Recurring vandalism at the Taramea Bay toilets in Riverton/Aparima has prompted Southland District Council to send a message to those responsible.
In a post to Facebook, the council said: “I hope next time you are in desperate need of a public toilet, there isn’t a [scrap] of toilet paper to wipe your butt.”
It mentioned the “disgusting mess” at the toilets was discovered by a cleaner this morning, and it was the second time it had happened in recent weeks.
“To see the community’s newest facilities treated like this by some brainless numpty (or numpties if plural is appropriate) is incredibly disappointing.
“Next time, show some damn respect.”
Photos posted by the council showed what appeared to be wet toilet paper stuck to the walls, sink and toilet.
On social media, one user said this was happening “days after the opening” and was “truly heartbreaking to see”.
“All the paper [was] ripped and blocked in all the toilets each morning. Seriously, it shows a greater issue about personal responsibility being taught alongside respect for people, places, environment. This didn’t happen in five minutes.
“Someone will know who was responsible.”
Plans for the toilets — at a beachside settlement west of the Bluff township and about 30 minutes from Invercargill — were revealed in May 2023.
According to reporting by stuff.co.nz at the time, it was set to be the most expensive council toilet in Southland — at a cost of $620,000.
It was designed to mitigate seawater flooding by being on higher ground, which was a problem at the previous facility, the council said.