Tīrau and tourist toilet goers will be relieved to learn the long awaited Tīrau Outhouse is open and ready for business - and as far as public toilets go this one really flushes out the competition.
The Tīrau Community Board (TCB) came up with the idea for an 'outhouse' look and feel and Council contracted Corrugated Creations to carry out the design and build.
"We wanted something fun, and fresh, and completely different that reflected our town's uniqueness," commented Corrugated Creation's Sheryn Clothier. "And it's a real credit to the TCB and Council for getting behind this project and supporting something so unique."
One of the distinctive features of the Tīrau Outhouse is the photo opportunity, sponsored by Corrugated Creations, that allows people to snap a picture on the 'loo' reading the paper - without getting wiped out by traffic.
"We've noticed over the years that when people pass through Tīrau, they of course want to take a photo with the Dog, Sheep and the Ram, but that they'd go out onto the highway to do this. We wanted to give people the opportunity to take a photo with the outhouse without putting themselves in harm's way," Sheryn commented.
Sitting atop the outhouse is a gorgeous little kereru, which pays homage to the kererus that would frequent the area many years ago to feast on the cabbage trees found in Tīrau and for which Tīrau was named.
Also included in the design is rusted corrugated iron, but users need not break into a sweat over the structural soundness of the building, as this is all part of the faade. The building itself is hidden beneath all the design work.
"We've been talking about a toilet at the top of the hill for years and it's great to see such an iconic loo developed," Mayor Jenny Shattock commented. "We've had really good feedback from visitors and locals."
The Tīrau Outhouse is located on Hillcrest Street, Tīrau at the top of the hill and is wheelchair accessible.
