BEWARE - LILIES CAN KILL!
From Gribbles Vets.
At this time of year all types of lilies become quite common in many homes. Lilies of genera Lilium and Hemerocallis (day lilies) have been shown to cause nephrotoxicity in cats.
Cats have been shown to be extremely sensitive to the toxic effects of lilies. As little as 2 leaves or part of a single flower have resulted in deaths. It should be pointed out that the whole plant-petals, stamen, leaves, and pollen are toxic. The exact toxic dose and the precise toxins responsible for renal damage are currently unknown.
The quick onset of clinical signs suggests a rapid absorption rate of the toxin. The renal tubular epithelium appears to be the target of the toxin. Studies indicate that it is the water-soluble fraction of the lily that is nephrotoxic.
In cats, clinical signs of lily intoxication include salivation, vomiting, anorexia, and depression. Polyuric renal failure leads to dehydration and anuric renal failure and death results. No tests to detect lily ingestion are currently available.
Successful treatment includes initiation of fluid diuresis before the onset of anuric renal failure. Once anuria develops, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis is the only potential treatment. Differential diagnoses of lily poisoning include any potential cause of acute renal failure in a cat. Prognosis is excellent if fluid diuresis is started before anuric renal failure has developed.
Please remind your clients to be aware of these potentially toxic ornamental house plants.
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.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.3% Critical thinking
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29.8% Resilience and adaptability
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2.9% Other - I will share below!
Hello Hornby - Your community party in the park
✨ LOCK IT IN, HORNBY! ✨
The legendary Hello Hornby is back on Saturday 7 March, and we’re taking over Wycola Park from midday to 3pm! 🎪
This year, we’re getting weird with the letter H. Why? Because Hornby is Heaps of fun, Home to the best people, and... well, we just like the letter. 💁♂️
THE CHALLENGE:
Come in Fancy Dress starting with H.
Are you showing up as a Hero? A Hippie? A Hungry Hippo? Or perhaps a Humble piece of Halloumi? 🧀
There are great prizes up for grabs, so don't be a Hermit—get your costume sorted! 🏆
📍 Where: Wycola Park
🕛 When: Saturday 7 March, 12pm - 3pm
🎭 Theme: The letter H
See you there for a Huge afternoon! 🚀🙌
#HelloHornby #HornbyEvents #LetterH #FancyDress #WycolaPark #CommunityVibes
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