Clean-up efforts gone to waste after loo vanishes

GONE: Maromaku Park's previous portaloo was tipped or blown over and now its replacement has been stolen. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A volunteer group turning a former dump site into a public park is appealing for the return of its toilet.

For the past six years, a group of Maromaku residents has been working to create a rest and recreation area just off State Highway 1, south of Kawakawa. Callaghan Rd offers fine views across the Maromaku and Motatau valleys but was used for a waste transfer station until 2008.

It has taken the small band of volunteers, led by Maromaku's Barbara Clark, years to landscape and plant the area, build a bush walkway and install outdoor tables. The rest area, unofficially known as Maromaku Park, also boasts a giant xylophone, chimes and hopscotch for children's play.

The volunteers, who spent years cleaning up after people who somehow still thought the park was a dump, faced a new setback last week when their portaloo vanished.

Mrs Clark said the toilet was vital equipment, used by motorists and workers helping with weeding and landscaping. With no toilet, she had no workers so the thieves were depriving people of enjoying the park.

"The portaloo was used every day so that causes us concern as to where people are going to the toilet now."

Mrs Clark said the group was hoping to get a grant for a permanent toilet but until then relied on the portaloo.

She urged anyone who knew where the toilet was to call her on (09) 433 4849 or Kawakawa police on (09) 404 3150.

The stolen loo's predecessor was tipped over and damaged earlier this year.