Key Takeaways:
- A toilet block at the Whakarewarewa Māori Village in Rotorua has been labelled as an "embarrassment" due to its poor condition and cleanliness.
- The Rotorua Lakes Council has admitted that the facilities fall below standard and has scheduled a $12,000 tidy-up for next week.
- A full renewal of the toilet block is estimated to cost at least $250,000, and the Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village plans to build its own toilets next year.
- Tourists have expressed mixed opinions about the condition of the toilets, with some saying they are dirty and in need of improvement, while others appreciate the unique design of the whare-shaped structure.
Introduction to the Issue
The toilet block at the Whakarewarewa Māori Village on Tryon St, Rotorua, has been a subject of concern for tour operators and visitors alike. The facility has been described as an "absolute embarrassment" by Murray Guy, a tour bus operator, who discourages his passengers from using it due to its smelly and dirty condition. The Rotorua Lakes Council has acknowledged that the toilets are not up to standard, and despite receiving complaints, the issue remains unresolved. With over 100,000 visitors to the Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village each year, the condition of the toilet block is not only a reflection on the village but also on the city of Rotorua and New Zealand as a whole.
Condition of the Toilets
The toilet block, located just outside the entrance to the Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village, appears to be in a state of disrepair. The building looks generally worn, with numerous areas of cracked paint, holes in windows, and a patched roof. On a warm afternoon, an unpleasant odor is distinct but not overpowering. The condition of the toilets is not only a concern for visitors but also for tour operators like Murray Guy, who have to deal with complaints from their passengers. Guy has made multiple attempts to raise the issue with the council, but to no avail, and believes that the council has made no effort to keep the facilities clean.
Response from Rotorua Lakes Council
The Rotorua Lakes Council has acknowledged that the toilet block is not up to standard and has received three complaints about it in the past 12 months. According to Alex Wilson, the community experience group manager, cleaning occurs three times daily, but the conditions are still not meeting the council’s standards. The council is responsible for 70 toilet facilities in the district and prioritizes maintenance and renewal work based on factors such as age, condition, cost, and use. A $12,000 tidy-up of the building is scheduled for next week, which will include interior and exterior painting. However, a full renewal of the old toilet block is estimated to cost at least $250,000.
Future Plans
The Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village plans to build its own toilets next year, which may render the existing facilities redundant. The village has been in talks with the council about building its own toilets, and marketing and communications officer Renee Raimona-Hunter hopes that the work will start before the end of this year. The council will then decide on the future of the existing facilities. In the meantime, the $12,000 tidy-up is a temporary solution to improve the condition of the toilet block. However, with the village planning to build its own toilets, it remains to be seen what will happen to the existing facilities and whether they will be upgraded or replaced.
Tourist Feedback
Tourists who visited the Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village had mixed opinions about the condition of the toilets. Canadian visitor Mason said that the toilets were better than some he had encountered in other countries, but it was unusual to see facilities so bad in New Zealand. He suggested that the toilets might just need a deep clean. Franke, a backpacker from the Netherlands, said that the toilets were not the best she had seen but not the worst either. She appreciated the unique design of the whare-shaped structure and hoped that it would remain even if the toilets were upgraded. The feedback from tourists highlights the need for improvement, but also the appreciation for the cultural significance and uniqueness of the toilet block’s design.
Conclusion
The condition of the toilet block at the Whakarewarewa Māori Village is a concern that needs to be addressed. While the Rotorua Lakes Council has acknowledged the issue and scheduled a tidy-up, a more permanent solution is needed to ensure that visitors to the village and the city of Rotorua have a positive experience. The planned construction of new toilets by the Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a step in the right direction, but it is essential that the existing facilities are maintained and improved in the meantime. The unique design of the whare-shaped structure is an asset that should be preserved, and any upgrades or renovations should take into account the cultural significance of the village and its surroundings.
