Hundertwasser Toilets

[2] The toilet facility was designed by the reclusive Austrian and New Zealand artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who lived near Kawakawa from 1975 until his death in 2000, aged 71.

[4] The style is typical Hundertwasser, with wavy lines, irregular ceramic tiles, integrated small sculptures, coloured glass and a live tree incorporated into the architecture.

Recycled materials, including the community's spent glass bottles and bricks from a former Bank of New Zealand branch, were used throughout.

There are separate men's and women's areas, but both sides are sometimes viewed by the more curious visitor after giving suitable advance warning.

The complex is designed to celebrate both Hundertwasser and local Māori heritage, and incorporates a library, visitor information centre, cafe, freedom camping facilities and other amenities.

The back wall of the women's toilets
The view of the public toilets from the curb, 2023. The Hundertwasser koru flag is flying above the building.
The hallway inside the women's toilets
The entryway to the women's stalls
Inside a stall, with its irregular and very colourful ceramic tiles along the wall and floor