A North Clyde reserve area is set to get a boost with new toilets, seating and a facelift.

The aim is to turn the North Clyde River Parade reserve into a hub with picnic tables, landscaping, sun shelter and improved parking.

The project will see the existing two toilets replaced, and there will be improved signage, making the area more visible.

Funding for the project has been sourced externally through a successful Wairoa District Council funding application to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which saw Wairoa attract $680,910 for ablution upgrades.

The majority of the funding, just over $500,000, will be used for the North Clyde project, with the remaining budget, two lots of $87,000, to be spent at the Opoutama and Mahia toilets and surrounds.

The funding is part of a $14.3 million fund for 56 tourism projects across the country, of which just over $6 million will go towards upgrading, repairing and constructing public toilets.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna described the funding as a windfall for the district. “Wairoa is a popular tourism destination with our town, river and beaches real drawcards. More people put more pressure on our infrastructure, and it is important we are improving and upgrading where possible.”

Mr Tipuna said this will boost the North Clyde side of town, providing improved facilities for locals and visitors. “We want to create an area that attracts travellers and takes some of the pressure off other public toilets.

“There has been an increase in usage of the Queen Street toilets, where there can be queues outside, and also at the Destination Playground. This is an opportunity to provide an alternative stop-off point, which will be more of a rest area, and enhance North Clyde with a gathering spot for catering for locals and visitors.”

18 September 2023

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