620 days ago

Dangerous Poison

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A Hamilton thief is dicing with death, and risking public safety, after stealing a poison so deadly even touching it can be fatal.

Rentokil Initial issued an urgent public safety notice in the wake of the theft of Feratox, a cyanide poison used for pest control, which it said took place overnight between June 12/13 in Hamilton from a company vehicle.

He said their number one concern at present was public safety. He also said he had a message for whoever had taken the items.

“Please return the goods. They’re very dangerous and could cause immense harm to the public.”

The company said police, the Environmental Protection Authority, Waikato Regional Council and “all other relevant authorities” have been notified of the theft.

Anyone who comes across the material is asked not to touch it and immediately contact police on 111, or the EPA on 0800 225 537.

According to the safety data sheet from Feratox manufacturers Connovation, the bait station product is fatal if swallowed, fatal in contact with skin and is also “suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child”.

It is also “very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects”.

Anyone who comes into contact with the poison is urged to seek immediate medical attention, and symptoms can include dizziness, rapid breathing, headache, drowsiness, rapid pulse, unconsciousness and convulsions.

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More messages from your neighbours
20 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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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1 hour ago

Will these roadworks affect you?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Don’t expect a quick trip between Cambridge and Tamahere for much of this year, because major roadworks are starting.

Asphalt works on that section of Waikato Expressway will run from March through to late 2026, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says. Motorists are warned to plan for significant delays.

“Unfortunately the pavement, particularly in the slow lanes, has deteriorated faster than expected,” NZTA’s Roger Brady said.

Will these roadworks affect you? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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1 day ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

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