Ponsonby early learning service closes over recalled rangoli powder, also used for Diwali

A potential asbestos risk linked to recalled rangoli powder has led to the temporary closure of a Ponsonby early learning service.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has recalled at least five brands of rangoli powder so far amid concerns the products could contain asbestos. The powder is commonly used for crafts and cultural celebrations, including Diwali, The New Zealand Herald has reported.

To identify which products have been recalled, click here.

An Education Review Office (ERO) spokesperson confirmed the agency had been notified of the temporary closure and said measures had been put in place to address the health and safety concern.

Parents had also been advised of the situation, the spokesperson said.

“Where a potential asbestos risk is identified, services are expected to take precautionary measures, which may include restricting access to affected areas, seeking advice from licensed asbestos professionals, and taking any necessary steps to protect children and staff.

“Services must also keep parents and whānau informed about any actions being taken," Herald quoted.

Early learning services are required to notify ERO about significant health and safety matters that affect their operations. They are also responsible for ensuring their premises are safe for children, employees and visitors.

The potential asbestos issue was outlined in the Ministry of Education’s Early Learning Bulletin on September 3.

The ERO spokesperson said the agency was following “due process” and could not provide further comment at this stage.

“ERO’s role is to regulate and monitor compliance with licensing requirements for early learning services.

“ERO works with services to ensure any risks to children’s health, safety, and wellbeing are appropriately managed," Herald quoted.

Earlier asbestos concerns

The Ponsonby closure follows a series of concerns over asbestos in products used by children.

Earlier this year, children’s play sand sold through retailers including Kmart and The Warehouse was recalled after asbestos contamination was identified.

The recall resulted in at least 16 schools and seven early learning services closing across the country.

Although MBIE initially said it was unlikely asbestos fibres would become airborne through normal use, subsequent research by AUT found fibres could be released while children played with the sand.

There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, while diseases associated with exposure can take decades to emerge.

The research prompted concern among parents whose children had used the recalled sand.

Christchurch mother Elle Chrisp told NZME she was “devastated” by the findings but hoped the information would lead to positive changes.

“The most frustrating element personally is I had no experience or interaction with asbestos [before this] and I just wanted to learn and understand what I could,” she told Herald.

“The kids were so happy and entertained with play sand ... it was a really easy weekend activity, you know. I got to put washing on, prep dinner and smugly thought ‘They’re not on a screen, they’re playing with sand!’”.

In July, it emerged that safety assurances from a supplier about the likelihood of asbestos fibres being released had been accepted by MBIE without independent verification.

The development came despite concerns from WorkSafe NZ, which had found asbestos during its own testing and had challenged recall notices in Australia “from the get-go”, according to internal emails reportedly obtained by The Guardian.

A WorkSafe New Zealand spokesperson told the publication the agency had consistently advised that potentially affected products “must be managed, removed and disposed of as friable asbestos-containing material until proven otherwise”.

The Guardian reported that this approach had not been broadly adopted.