The Redwoods artistic new toilets open
The Redwoods' new public toilet facilities and art installations were unveiled to the public yesterday (6 August) featuring a conservation education theme.
Rotorua District Council hosted the official opening ceremony for the $390,000 project at the Redwoods Visitor Centre.
RDC Redwoods Forest & Visitor Centre Manager Julianne Wilkinson said the toilets look amazing and people's reactions to them so far have been really positive.
I've been fortunate to watch the whole process evolve, from the original draft concept on paper through to completion. While I was impressed with the design throughout the project, the corton steel shrouds wrapped around individual cubicles have turned out even better than I expected.
They have a lot of character and look really awesome. The toilets not only fit in with our forest environment but obviously serve an important purpose.
I hope visitors take the time to enjoy the art work and appreciate that they're more than just a toilet. There's also a strong conservation message reminding people to be mindful of our birdlife and environment in our day-to-day activities.
Each shroud depicts a bird from the central North Island area which is extinct or endangered. An interpretation board is attached to each shroud telling the bird's story and provides information on organisations that are helping to preserve endangered species.