Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Are the Te Mata Peak loos the best in the land?

The finalists for the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards 2018 have just been released and the Hastings District Council is proud to announce that it’s a finalist for the Best Loo Award.

The Best Loo Award, sponsored by Plumbing World, recognises the best public loo in the country. Judges take into consideration the location, facilities, cleanliness, interior, exterior and the surrounding environment of the loo.

The Te Mata Peak public toilets were installed after community consultation with more than 600 people during the development of the Te Mata Park Reserve Management Plan in 2015.

A key improvement identified through this consultation was the need for public toilets in the park.

The council worked closely with the Te Mata Park Trust throughout the design process, with the goal of creating a structure that was aesthetically pleasing in its own right as well as complementing the natural wonder of Te Mata Peak.

Inspiration was taken from the surrounding landscape to paint the building in red and green earthy colours and incorporate design features such as perforated ventilation panels along with stylised tree motifs.

In addition, the toilets were fitted with the BIOROCK waste treatment unit, an environmentally friendly system that has no need for electricity, has excellent effluent quality, requires minimal maintenance and has a long life span.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The new toilets also contain a flush counter so the trust and the council have an accurate idea of the number of people using the facilities.

Te Mata Park Trust chairman Mike Devonshire said the intention was to create an unobtrusive and environmentally sensitive amenities area, in keeping with the natural ambience of the park.

“We believe that this has been achieved exceptionally well, striking a balance between development and protection of the unique characteristics of Te Mata Park.

“The toilets look out towards a spectacular view, and blend in perfectly to the surrounding environment of native trees. We are delighted with the outcome.”

He said park users agreed, with a recent survey showing an overwhelming consensus that the facilities were sensitively and thoughtfully designed, and ideally located.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said that the council was thrilled to be a finalist for this quirky award.

“With the nearest public toilet located in Havelock North, nearly 5km from the park gates, these facilities will allow people to enjoy our park for longer periods, and the feedback has been very positive.

“This is a much-welcomed amenity overlooking the rolling foothills of Te Mata that caters to a public need, without compromising the stunning views over the Heretaunga Plains.”

The winners will be announced, at the Beautiful Awards Gala Dinner, in Auckland, on Friday, October 26. Tickets to the event can be found at www.knzb.org.nz/beautiful-award-tickets-2018/

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.