Archaeologists brought in for Wellington’s $2.3 million light-up toilets

A Local Government Official Information Act request made by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union shows a new toilet block is budgeted to cost ratepayers $2.3 million, which includes costs for a light-up exterior and archaeological work.

Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager Sam Warren said:

“How reckless can Wellington Council be? It's unjustifiable to throw this kind of money around, including for archaeological costs, while a record number of locals are being rated out of their own homes.”

"This build-at-all-costs approach needs to stop. On top of last year’s 16.9 percent rates increase and this year’s proposed 12.2 percent increase, we’re looking at a cumulative 31 increase to average rates in just two years.”

“It’s not hard to see why rates are soaring; Council has clearly lost focus. Toilet blocks don’t need a social license, nor a dig find—they need to be delivered well and affordably.”

“Until rates capping laws are introduced, councils across New Zealand will continue to flush this kind of money away. Not enough pressure exists to keep councils on-task and focused, providing only the basics well.”