New toilet block at Lake Okareka

John Tapiauta (Ngāti Tūhourangi) performing a karakia to bless the site.

A new state-of-the-art toilet block is now officially open at Boyes Beach, Lake Ōkareka and ready to use during the long weekend.

A small gathering was held this week to officially open the facility with a karakia from John Tapiauta (Ngāti Tūhourangi) to bless the site.

The new ablution block is one of several projects that have been underway at Lake Ōkareka to improve community facilities beside the lake.

A partnership between the Rotorua Lakes Council and Lake Ōkareka Community Association (LOCA) resulted in a successful funding application, which together with other investment enabled the work to go ahead.

LOCA chairperson Kim Lorigan says the group is fully supportive of the new complex and it looks wonderful on the reserve.

'There have been many years of work and volunteer effort put into this complex from previous Lake Ōkareka committees, chaired by long term visionaries. This includes Geoff Palmer, Martyn Norrie and Mike Vincent," says Kim.

'Our investment has been significant for a small community group but it's been a privilege to be part of something that will add real value in our community.

"This facility benefits not only international tourists but our locals and other Kiwis. It's state-of-the-art and will benefit future generations.

'We see it as an asset not only for the Lake Ōkareka residents but for the wider public that use this area throughout the year.

"Including local waka ama groups, Ultramarathon and the wider Rotorua community. It is a credit to council that they want to invest in our communities. I believe this is the way forward, working together to make sure each community gets what it needs, with consultation with users within the community.”

The new block replaces the old public toilets and adds family rooms, indoor and outdoor showers, dishwashing facilities and wash down pads for cleaning sports equipment to protect the biodiversity of the lake.

It will also ensure the protection of the lake with a large holding tank and connection to the council sewer line.

Rotorua Lakes Council Operations Group Manager Jocelyn Mikaere says seeing the value these projects provide highlights the benefit of council's partnerships with the community.

'As we deliver our Build Back Better economic recovery strategy we are going to need to work closely with our community to ensure we are providing value where Rotorua needs it," says Jocelyn.

'Projects like the new facilities at Boyes Beach not only create employment opportunities but provide quality assets that improve the experience for locals and visitors as they get out and support our local economy.”

The last step in the project will be to remove the old toilet block on the opposite side of the reserve.

Further work at Lake Ōkareka is underway at Acacia Rd to improve the carparking area next to the newly constructed boat ramps and jetties.

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