Woman's 'nasty' skin infection likely caused by swimming at contaminated beach
Kia ora neighbours.
A woman who likely got a “nasty” skin infection during a swim at Narrowneck Beach believes it is “unacceptable” that people cannot go swimming without fear of getting sick.
Devonport resident Vanessa Ingraham developed a staph and e coli infection on her legs about four weeks ago. Her doctor believes she caught it from swimming not long after shaving her legs.
Ingraham, who moved to New Zealand from the Bahamas seven years ago, said she didn’t know about Auckland’s storm water issues until she got her infection.
During heavy rain, water contaminated with animal faeces, oil, rubbish, metals and rubber from tyres is often flushed through the storm water network and onto beaches, a Watercare spokeswoman said.
Auckland’s wastewater network is also known to overflow during heavy rain, which causes sewage to spill out from manholes, gully traps, pump stations and engineered overflow points into properties, waterways and the sea.
Auckland Council’s Swimsafe website, which provides real-time forecasts of beach water quality, recommends people avoid swimming for 48 hours following heavy rainfall.
“You have to check to see if it’s safe to swim? This is a foreign concept,” Ingraham said.
Click 'read more' for the full story, including info from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Music in Parks and Movies in Parks are returning in 2025!
🎶🎬 Get ready, Tāmaki Makaurau! Music in Parks and Movies in Parks are returning in 2025! 🌟 Enjoy free concerts and movies this summer🙌☀️
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