Overview
- Surgeons at Tauranga Hospital removed 80–100 neodymium magnets and resected damaged bowel, with the 13-year-old discharged after eight days.
- Imaging showed the magnets had formed four chains that compressed sections of intestine, causing pressure necrosis that required surgery.
- The teen told doctors he bought the magnets on Temu, but the company says it cannot independently confirm the purchase.
- Temu says it launched an internal review, checked similar listings for compliance with local rules, and will remove any non‑compliant products.
- New Zealand has banned domestic sale of small high‑power magnets since 2014, yet experts say they remain widely available online and can cause severe, long‑term injury if swallowed.