Warning for gardeners this spring and summer
Hi neighbours, do you know about the dangers of using potting mix without taking the right precautions?
Sadly a Dunedin man died from Legionnaires' disease last month - less than a week after handling potting mix. The man is believed to have been infected with the illness while adding compost to a glasshouse.
Medical officer of health Dr Anura Jayasinghe says people should watch out for signs of legionellosis as early treatment is usually effective. Early symptoms can appear two to 10 days after exposure and are similar to the flu.
ANYONE HANDLING POTTING MIX, SOILS OR COMPOST SHOULD:
- Wear a good quality, double strap mask that fits well and covers the nose and mouth.
- Wear gloves to protect against skin infections and prevent spreading the legionella bug (such as to your mouth).
- Open bags in a well ventilated space, away from the face.
- Wash hands when finished.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠
If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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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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