Purpose:
Use this form to apply for financial support if you are a state or state-integrated school that has been affected by asbestos in coloured sand. The Ministry of Education is making available a one-off grant to put towards necessary asbestos removal, decontamination and building-related costs.

We're providing financial support for work not covered by your insurer or sand supplier, we require that you attempt to claim costs via your insurance providers in the first instance. Schools can submit an application for this grant prior to a decision being made by insurers. If you are with the Ministry Risk Management scheme, you are required to confirm this in the form but not contact the insurer.

We cannot guarantee that you will receive the full actual costs incurred by your school as a result of asbestos in coloured sand because this financial support has limited funds.

Completing Your Application:
Supporting documents to validate the grant amount requested are required. You must prepare the following files for upload as part of your application:
- The licensed asbestos assessor's report, including marked floor plans
- Documents that identify the asbestos decontamination and building-related replacement of carpets and/or acoustic wall linings scope of works
- Detailed quotes and invoices from suppliers that support your application

Note that the application form does not allow you to save work partway through. Once you start filling out the online form, you need to complete it - otherwise, your work will be lost. Please refer to this read-only version: Read-only version of the application form.

Timeframes:
You must submit your completed application form by 5pm on 27 February 2026 to be eligible for this grant. We are unable to consider applications received after this deadline.

Funding Criteria:
The grant has been established to contribute to the costs of licensed asbestos assessor's report, asbestos removal and decontamination costs. We will also consider a contribution to the cost of replacing carpets and/or acoustic wall linings. This will be budget dependent.

Note this grant excludes replacement of Furniture and Equipment and Resources such as curtains, blinds, furnishings, toys and books.

Additional Support:
If you need help completing this application, please email Property.Help@education.govt.nz.

Guidance on how to manage the asbestos in coloured sand situation is on the Ministry website Asbestos in coloured sand - Ministry of Education.
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