Are they art, underground subway stations, designer dunnies?
Well, the locals are already referring to them
as the lobster loos - brand-new public toilets behind Wellington's Foxglove Bar, Queen's Wharf, that have even attracted international attention. They're the latest addition to the capital's quirky lavatories, but CEO of Wellington Waterfront Ian Pike says local maori are claiming cultural insensitivity: "We've had some feedback from local iwi saying 'lobster loos' wasn't a good reference. Food and toilets don't go well together in Maoridom..." (although the rest of the world understands the biological link between the two!) He's encouraging folk to use the official name, 'designer dunnies', rather than 'lobster loos'.
What! Thou shalt not call something a name thy chooseth, because it may upset a precious minority group...? Oh puh-leez! It's a toilet, loo, crapper, bog, lav, shitter, throne, outhouse, longdrop, dunny...but it CAN'T be colloquially known as the 'lobster loos'
because that will upset the bros! Jeez, call it whatever you personally like! It'll be used for its designed purpose regardless! If you need assistance with a name for a public convenience, those in the town of Otorohanga can help...Come to think of it: maori, indigenous, brown brethren, cuzzies, iwi, tangata whenua, under-privileged, bros...NZ European, honkey, pakeha, whitey, oppressor...
Food for thought? Or just something else to flush down the can?
3 comments:
Good to see Otorohanga has a sense of humour!
I was searching for the SS Toroa when I came across your blog and the toilet photo.
I have linked your blog to my SS Toroa because I couldn't get a a good photo when I drive past.
Hi, Ann,
Thanx for the link - glad you liked the photos. Those volunteers are doing a great job!
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