Toilets aren’t usually considered beautiful but one Eastern Bay facility is proving the exception to the rule.

The Port Ohope Wharf Permaloo has been shortlisted for the Best Loo title in this year's Beautiful Awards. Run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful, the awards require entrants to show sustainable and environmentally conscious behaviours across four key areas: litter prevention and waste minimisation, community beautification, recycling projects and sustainable tourism. They celebrate the environmental excellence and positive actions taken by communities, businesses, schools and individuals.

Mike Naude, Council general manager community services, says the Port Ōhope toilets being shortlisted reflects the continuous improvements Council has been making to public convenience facilities around the Whakatāne District.

"We are constantly seeking to ensure Council-run facilities meet community needs and expectations, and this was acknowledged in the latest Communitrak survey. We also look to maximise the potential of such facilities; the recent installation of the information panel on the West End toilets, for example, is another way of using our assets to provide environmental information as well as art and mural in the reserves." 

The Port Ōhope Wharf Permaloo is up against Colac Bay Toilet, Invercargill and Spa Park, Taupō for the overall prize.

The Beautiful Awards winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday 24 October at Dunedin's Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.

Visit knzb.org.nz for more information about the Beautiful Awards.