Catlins and surrounds

2018-2025

The need for improved community facilities was a common theme that came out of the public consultation for the Our Place Catlins Community Plan.

Kākā Point Public toilets and changing rooms

Several residents noted that the public toilets and changing rooms in Kākā Point should be improved, along with other community facilities such as the playground and Kākā Point Surf Life Saving Club.

Background

The Kākā Point Community Group took the lead on this concept back in 2021 and formed a working group to investigate options and to start discussions with Council.

Various options were assessed, before Council made the decision in June 2024 to approve $440,000 towards this project.

Although councillors agreed to fund the improvements, they also decided that the community group should project manage the work, from start to finish, within the set budget. While Council regularly works with groups wanting to make amenity improvements within their community, a decision to let a group of volunteers design and build a key Council asset was something of a first.

The outcome has been quite outstanding however, with a quality product being delivered under budget, and with great buy-in from local businesses and residents. This is testament to the skills and determination of the working group, led by local resident Lisa Biginato.

Construction involved demolition of the old block in September 2025, site preparation, and installation of the new Exeloo toilets and changing rooms, followed by landscaping and finishing work. Council also approved, upon request from the community group, additional funding to extend the carpark beside the new toilet.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by the group, Lisa noted that, "It has been a very long journey to get to where we are today, which involved a lot of meetings, time and effort: With thanks to the Mayor and councillors at the time, for their support with funding for the project from which we now proudly have an amazing facility for all the community and visitors to use.”

Clutha District Council Mayor Jock Martin, said the project had been a true community effort, led by the dedicated Kākā Point Community Group.

“The group has done an outstanding job bringing this project to life and it’s great to see these modern facilities that will be open in time for summer."

See media:
New Public Toilets and Changing Rooms to open at Kākā Point - Clutha District Council

See plans:
Our Place Catlins Community Plan - Clutha District Council