54295 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister of Education

54295 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister of Education: What steps, if any, has he taken to ensure timely communication with parents, schools, and early learning centres regarding the risks from contaminated children sand products, and when were those steps first initiated?

Hon Erica Stanford: On 12 November 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recalled the contaminated children sand products. I am advised that the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) initiated communication to the Education sector that same day. At the time the member asked the question, the timeline of communications to the sector is outlined below: • 12 November 2025: A Special Bulletin was issued, alerting schools and early learning services to the MBIE notification. • 13 November 2025: An Emergency Text notification was sent to all schools and early learning services. • 14 November 2025: Regional offices proactively engaged with the sector, including specialist schools and rural/isolated facilities. Reactive communications were prepared, including a template letter for schools and early learning services to share with community. • 15 November 2025: Additional contact centre teams were set up to assist with enquiries. Another Special Bulletin was issued, advising schools and early learning services of additional contaminated products. • 16 November 2025: An Emergency Text notification was sent to all schools and early learning services. • 18 November 2025: A briefing was given to the Early Learning Advisory Council. Step-by-step guidance for schools and Early Learning Services was published on the Ministry’s website. It can be found here: https://www.education.govt.nz/news/asbestos-coloured-sand#step-by-step-guidance-