What, if anything, is the Minister's policy plan to respond to the tens of thousands of potentially asbestos laced children’s sand products that have been sold and reached New Zealand households and schools?

Answer

Officials across agencies, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, WorkSafe New Zealand, Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Education and local government, continue to work together to support product recalls, provide clear public health advice, and ensure the safe containment, disposal, and remediation of affected products where required. For early learning services and schools, tailored guidance has been issued to manage risks in education settings, and the Ministry of Education has made a one-off grant available to state and state-integrated schools affected by asbestos-contaminated sand to help meet the testing and cleanup costs.