WorkSafe has confirmed that some batches of coloured sand products sold at Kmart and other New Zealand retailers could contain traces of asbestos, which can pose serious health risks if not handled correctly. These products are used by children and in early childhood settings.
If you have this product, it cannot be thrown in the Council rubbish collection, or landfill, because of the risk of contamination of other waste.
The Council will cover the cost of safe disposal to ensure compliance and protect our community. The Council has arranged for an asbestos-certified contractor to collect this sand from residents and store it safely in accordance with regulations.
Recalled product details
- EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
- Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)
- Four magic sand products sold at Kmart NZ:
- 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set (Batch no: 42975724)
- Blue Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304364)
- Green Magic Sand (Batch no: 432919650)
- Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371)
These products have been sold in New Zealand through retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle. Some online retailers may also have supplied this product.
What you should do if you have this product at home
If you have loose sand to clean up, there are steps on how to do this safely provided by Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand in this link: Asbestos in sand
Contact a licenced asbestos contractor if you are unsure whether you are able to effectively clean carpet or furnishings sufficiently. A list of licensed removalists can be found on the WorkSafe website.
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Ensure the sand is in a sealed container. If you need advice on how to do this, please contact a licensed professional.
- Place the container into a thick plastic bag and seal it securely with tape.
- Place that bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal it securely with tape.
- Clearly label the bag with ‘contains asbestos’.
- Book a free collection by contacting the Council on 06 370 6300.
Please contact Health New Zealand with any health-related questions and how to deal with contaminated sites: Asbestos in sand
Please avoid these actions
- Do not dispose of this sand in your general rubbish or recycling.
- Do not tip it into your garden or green waste.
- Do not take to a transfer station – it will not be accepted.
- Do not vacuum or sweep the sand.
Where to find more information
See the recall notice issued on 12 November 2025 here: Recall of EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1.3kg) due to potential asbestos contamination | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
See the recall notice issued on 15 November 2025 here: Recall expanded: samples of Kmart Magic Sand products found to contain asbestos | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
More information about the products are on the Product Safety website:
Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand – Various Colours – Product Safety New Zealand