New Waikanae station toilets bring residents relief

Today a new public toilet facility opened at Waikanae Station, enhancing customer experience when opting for sustainable forms of transport, a co-funded project by Greater Wellington Regional Council and Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC).

The facility is a standalone toilet within the Waikanae Station precinct that is designed to accommodate accessibility needs, to be easy to clean and to overall enhance the station to meet the needs of public transport users.

Greater Wellington rail asset lead, Barry Fryer says, "This new facility has been long sought after by commuters who spend an hour-long train journey home in the afternoon or evening.

"The Waikanae community have also been looking for improved public toilet facilities within the town centre, so it is a win-win.

"The great thing about this new build is it will substantially extend the opening hours of the toilet facilities at the station. Whereas before, the bathroom facilities were only available to the public when the ticket office was open," says Barry.

Some park layout changes have been made to accommodate the new toilets.

Greater Wellington councillor Penny Gaylor says, “This project, which came out of the 2018-28 Long Term Plan, is just one example of how the community can use their voice to have input into shaping their community through strategic channels such as the Long Term Plan consultation.

"The 2021 Long Term Plan consultation is coming up and we'll be calling for the community's perspective on key challenges and opportunities in region, we really encourage everyone to have their say.

"The great thing about this facility is it helps to enhance the customer's journey on public transport and makes it easier for the community to choose sustainable forms of transport, which helps to reduce harmful emissions and keep our rohe (region) beautiful,” adds Cr Gaylor.

Kāpiti Coast councillor Jocelyn Prvanov is pleased to see the toilets completed which will help the Waikanae commuting community to go about their business.

"The shortage of public toilets in Waikanae has been an issue Council has been trying to get to the bottom of for some time," says Cr Prvanov.

"So it's pleasing that the Regional and District Councils could team up to solve a problem for both public transport users and the local community."