Education
Ministry gets 'enormous amounts' of calls, emails over play sand contamination
David Seymour says several hundred schools and childhood centres have contacted the Ministry of Education after the discovery of asbestos in a range of coloured play sand. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 18 November 2025
Air New Zealand cabin crew have voted to strike, but it's not clear when or for how long; Parents who have the potentially contaminated asbestos sand in their homes want more guidelines as to how to… Audio
Parents and staff concerned over asbestos contamination
An increasing number of schools and early childhood centres are closing due to potential exposure to asbestos, which has been found in types of educational play sand. Dr Terri-Ann Berry, board chair… Audio
Wesley College's school board dissolved after safety concerns at its hostels
An external review into the board is being commissioned.
Potential contamination closes dozens of schools
Parents who have the potentially contaminated asbestos sand in their homes want more guidelines as to how to manage the substance. Mother Janelle Hill spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Less than 50 percent of trainees completing apprenticeships
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says she is seeking extra funding so new industry bodies can investigate the low completion rates.
Testing continues following asbestos sand contamination
Testing coloured play sand for asbestos contamination is set to continue, with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment expecting to have results in a few days. Laura Gemmell from Eco… Audio
Secondhand Styling
If you want to re-decorate, you shouldn't have to re-mortgage. In this second episode with an op shopping expert, Katy Gosset looks at home design and decor on a budget and tags along on a thrift shop… Audio
World's largest indigenous education conference kicks off in Auckland
About 3000 people were welcomed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for the World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education 2025.
The Panel with Jennie Moreton and Rajorshi Chakraborti, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jennie Moreton and Rajorshi Chakraborti. First up, schools are shut and inspectors are carrying out urgent assessments across the motu… Audio
Schools close as more types of play sand test positive for asbestos
The findings expand an already significant recall that began last week, when rainbow sand products used widely in schools were found to be contaminated. Audio
Decision on Gloriavale Christian School's future near
The Ministry of Education is reviewing Gloriavale Christian School's response to officials' concerns.
Childcare centres close over asbestos contaminated sand
More than 20 schools and childcare centres have closed, or plan to close, due to concerns about asbestos in contaminated coloured play sand that is sold in K-mart and a number of other stores. The… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 17 November 2025
Police are still searching the scene of a fatal house fire in Sanson following the death of three children and their father; There is concern the potential cost to early childhood centres to remove… Audio
Asbestos sand: How worried should you be?
Concern is sweeping the country amid a possible asbestos contamination of coloured play sands, with 120 schools and early play centers having contacted the Ministry of Education on this issue… Audio
Growing future farmers: Taranaki students run their own farm
A Taranaki high school is training the next generation of primary industry workers.
Unis in 'battle of century' with journal publisher
One New Zealand university told its staff all universities in New Zealand and Australia would "lose some degree of access" to the publisher's 1600 titles from the start of next year.
What to do if you have coloured sand recalled for asbestos at home
More than 120 schools and ECEs have contacted the Ministry of Education over possible asbestos contamination. Here's what we know.
Poll shows principal's frustration at constant curriculum changes
A new insights poll from the New Zealand Educational Institute surveyed 228 primary school principals nationwide.
More than 120 schools and childcare centres report using asbestos-contaminated sand
The Ministry of Education has confirmed the number of schools and early learning centres in contact over asbestos contamination concerns has doubled.
