The wrong way to remove ear wax
It would be so much easier if we could just lift the top of the head and use a bottle brush! Unfortunately with ears it’s not that easy - one needs a microscope and light and a good level of experience to know what you are looking at and how to approach the job.
Even Anne, our ear nurse practitioner, without thinking, scratched her ear some years back, which resulted in full-on outer ear infection - nasty, painful and unnecessary!
These are all the wrong ways to clear your ears:
Keys, pens, screwdriver etc - dirty and sharp
Cotton bud - this will result in the wax being pushed deep in the canal and/or onto the Tympanic membrane (ear drum). They often break-off and remain lodged in the ear.
Finger or finger nail - bacteria can enter a break in the skin – infection can easily occur.
Water syringing - pressure in the canal can cause irritation and pain. Wax can be forced onto the ear drum, it’s a messy and time consuming process. But most of all, if you have every suffered an ear drum perforation (a whole in the ear drum) or have scarring on the ear drum from repetitive ear infections pressure in this area is definitely is no advised as the membrane is likely to be compromised already!
Micro suction is the safe way to remove wax from your ears, enquire today.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.7% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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