What the grant covers#

This grant can be used to help schools pay for the following expenses related to asbestos in coloured sand:

• Licensed asbestos assessor’s report.
• Removal or disposal of asbestos-containing coloured sand.
• Asbestos decontamination, which includes cleaning or removal of furniture, flooring and wall lining affected by asbestos, and obtaining asbestos clearance certificate.
• Building-related asbestos remediation, which includes the replacement of carpets and/or acoustic wall linings.

What the grant does not cover#

Costs of replacing classroom furniture, equipment and resources – like books, toys, curtains and blinds – are outside the scope of this grant.

Other non-building expenses due to operational disruptions, such as temporary relocation and extra staff time, are also excluded. Such costs should be covered by the school’s operational grant. It is good practice that schools maintain a level of available operating cash to meet unexpected costs.

Who can apply#

Stand-alone asbestos testing cost will not be covered by this grant. This financial support is for state and state-integrated schools who have incurred or will be incurring asbestos removal, decontamination or building-related remediation costs due to asbestos in coloured sand.

We expect affected schools to claim costs via their insurance providers in the first instance. Schools who are in our risk management scheme are not required to contact the insurer because there is no coverage for this work under the scheme.  

Where an insurance claim is unsuccessful, then they can apply for this one-off grant.

Schools can submit an application for this grant prior to a decision being made by insurers. Schools who subsequently receive compensation from their insurers or sand supplier after receiving this one-off grant are required to notify the Ministry and agree to reimburse the amount they’ve received. 

How to apply#

Schools can apply by completing our online application form.

Schools must upload the following supporting documents as part of their application to validate the grant amount requested:

• Licensed asbestos assessor’s report, including marked floor plans.
• Documentation to identify asbestos decontamination and building-related remediation scope of works.
• Detailed quotes or invoices from suppliers to support the application.

Application form#

Fill in the application form below.

Financial support for asbestos in coloured sand application form

Completed application forms must be submitted by 5pm on 27 February to be considered for this grant. We are unable to consider applications received after the deadline.

What happens after you apply#

Schools will be notified individually about the status of their application. We may seek more information or clarification from schools.

We cannot guarantee that schools will receive the full actual cost incurred because this financial support has limited funds.