Councillors 'flushed with success'

Councillors say they are "flushed with success" over the new public toilet blocks set to spring up across Whangarei over the next three years.

By the middle of next year, Otangarei will have a new block at the shops or sports field, depending on the community, while Mangakahia Sports Complex will also get new loos.

The following year, Sherwood Park at Onerahi will have a new unit to complement the recently completed skatepark, and Hatea Loop walkers will have to hold on no longer, thanks to toilets that will be installed by Te Matau a Pohe Bridge.

In 2017-18, council will upgrade facilities at Maunu Cemetery and put in blocks at two popular beach spots - Moureeses Bay and Whananaki South.

Whangarei District Council (WDC) staff said community groups at Otangarei and Mangakahia had been instrumental in re-establishing the public toilet programme, so these locations had been made a priority.

Council planned to spend $900,000-$300,000 annually over the next three years on the above projects.

Numerous requests for new toilet blocks or upgrades to existing facilities were made during the recent Long Term Plan process, with the Parihaka lookout and Parua Bay boat ramp among the locations missing out.

Councillor Shelley Deeming told WDC's infrastructure committee she felt urban areas were being serviced at the extent of rural ones, and requested a review during the next long-term planning process.

Councillor Tricia Cutforth said she was "flushed with success" over the initiative and pressed for the Hatea Loop unit to be completed as soon as possible.