Dunedin (Friday, 17 April 2026) – Dunedin’s latest public toilet facilities are now open – incorporating both standard toilets and the state-of-the-art fully accessible Changing Places restroom.

Construction work on the public amenities near the Dunedin Railway Station began in January and the final touches were completed last week. A small opening ceremony was held this morning, providing the community the opportunity to have a look at the new toilets and some of the bespoke specialist features before being made operational for public use.

With the toilets now open, Dunedin is the latest place in New Zealand and the first in the South Island with a fully accessible Changing Places bathroom.

Changing Places bathrooms are designed for those with complex care needs who are unable to use standard accessible bathrooms or public toilets. As well as the Changing Places bathroom, Dunedin’s new facility features two other public toilets – one standard and one accessible – to replace the former toilet block at the railway walking overbridge.

Key features of a Changing Places bathroom include a height adjustable toilet and hand basin, privacy screen, built-in hand support grab handles, and a change table that doubles as a shower bed. There is also a ceiling track hoist system enabling individuals to move safely around the bathroom and provide support for caregivers.

Dunedin City Council Community and Civic Property Officer Maria Sleeman says the DCC has been working alongside Changing Places New Zealand and local disability advocates to ensure their voices were heard when making decisions about the facility.

The Railway Station location was chosen based on its close proximity to town and ease of access.

“This has been an enlightening experience and one that I am proud to have been involved in. It’s a crucial project for our disability community and it’s great to see it come to fruition.”

Disability advocate Barb Gee says, “It’s fantastic to see the South Island’s first Changing Places bathroom open, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Dunedin City Council for supporting the project and leading the way in the South Island.

“This is a game changer for those living with High and Complex needs in our community along with their families and carers.”

A new time restricted mobility park has also been added outside the toilets to enable wheelchair users to safely disembark from their vehicles. The inside of the Changing Places bathroom features a bespoke art wall featuring images inspired by Dunedin’s heritage and environment.

Because of the specialist features of the bathroom, access to a Changing Places unit is limited to members registered with Changing Places New Zealand via a key card. These key cards can be obtained for those with complex care needs and severe disabilities by applying online.

The Changing Places toilet facility is a key part of the DCC’s public toilets programme, approved by Council as part of the 10 year plan 2021–31, and has a budget of $750,000. This includes costs associated with the specialist equipment, amenities, construction, as well as infrastructure connections and installation.

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