Lack of loos to blame for freedom camping pollution?

25 Jan 2012 05:13p.m.

Janice wrote:

Today i attended a meeting held in a public domain and before the group luncheon I used one of the rare kiwi public toilets. Job done (parden the pun), I attempted to wash my hands but the soap dispenser was empty. The lovely elder responsible for cleaning still had broom in hand, and I politely mentioned the lack of soap. "I'm not allowed to refill it," she replied. "Someone comes here periodically to do that. I receive a lot of complaints about lack of soap. Perhaps I need special training," joked the granny. Isn't it ironic that this is happening simultaneously while there's all the government concern about "food safety." I had to eat my lunch with cold water rinsed hands because the cleaner "isn't allowed" to fill the soap. Has the government gone completely mad or just driving us there?

25 Jan 2012 04:56p.m.

Barry wrote:

Who is more likely to toilet in the woods?A family at the beach all day long OR some one simply sleeping in their van over night? Think about it.The solution for both is MORE public toilets, whether they are a longdrop, composting toilet, or standard flush. Utilize the time that the local 'toilet police' spends every nite waking people up in the middle of the night saying "you can't stop here" and get them building public facilities. We're becoming a very inhospitable country for both New Zealanders and locals.

25 Jan 2012 12:47p.m.

Mike wrote:

Lack of loos a problem?

I used to think so, then I grew up and did what everyone else did and adapted to the situation.

Typically the public loos have some of the worst facilities in NZ and if your wanting to be so cheap and use the worst loos in NZ, then your likely to not use a loo even if their was a public loo just metres away. I've seen evidence of people 'Freedom Loo'n' just metres from public toilets becasue they are animals. I've seen where people have taken a dump on the floor of a public loo as they either wouldn't use the toilet or the toilet was occupied so they took an adult sized dump instead on the main floor! When dealing with animals you will have nothing but a mess and this type of action will be known to those that look after such facilities.

Travelling is the problem everyone is talking about as if your not travelling you dont have a problem. I remember charges for using public loos being introduced like coin operated loos and shower facilities in Taupo. The solution for anyone travelling today is generally as easy as taking regular stops. An easy way to do this is to take a stop at a service station and use the facilities for free, or at likes of MacDonalds (or similar) for a small meal break and use of the facilities for free. I would prefer to use those businesses which provided facilities than the public toilets which I've considered in disgraceful condition over the years. If I need a stop or someone in the vehicle needs a stop - use a business and do the decent thing and buy something there. With the price of fuel today you can always make a $20 petrol purchase at a service station and use its facilities, plus it will generally take less time than trying to find some obscure public loo! Taking regular stops is good for the driver, plus the passengers. I used to hate 6-7 hour drives when I was a kid because my parents wouldn't take a break. Dont overfill everyone up too much on drinks, less stops.

24 Jan 2012 04:33p.m.

philc wrote:

what we need is something like this aussie initiative .... www.toiletmap.gov.au it's a government website and even works on a moble phone

24 Jan 2012 04:11p.m.

Kevin Mayes wrote:

Of course once you realise thet what they are <i>actually</i> being prosecuted for is for not spending their cash in a commercial campground, then the lack of loos falls neatly into place as part of the overall picture.

23 Jan 2012 11:31p.m.

paul wrote:

Lack of loos to blame for freedom camping pollution? this is probablly way to close to the truth and when you come to a town with public toilets half the time you cant find them there closed or out of order or not fit to be labled a toilet