8 Dec 2025: public toilets at Whakarewarewa

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Public toilets at Whakarewarewa

Enquiry

Was looking for some information on the maintenance and upkeep of the toilet blocks at Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village.

They appear to be a state of disrepair and as a popular tourist spot I was wondering if this was something the council was looking to upgrade?

A few other questions it would be great to have answered as well.

• Who is responsible for the toilet block in question?
• Have there been any conversations with the Village about the best upkeep for these toilets?
• Have the council receive any negative feedback about the toilets in question?
• Have any plans been made to fix up the toilets and, if so, has their been a cost assessment?

Response

From Alex Wilson, Group Manager – Community Experience:

The council is responsible for these toilets and while cleaning is done three times a day the overall condition is not up to the standard we seek to maintain.

A planned tidy-up of the building will start next week with painting inside and out. We have allocated $12,000 from current budgets for this work.

This is one of 70 toilet facilities the council is responsible for across the district and maintenance and renewal work has to be prioritised to fit within allocated budgets.

Factors taken into consideration in prioritising work includes the age and condition of facilities, cost and use.

Whakarewarewa The Living Māori Village plans to build its own toilets next year and any future plans for the existing facilities are to be decided.

A full renewal of the old toilet block would cost an estimated minimum of $250,000.

There have been three complaints about the condition of these toilets, from one tour bus operator, during the past 12 months.