Bee and wasp stings
Most of us have had a wasp or bee sting at some time in our life.
A bee will only sting if it, or the hive is threatened. Unfortunately there is little you can do to treat a bee sting other than ensuring the stinger is removed and a ice pack applied. Putting on lotions, or other remedies will only provide topical relief as you cannot neutralize the poison that is already inside.
As you can see by the photo comparing a bee stinger with a needle the stinger is very sharp and very tiny. The stinger is barbed and will work its way into the skin injecting the venom at the same time, however that is the end of the bee as the stinger cannot be extracted and the bee will rip its stinger out of its abdomen.
The wasp stinger is not barbed and it can sting multiple times. The second photo is of a wasp stinger and the third is what the poor bee leaves behind.
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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77.2% Yes
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21.2% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Art and Craft Market at Kai Tahi - 10 till 3 EVERY SUNDAY!
Hi neighbours
The new Porirua Community Art and Craft market at Kai Tahi in Porirua is now running EVERY Sunday. It's all indoors, and there's over 30 stalls each week.
Opens at 10am and closes 3pm, so you can also grab lunch at the many international food court options. Bring the kids, and your dog on a lead is welcome too!
Parking at the back (on harbour edge) is free - just stay clear of the Staff Only parks.
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.