Another award for Leith Place: New Zealand’s Best Loo
18 February 2022
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Already honoured by the NZIA, this landmark 'comfort station' has been judged the country's finest public bathroom by iconic Kiwi charity Keep New Zealand Beautiful.
The Best Loo Award recognises the best public toilet in the country. Judges take into consideration the location, the facilities, cleanliness, interior, exterior and the surrounding environment of the toilets.
Located in central Tokoroa, the redevelopment of Leith Place was initially based around the construction of a proposed i-Site information centre. The design morphed over time and completely new building was designed, removing the idea of an i-Site, and including a sculptural toilet block which provides for a beacon in the landscape, visible from the state highway to entice motorists to make Leith Place a preference to stop and take a break, and drawing visitors into the town centre.
Boffa Miskell landscape architects provided full design services, from landscape concept design, developed design, detailed design to site implementation.
Project lead Matt Peacocke noted, “We didn’t have any design input into the toilet itself, but obviously the overall setting and landscape features have a real impact on user experience.
“As anyone who’s ever gone on a road trip knows, taking a pit stop can be a real roll of the dice,” Matt continues. “I’m very proud to have had played a part in what I hope will become a must-stop destination for Kiwis and international visitors.”
Associate partner Morné Hugo says, “It’s always good to be recognised by the design community; but when the public notices your efforts, it’s very special. I’m absolutely flushed with excitement at this honour.”
Run annually since 1972 the Beautiful Awards are New Zealand’s longest-running sustainability awards and provide a benchmark for environmental excellence in Aotearoa. They inspire, recognise and acknowledge those individuals, schools, community groups, towns and cities working passionately across the country to Keep New Zealand Beautiful.
Find out more
Leith Place recognised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA)