Nightly toilet closures trialled at Wainui and Okitu after vandalism

Public toilets at the Stockroute in Wainui are one of several public conveniences that will be closed at night in a Gisborne District Council trial because of vandalism.

Vandalism of toilets in Wainui and Okitu has resulted in Gisborne District Council closing the toilets at night.

In a statement, acting director of liveable communities Kerry Hudson said there were multiple instances of vandalism across the region.

“It happens in our parks and on our facilities and it has an impact on everyone. Apart from the significant ongoing cost to ratepayers, it means facilities have to close as we repair them.

“Due to ongoing vandalism at the Wainui/Okitu facilities we are trialling nightly closures at four locations: Stockroute, Lysnar - across from the Okitu Store, Chalet, and Whales.”

Toilets will be open from 6am to 7pm. This may extend to 8pm with daylight saving but at this stage they will be closing overnight. The council hopes the closures will disrupt the pattern of behaviour.

“Ideally we would like no vandalism of our parks and facilities, but in the meantime, all we can do is encourage people to call it out and take measures when we have to.”

• People who spot vandalism or damaged council facilities can report it instantly on the GDC FixIt app.