The recent spate of vandalism includes a bizarre incident in Paihia when urinals and toilet bowls were filled with potting mix. Photo: Supplied / FNDC
Toilet vandals are costing Far North ratepayers dearly - and leaving holidaymakers with nowhere to answer the call of nature.
Far North District Council operations manager Trent Blakeman said the recent spate of vandalism included a bizarre incident in Paihia when every urinal and toilet bowl at Tii Beach was filled with potting mix.
Earlier, public toilets in Ahipara and Kaitāia's Centennial Park had their locks broken and were sprayed with racist slogans.
So far the damage had cost ratepayers about $2000, he said.
The Paihia potting-mix incident meant the loos could not be used by hundreds of cruise ship passengers and other tourists visiting the holiday hotspot.
Blakeman described the vandalism as "incredibly disappointing".
"It's a particularly bad look when we're at the height of our tourist season, with thousands of extra visitors in our district who need to use these important facilities."
He urged anyone with information about toilet vandals to call the council on 0800 920 029 or notify the police.
At least another 50,000 people are expected in the Far North next month to take part in Waitangi Day commemorations.
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