KEY POINTS:
The Government has rejected criticism of a $245,000 toilet block, saying it is money well spent as thousands of visitors use it.
National MP Nick Smith attacked the Government over the "luxurious dunny" at Kerr Bay on Lake Rotoiti, near Nelson, which he said cost three times as much as comparable Department of Conservation toilet blocks nearby.
But Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said large toilet and changing facilities like this had been built to cater for big crowds of tourists and those attending local sporting events.
"This is not just a toilet block. It is also a purpose-built changing facility that will withstand freezing conditions in winter. It is an important part of the local infrastructure for recreation and tourism," Ms Chadwick said.
Commissioned by the Department of Conservation, the facility was requested by the local community and would cater for more than 300,000 visitors a year, or 1000 a day, at peak times.
Dr Smith said money had been wasted on window-dressing - the toilet block had varying angled roof lines and a timber finish around the sinks "which will be vandalised in no time".
Ms Chadwick said the cheapest of the three tenders for the building project was chosen, and the price was negotiated down further.
The construction materials used were very basic, with concrete floors and walls, and a roof made of long run roofing iron.
The architectural design work was less then a 10th of the total cost. The Kerr Bay block was designed by Nelson architects, Matz Architecture, who will be paid about $20,000.
Dr Smith intends to complain to the Auditor-General's office, claiming the price tag was a poor use of taxpayers' money.
Ms Chadwick said a variety of groups had been consulted, including local businesses, iwi, community councils, Forest and Bird and landowners.
