Art adorned toilets open for business

Rotorua's brand new public toilets in the Redwood Forest are open for business after an official blessing.

The $390,000 public toilet facilities with art installations featuring endangered native bird species were unveiled to the public yesterday.

The weathered steel toilet surrounds were designed by Waiariki Institute of Technology art tutor Kereama Taepa following calls for submissions by the council last year.

The new toilets sit between the Redwoods Visitor Centre and an existing toilet block surrounded by trees with access via a boardwalk from the visitor centre.

They consist of six unisex cubicles, including one family-friendly cubicle.

Mr Taepa said it was important to have endangered species highlighted in his design.

"The message is for us to be mindful of our environment and how we interpret that. It's about being mindful when we do our business," he said.

Redwoods Forest and Visitor Centre manager Julianne Wilkinson said the unique designs added an important environmental education element to a practical community and visitor facility.

"The upgrade of the toilets at the visitor centre was long overdue, especially with The Redwoods being such an increasingly popular visitor destination.

"It's really good to see them fully open, just in time for our busy period," she said.