Are Te Mata Park loos the best in the land?

Te Mata Park's new toilets are in the finals for best toilets in New Zealand. Photo / Warren Buckland

Te Mata Park Trust has only just unveiled its brand new facilities and they're already in line for the country's "Best Loo Award".

Sponsored aptly by Plumbing World, the award recognises the best public loo in the country.

Judges take into consideration the location, facilities, cleanliness, interior, exterior and the surrounding environment.

The environmentally friendly Te Mata public toilets were installed earlier this year after community consultation of more than 600 people during development of the Te Mata Park Reserve Management Plan in 2015.

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

The Hastings District Council worked closely with the trust throughout the design process with a goal of creating an aesthetically pleasing structure which blended in with the ambiance of Te Mata Peak.

The inspiration was taken from the surrounding landscape to paint the building earthy colours as well as incorporated design features, including perforated ventilation panels along with stylised tree motifs.

The toilets are also fitted with a BIOROCK waste treatment facility, an environmentally friendly system that doesn't use electricity, has excellent effluent quality, requires minimal maintenance and had a long life-span.

They 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 says the intention was to create an unobtrusive and environmentally sensitive amenities area, in keeping with the natural ambiance 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."