15/08/2026
Dear Parents, Whānau and Pahiatua Community,
We want to provide our local community with an important update following the testing and investigation we have undertaken this week.
Our independent environmental testing has confirmed that a few small flakes of paint from the nearby water-blasting activity have travelled into our playground area. It is extremely unfortunate that appropriate safety precautions were not taken by those conducting the water blasting.
At Busy Bees we take our responsibility to provide a safe environment for children extremely seriously so out of an abundance of caution, we have engaged with Worksafe and sought our own expert consultant to come and do further testing. Our intent is to proactively take all steps to ensure that our playground and building is free from any particles. Our expert consultant has fenced off our property and has commenced a comprehensive deep clean of the playground today. This will include the removal and replacement of the bark and sand, as well as cleaning the playground equipment and resources.
We want to be clear that these additional measures have not been directed by the Worksafe or Public Health. We are taking these steps proactively because the health, safety and wellbeing of the children in our care and our team is always our highest priority.
We would also like to reiterate that asbestos has not been found in our building. The testing undertaken relates to paint flakes that have travelled from the nearby water-blasting activity.
Our centre will remain closed for the shortest time possible while this work is completed and we ensure our environment is safe for children and staff to return. We will continue to work closely with the relevant agencies and experts and will keep families and our community informed as we receive further information.
Thank you to our families, staff and wider community for your patience and understanding as we take every precaution to ensure our centre is a safe place for children to learn, play and thrive.
The safety and wellbeing of our children and our people always comes first.
Ngā mihi nui,
Leanne Mortlock
Chief Executive, Busy Bees Pahiatua
