Campsite conditions improved

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 38, 10 March 1987, Page 3

Campsite conditions improved

A state-of-the-art toilet installed at Mahuia campsite, has proved to be extremely effective in combating flies and undesirable odours often associated with campsite loos. The convection venting

toilet, originallyfrom America, was introduced to Mahuia campsite in the Tongariro National Park some time ago. The convection venting toilet works from the heat of the sun. A specially constructed ventillator shaft runs from a tank or 'vault'

sunk into the ground. The shaft takes odours out of the building through an 'attic'to be finally sucked out through a vent in the roof. The air in the attic is warmed by the sun and forces odours to rise, aided by a floor-level vent where fresh air enters and circulates. By placing heat-absorbing material in the attic, warm air remains for a time after sunset and keeps the convection process going for a while longer. Unfortunately this air flow technique of odour removal does not function on rainy days with little wind. The toilet relieves the problem of having to dig new trenches regularly, as it runs on a 'honey-pot' design, of a tank that can be dug up and transported to a treatment plant to be emptied. This type of toilet is to be installed at Mangatepopo Hut and has been greeted with great interest by National Parks around New Zealand.