Asbestos contaminates Massey’s new Vet building

Massey University is one of the newly confirmed victims of an asbestos fire door scare that company Pacific Door Systems put an alert out for last month.  

An email sent out last Tuesday said staff may have been exposed to the contamination, warning them about the release in Manawatū’s new Veterinary building, Ngā Huia.  

“We have confirmed that 12 of these doors supplied by Pacific Door Systems have been installed,” Shelley Turner said, deputy vice chancellor of university services.  

While the asbestos was contained inside the core of the doors, unfortunately five had already been drilled into releasing the asbestos material.  

“We have been in touch with Massey staff who have entered the building since the five doors were drilled to offer support and guidance.” 

Asbestos is a mineral previously used in building materials before being banned in 2016. Previously the number one cause of workplace deaths in New Zealand, its fibres can cause serious health issues like lung cancer and mesothelioma. 

The university’s email said prompt action was taken to isolate and secure the worksite after they were notified.  

“It’s important to note the entire site is a controlled and contained worksite requiring strict adherence to access and exit protocols by contractors and Massey staff.”  

The university will continue working with independent asbestos specialists to find the extent of the risks and take next steps.  

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is actively investigating the nationwide fire door scare.  

The issue comes from fire retardant boards (also known as FRB core), a crucial component for fire-rated doors used in New Zealand and Australia.  

The material, which did not contain asbestos by design, was sourced from a third-party supplier outside the country.