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Given the Disputes Tribunal ruling against Kmart, what does the Minister believe is the best mechanism for ensuring all affected New Zealand consumers get compensation for related losses, including professional cleaning costs, for asbestos contaminated sand products?

Answered Question 37137 (2026)
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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • Given the Disputes Tribunal ruling against Kmart, what does the Minister believe is the best mechanism for ensuring all affected New Zealand consumers get compensation for related losses, including professional cleaning costs, for asbestos contaminated sand products?

Answered by

Cameron Brewer

Member for Upper Harbour · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

Consumers have a range of avenues available to seek redress under New Zealand law. In the first instance, I would encourage affected consumers to contact the supplier directly to try to resolve the issue. Where a matter cannot be resolved, consumers may have access to other mechanisms, including the Disputes Tribunal.