\u201cWhile we expect the risk to be low, we will only reopen once we receive formal confirmation that all spaces are safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Te Aomarere said commercial cleaners who specialise in asbestos-related cleaning would be brought in immediately if any contamination was found.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is definitely my expectation that we will all be back at kura on Wednesday, we simply have to allow this process to run its course,\u201d Te Aomarere said. <\/p>\n
Coloured sand products sold by Kmart NZ have tested positive for tremolite asbestos.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for your patience and understanding while we work through this issue and ensure our kura is safe for our tamariki.\u201d<\/p>\n
James St School has also closed for testing as a precaution, principal Stephen Soutar said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAn accredited assessor (to test areas for traces of asbestos) is currently testing three classrooms and will return tomorrow to complete the task. Once testing is complete, we will wait for results from the lab, which may take up to 24 hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
Apanui School tested on Sunday and was closed Monday, but reopened today after tests came back negative, principal M\u0101rama Stewart said. <\/p>\n
Edgecumbe School has moved two classes to other buildings while testing is being done. <\/p>\n
Two classes at Nukuhou North School were also closed. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe will not have results until \u0101p\u014dp\u014d, Tuesday 18th November, due to the high volumes of testing taking place. Therefore, we ask that Miromiro students remain at home again tomorrow, until we have these results. Miromiro and the library will remain closed until we have the results,\u201d the school posted on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhio and K\u0101hu can be on school grounds and continue their learning programmes as normal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has set up dedicated drop-off bins at its Te Puke and Katikati recycling centres for people to safely dispose of the recalled sand products. <\/p>\n
The NZ Herald reported yesterday more than 20 schools and early learning services across the country had closed and the Ministry of Education revealed it had received more than 260 queries related to multiple brands of coloured play sand.<\/p>\n
The ministry\u2019s leader of operations and integration, Sean Teddy, said as of 1pm Monday, it has been in contact with 167 schools and 95 early learning services. <\/p>\n
\u201cSixteen schools and seven early learning services have informed us they are temporarily closed or planning to close to address possible contamination,\u201d Teddy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
An earlier recall related to EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics \u2013 Coloured Sand, sold at retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire and Qizzle.<\/p>\n
Teddy earlier said he appreciated that parents and caregivers would be anxious<\/a> and urged anyone concerned to contact Healthline for advice.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are working closely with MBIE and WorkSafe to provide schools and early learning services with advice on testing, remediation and closure decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n A union representing the education sector said reports of asbestos-contaminated products in our early childhood centres and primary schools were \u201cdeeply alarming\u201d.<\/p>\n Ripeka Lessels, president of NZEI Te Riu Roa, said the union was urgently seeking clarity from the Government on the health risks and what specific support relevant agencies would provide for the swift and safe removal of contaminated products and decontamination of all affected sites.<\/p>\n Jason Miles, vice-president of the New Zealand Principals\u2019 Federation (NZPF) said it put \u201ctrust in the Ministry of Education staff to provide schools that require support with the best advice and resourcing to keep their children, staff and communities safe\u201d.<\/p>\nKmart NZ Magic Sands products are being recalled after asbestos was detected. They are the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set (left) and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets. Photo \/ Kmart recall notice<\/p>\n