"Magic Sand" testing confirms no traces of asbestos

We are pleased to let you know that every test came back negative for traces of asbestos, including all of the sand products, equipment that the sand came into contact with and the memorial hall. The fact that all of the sand was negative means that we can provide assurance to everyone involved in the Sensory Play Sessions that the sand handled during the sessions was not contaminated.

While this is great news for Council, we do acknowledge that some of you may still be working through the impacts of the recalled sand products through other sources such as educational facilities or home use. We encourage you to keep up to date with the latest product safety information, as this may continue to be updated. If you have any personal health concerns, we encourage you to seek advice from your GP, medical professional, or Health Line. Health Line is a free 24/7 phone service which can be contacted on 08000 611 116.

Please also remember that the recalled coloured sand products must not be disposed of in general waste.

Thank you for your patience while we have worked through this matter.

Updated at 12:13pm on 8 December 2025

Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed the Marton RSA and Citizens' Memorial Hall until we can get an asbestos specialist to test the hall. As you can imagine, asbestos specialists are in incredibly high demand so we are unable to provide a timeline on when we can expect to reopen the hall, but we will update you as soon as possible.

Council has been advised that at least one of the “magic sand” products that have been recalled by some retailers are included in one of our sensory play kits located in Marton. This sand has been used as part of the Tākaro Tairongo – Sensory Play Programme at the Marton RSA and Citizens Memorial Hall.

We have contacted all the people that we know of who may have come into contact with the “magic sand”, both staff and members of the public.

If you have come into contact with any of our “magic sand” products and you wish to let us know, please call us on 0800 422 522 so that we can get your details.

Council has secured these products so that there’s no immediate risk of exposure to anyone else and we’re now working to dispose of the “magic sand” in a safe way. We have notified Worksafe, who have provided us with guidance on how to appropriately clean and/or dispose of any of our equipment or surfaces that have come into contact with “magic sand”.

If you or your whānau/family have come into contact with “magic sand” at home, Central Demolition are offering an at cost disposal service. All “magic sand” products must be sealed in their containers and wrapped in two plastic rubbish bags, and labelled as “Asbestos Contaminated Material”. Keep any receipts to claim expenses.

DO NOT DISPOSE OF “MAGIC SAND” IN GENERAL RUBBISH OR AT OUR TRANSFER STATIONS.

Once secure, we encourage people to contact your retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act, the act covers damage caused by a faulty product.

For further advice call the MBIE Consumer line 0508 426 678.

Updated at 3:25pm on Monday 24 November