Kmart Asbestos Risk Triggers Compensation Claims

Parents of three-year-old twins are accusing Kmart of downplaying the risks associated with asbestos-contaminated sand. The family expressed concern that the retailer's instructions were to simply dispose of the material rather than investigate further. Al Crisp and David Dingwall are seeking compensation from a dispute tribunal after discovering tremolite asbestos in their home. Consumer NZ head of research Gemma Rasmussen stated that under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods must be of acceptable quality and safe to use. The testing process for the residents cost tens of thousands of dollars. The couple alleges Kmart downplayed the risk in a recall notice on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website. They have lodged complaints with WorkSafe, MBIE, and the Commerce Commission. Al Crisp noted that for everyday people, determining responsibility is difficult. The risk was previously described as inconceivable, leading to a lack of existing regulatory responses. Al Crisp stated that existing regulations did not account for such a scenario. MBIE is currently reviewing its recall notice procedures to clarify that information is provided by businesses rather than the Ministry directly. Customs officials stated that importers are responsible for knowing the contents of goods and obtaining necessary permits.