Floating 'loo' on duty at Opua

A unique floating public toilet has been officially launched and has taken up its duties at the Opua quarantine wharf.

The Far North Holdings Ltd initiative has been designed to encourage responsible boating practices and further reduce the risk of contamination to the sheltered Opua boat haven.

The water-based “effluent disposal system” provides a free comfort stop for incoming vessels waiting to complete Customs and Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries clearance when entering New Zealand through the Opua port. However it will also be available to the boating community for high intensity events and activities at other locations.

The floating public “loo” was constructed in collaboration with the Far North District Council, Northland Regional Council and Opua Marina Liaison Committee. It has the support of NZ Customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The launching today has been timed to enable the toilet barge to take up its unusual duties before the new cruising season gets into full swing. Over 400 vessels traditionally clear Customs at Opua in the peak of the season.

Far North Holdings Ltd chairman Malcolm Nicolson says regular water sampling in the area has shown ongoing improvements in water quality, and the company is determined to play its part in achieving even better results.

Opua Marina is a "No Discharge" port, and many incoming vessels do not have holding tank facilities. While berthed in the Quarantine area, no shore facilities are provided and the crews of these vessels can be waiting up to 12 hours or more for Customs and MAF clearance. While the facility is available to the public, the only access will be by boat.

The unusual “loo” utilises solar energy for its electrical system, collects its own rainwater, and will be maintained and operated by FNHL. The barge holding tank will be pumped out at the company’s shore pump-out facility for boats.