New toilets open in Matapōuri

Published on 03 December 2025

Tūī, kūkupa, pōhutukawa and kōwhai bring colour to Ernest Bradley’s mural on the Matapōuri toilets.

We are excited to announce that new public toilets are now open at the Wehiwehi Road carpark at Matapōuri beach. 

This upgrade marks the final stage of the Restoring the Mauri of Matapōuri project, which received $1.114 million from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund and was co-funded by Council. 

The goal of the project is to reduce pressure on the environment and local infrastructure during the busy summer season. 

Two years ago, Council installed waterless composting toilets near Matapōuri Hall, and had committed to delivering a second set of toilets as part of the funding agreement. 

The decision was made to move the original toilets from Wehiwehi Road to the new Parua Bay Skatepark and build a modern fivebay Permaloo at the same spot. 

The new toilets include one accessible toilet and a secondary treatment system to protect the environment. 

Brad Flower, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, says the upgrade is a big win for locals and visitors alike. 

“Matapōuri is one of our most loved beaches, and these new facilities will make a real difference during the busy summer months. They’re designed to help protect the environment while meeting the needs of beachgoers. 

“I’d like to extend special thanks to Te Whanau ā Rangi Whakaahu hapū for their collective effort and partnership, mural artist Ernest Bradley, and the local Matapōuri community for their patience while the toilets were being installed. 

“The new toilets are now open and ready for use, just in time for the summer rush!”