classroom activities and decorative or craft projects at home.

Similar products are sold through New Zealand stationery and hobby stores.

Asbestos contamination has been confirmed in Australia through advanced testing, but authorities say it is not yet clear whether the problem is isolated or widespread.

WorkSafe has advised that any coloured sand listed on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment product recall page must, for now, be treated as if it contains asbestos.

Workplaces where these products are stored or used are being told to take strict precautions.

If sand is in sealed containers, it should be moved to a secure location away from people. If the sand is in use, people must be instructed to leave the area, which should be blocked off and not cleaned with sweeping or vacuuming. Facilities are advised to contact a licensed asbestos assessor or Class A asbestos removalist for immediate advice, decontamination and safe disposal.

WorkSafe has said that removal of used coloured sand from workplaces is notifiable Class A work and that affected areas cannot be reoccupied until an independent licensed assessor issues a clearance certificate.

Teddy said he understood the discovery would be worrying for families.

“We appreciate that the presence of asbestos in products that are used by children will cause worry for parents and caregivers. We recommend they contact Healthline with any health concerns they may have about their children who may have come into contact with these products,” he said.

Educational facilities that have identified use of the sand are being told to notify the Ministry of Education on 0800 323 323 and explain what actions they have taken.

WorkSafe said it is part of a wider government response and is working with three key importers and distributors of EC Sand in New Zealand, carrying out site visits, tracing supply chains and following up any notifications it receives.

People with public health concerns are being directed to Healthline on 0800 611 116, while schools and early learning centres seeking advice have been told to contact the Ministry of Education on 0800 323 323.